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Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

Is it in favor of buffalo? Against parents who cause their children to become neurotic? In favor of neurotic kids because they're more sensitive than well-adjusted kids? An argument for gun control?

Rated: 2/4

Nov 7, 2007

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Tony Mastroianni

Cleveland Press

It is flawed, contrived and heavy with symbolism. But its heart is in the right place. It says something, not only about killing dumb animals but about our sense of values.

Oct 19, 2018

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Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Stanley Kramer's children tale, which is earnest and obvious in its message, is now best known for its Oscar-nominated tune.

Rated: C

Apr 7, 2012

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TV Guide

An ensemble piece from start to finish, it's difficult to single out one particular actor for comment.

Rated: 3/4

Nov 7, 2007

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Audience Member

Is hunting either a recreational sport or a sense of merciless killings? A debate rages between professional buffalo hunters and a group of wealthy teenage misfits at Box Canyon summer camp When the boys stumble upon some wild buffalo targeted to be shot they decide to do something about it The boys defend the animals from certain extinction and face confrontation from the hunters It takes an hour and 10 min for the buffalo to actually show relevance in the plot The first half of this thing focuses on too many flashbacks with these kids I was anxious just to get to the crux of this But thank goodness the boys actually grow some courage after being scolded by everyone from their parents to the camp counselors The buffalo are all they need to become more than misfits But the movie feels like a big missed opportunity leading to one hell of a depressing ending Doesn't know if it's for the buffalo or anti-gun or for the kids having be so neurotic It's a bit misplaced I'll give them credit the main tune is beautifully composed and vocalized Everything else should've been directed otherwise

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

07/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

We were assigned the book in English class, and had to watch the movie too. I didn't care for either one, but while the book had some merit, the movie did not. Yes, both were a trite story about misfit kids banding together on a mission and growing up in the process. The book at least did a better job of explaining the misfit kids and what motivated their mission to free the buffalo. Also the "mission" in the book took place under cover of night; the movie was entirely shot during daylight, presumably for technical reasons another review mentioned but it spoiled the whole effect. The movie was presumably meant to be anti-gun (not the case with the book), but really, the camp counselor having pistols in his locked locker? And unlike the book's ending, where Cotton dies when his truck crashes (he served his purpose in the story), in the movie Cotton gets shot to death-accidentally? And then the movie abruptly ends. If I were a schoolteacher, I could and would find something far better to use as a class assignment.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

02/22/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Is hunting either a recreational sport or a sense of merciless killings? A debate rages between professional buffalo hunters and a group of wealthy teenage misfits at Box Canyon summer camp When the boys stumble upon some wild buffalo targeted to be shot they decide to do something about it The boys defend the animals from certain extinction and face confrontation from the hunters It takes an hour and 10 min for the buffalo to actually show relevance in the plot The first half of this thing focuses on too many flashbacks with these kids I was anxious just to get to the crux of this But thank goodness the boys actually grow some courage after being scolded by everyone from their parents to the camp counselors The buffalo are all they need to become more than misfits But the movie feels like a big missed opportunity leading to one hell of a depressing ending Doesn't know if it's for the buffalo or anti-gun or for the kids having be so neurotic It's a bit misplaced I'll give them credit the main tune is beautifully composed and vocalized Everything else should've been directed otherwise

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

01/22/23

Full Review

Audience Member

I saw it in the 70s as a teenager. All I can remember is thinking it was the worst movie I had ever seen up to that time. And my memories of it are that it is still probably one of the worst movies ever made.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

01/29/23

Full Review

Audience Member

It is a watchability masterpiece. Cramer almost managed to do it avoiding any cliche tricks for attracting attention. Even more, he managed to induce sincere compassion in an average watcher almost avoiding any hypocrisy along the way. After so many years, maybe I am not exactly longing to watch it again, but for sure I vividly remember with gratitude the pleasure of watching it.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This is an enjoyable movie. It does have it's moments where I personally thought it was pretty pointless but it was still fun. It reminds me a lot like Stand By Me but Cowboy edition. Still though enjoyable but I would recommend Stand By Me more.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

01/16/23

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Stanley Kramer

Director

Bill Mumy

Teft

Barry Robins

Cotton

Miles Chapin

Shecker

Darel Glaser

Goodenow

Bob Kramer

Lally I

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Synopsis

Six young misfits try to stop the senseless destruction of buffaloes by freeing a herd scheduled to be shot for sport.

Director: Stanley Kramer
Distributor: Columbia Pictures
Production Co: Stanley Kramer Productions
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 28, 1971, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 30, 2013
Runtime: 1h 49m

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