Malone (1987) – Review

Where to watch Malone

1 1/2 Stars

1987 was supposed to be the year of Burt Reynolds’ big comeback. With three movies slated for release in the span of 12 months. All of which ultimately became production fiascos and each died very quiet deaths at the box office. Malone is the most pleasurable of the trio, tho that’s not saying much. It’s a bit of Shane, a bit of First Blood, and some Pale Rider.

Malone (Burt Reynolds) is a ex-CIA man whose car breaks down in a small town. He forms a bond with the mechanic and his teenage daughter (Cynthia Gibb). The town is an apparently compromised of a few homes, one gas station, and not much else. Curious then that radical right-wing fanatics, lead by Charles Delaney (Cliff Robertson), are so interested in acquiring the land and pushing the townspeople out.

Things get complicated when the CIA becomes aware of Malone’s location and send a dangerous agent (Lauren Hutton) to terminate the rogue. But a past relationship between Malone and his assigned assassin saves his life. Now, the fate of the town, the mechanic’s family, and Malone’s lover rest in his hands.

Malone starts well enough and features a relaxed and charismatic performance from Burt. But after about thirty minutes the film starts to show the constrains of it’s obviously limited budget, and interest begins to fade. Perhaps if they had decided to make this an actual western it would have worked better. Malone is another nail in the coffin for the once unstoppable Burt Reynolds.

Director: Harley Cokeliss
Stars: Burt Reynolds, Cliff Robertson, Cynthia Gibb

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