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The Magnificent Seven (1960)
The Magnificent Seven (1960)
1960 | Action, Adventure, Western

"My fondness for the western has probably got to be included in here, but it can’t be something like Hombre, which is kind of silly. You know, I’d probably go Magnificent Seven, truthfully, if I’m going five, because seeing Charles Bronson, seeing Steve McQueen come into his own and just sit there and steal focus is kind of awesome. It’s one of those movies that has a pretty simple story, like a lot of great westerns, and I love simple storytelling. I think it’s so powerful. And I think The Magnificent Seven’s very simple storytelling and seeing that crazy group of guys – Yul Brynner, Bronson, across the board – all on horseback, sort of wondering what it was like shooting that, to me, as an actor, that always fascinates me. Knowing the amount of egos and the points in their careers when they had to shoot that movie, that, to me, as an adult, makes me put that on this list. When you watch the McQueen documentary about him, it breaks down how, whereas Paul Newman always seemed so relaxed and cool on set, McQueen was a fighter. He was an orphan who was constantly fighting for validation, you know? And they would talk about how, if you were in a scene with him, forget it. He was going to steal focus. In one scene, I think he’s reloading his gun, and it’s not even his scene, and it’s like, forget it. He wants you to just stare him in the eyes. [laughs] It’s pretty great."

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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2658 KP) rated Nemesis in Books

Jul 8, 2025 (Updated Jul 8, 2025)  
Nemesis
Nemesis
Gregg Hurwitz | 2025 | Thriller
3
3.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Orphan Versus Friend
One of Evan’s few friends is Tommy, who also happens to be his weapons dealer. But after discovering some of Tommy’s weapons on an assassin that Evan was fighting, he is mad at his friend for not following Evan’s strict code. Their initial conversation doesn’t go well, but things get complicated with other assassins and a young man that Tommy is trying to help. Will the two be able to solve their differences? Or will they wind up killing each other?

This series is a definite break from my cozy diet, but one I usually love despite the rather graphic violence we get. In this case, the book has too many flaws. The entire plot could have been resolved with a couple of conversations. There are great stretches in the middle where nothing really happens – we’re just dealing with repetitive scenes that don’t go anywhere. Evan is more evil than usual. I get that it was supposed to lead to some growth, but it didn’t work for me. And the ending? I really felt like it let me down. We get some ripped from the headline politics in this book, but it leads to cliches and doesn’t feel like there is much point to it. I feel like the series is marking time in some ways since the initial arc was resolved, and this is worse than normal. The writing is still wonderful. Lots of others seem to still love it, but this one is best for only the diehard fans.