Maverick
Plot
Maverick is a 1994 American Western comedy film starring Mel Gibson as Bret Maverick, a notorious gambler and con artist. The movie follows Maverick's journey as he attempts to win a $50,000 pot in a high-stakes poker game. The story begins with Maverick arriving at the small town of Red Rock, where he meets a beautiful woman named Miss Reid (Jodie Foster). He claims to be on his way to deliver a valuable letter to a man named Zane, but is actually after the $50,000 prize. Maverick learns that the only way to get in on the game is to win a preliminary poker match against four other players. As Maverick navigates the town and its quirky inhabitants, he encounters a series of colorful characters who help or hinder his progress. There's Zane himself (James Garner), a cunning outlaw with a personal vendetta against Maverick; Potts (Richard Masur), a drunken cowboy who becomes Maverick's unlikely ally; and Sedgewick (Laurence Fishburne), a sophisticated gambler with a hidden agenda. Throughout the film, Maverick uses his wit, charm, and quick thinking to con his way past various obstacles. He also finds himself entangled in a romantic game of cat-and-mouse with Miss Reid, who is hiding secrets of her own. As the stakes grow higher and the tension builds, Maverick must use all his skills and cunning to stay ahead of Zane and the other players. In the end, he faces off against Zane in a thrilling showdown that will determine whether he wins the prize or loses everything. Maverick is a classic Western comedy that blends humor, action, and romance with memorable characters and witty dialogue. With Mel Gibson's signature charm and James Garner's wry wit, this film is a must-see for fans of the genre.
Reviews
Bella
Casting Jodie Foster in a relatively simple female role feels like a bit of an underutilization of her talents, but it does allow a glimpse into a more charming and endearing side of the intelligent woman she portrays.
Abigail
Packed with homages to classic Westerns and peppered with Stephen Chow-esque, nonsensical humor. And featuring a stunning Jodie Foster.
Heidi
8/10. Due to its origins as a TV adaptation, the pacing feels a bit dragged out, and the ending's forced twists feel unnecessary. However, it's still a highly entertaining and well-made commercial film! The blend of romance, adventure, and con-artist elements is clever, and both lead actors deliver some of their most charismatic performances. It essentially fulfills all the audience's entertainment needs. PS: It's a given that Russians in American films are never up to any good, and this time they're reduced to being just wealthy stereotypes.
Mckenzie
Clever, sly, generous, humorous... ╮(╯▽╰)╭ How come Mel Gibson's close-up of the eyes looks so much like a girl's? And I've never seen Jodie Foster like this before. It's a complete contrast to the seriousness and decisiveness she portrays in her later films. Perhaps this is the expression a young girl should truly have.
Bradley
Quite fun, with Judy delivering a lovely performance – both affectionate and mischievous. What a pair of charming swindlers!