Noisy Scenes In Modern Western (Press, 9 February 1988)

Published on 9 February 1988, the review by David Clarkson highlights two contrasting videos released in New Zealand by Warner Home Video, both carrying an M rating. The first is "Rancho Deluxe," described as a modern Western comedy starring Sam Waterston and Jeff Bridges. The film features two Indian protagonists, Jack and Cecil, who engage in cattle rustling using unconventional methods like a rifle and chainsaw while traveling through Montana. Their primary ambition is wealth, leading them to scheme a successful kidnapping of a prized bull. The film is portrayed as light-hearted, well-paced, and humorous, with notable performances including Slim Pickens as a stock detective who, despite appearing bumbling, harbours a cleverness beneath his facade. The movie includes a notably noisy love scene, set against Montana's beautiful landscape. In stark contrast is "Three Kinds of Heat," a police drama focused on a gang of international criminals smuggling gold, drugs, and weapons. This film features intense shootouts and significant action, beginning with a chaotic gunfight at JFK Airport involving rival factions and various law enforcement officers. The narrative quickly escalates as it shifts between New York and London with minimal transition. The team tackling the gang includes Robert Ginty, Victoria Barrett, and an Asian martial artist known as Shakti, under the direction of Leslie Stevens. This video is marked by its high stakes and clear moral dichotomy, where heroes are portrayed as exceedingly virtuous and villains as exceptionally nefarious. Lastly, the review mentions "Penitentiary in," which delves into a corrupt prison system run by an inmate exploiting a debt-ridden warden. The storyline follows boxer Too Sweet, sentenced for manslaughter, who is coerced into becoming a participant in brutal boxing tournaments manipulated by the gang boss. The film's violence is highlighted through its depiction of excessively brutal fight scenes, culminating in a disturbing finale. Overall, each video offers distinct themes: "Rancho Deluxe" embodies a comedic take on Western tropes, while "Three Kinds of Heat" presents a gritty and violent urban crime narrative alongside "Penitentiary in's" dark exploration of prison life.

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