TheDeath Wishmovies were one of a kind at the time.
In short,Death Wishrocks.
For a certain generation, this franchise means something totally different than it does for younger folks.
Image by Jefferson Chacon
Charles Bronson has done tons of work outside of these movies, but who are we kidding?
Why Is ‘Death Wish’ the Ultimate ’70s Action Thriller?
1974’sDeath Wishis as simple of anexploitation filmas you could get from that decade.
Image via Paramount Pictures
That being said, none would be a high for him likeDeath Wish.
Even with a massive cast, no one can hold a candle to the film’s star.
Why Is Charles Bronson the Best Paul Kersey?
Image via Paramount Pictures
His best jab at playing Kersey is definitely his first, though.
He’s sympathetic when he needs to be, and cool as all get out otherwise.
Death Wishis also just a technically fantastic movie.
Image via Paramount Pictures
‘70sNew York Cityin the fall and winter just looks fantastic on old, grainy film.
It just enhances the seediness of the location.
Meanwhile, the costumes, architecture, and set designs are all very satisfying to lay your eyes on.
Few movies look this good, nor are they as visually pleasurable to scan your eyes across.
Not only that, but the king of jazz funk himself,Herbie Hancock, scored this movie.
There is truly no one better to score a grimy New York-based vigilante movie than Hancock.
A New York City architect becomes a one-man vigilante squad after his wife is murdered by street punks. In self-defense, the vengeful man kills muggers on the mean streets after dark.
How Does 1974’s ‘Death Wish’ Compare to Its Sequels?
But how’s the action inDeath Wish?
It’s a bit sad to see at first, but also so righteous.
Up until then though, most of theDeath Wishmovies followed a similar track that the first fiveRockyentries did.
What a shame, that combination should be way more fun and engaging than it turned out.
If youre looking for fun, then believe me,Death Wish 3is the way to go.
Again, thats not to say that Paul Kerseys third outing is his best.
It lacks any of the first films 1970s cynicism, favoring the bombastic approach of most1980s action movies.
Think about the difference betweenFirst BloodandRambo: First Blood Part II.
Emphasis on the word “sometimes.”
Dirty Harry, Shaft, and The French Connection turn 50 this year.
Can you dig it?
By the timeDeath Wish 3rolls around, Kersey pretty much takes pure joy in kicking criminals asses.
Long gone are the days of moral ambiguity.
Its the simplest plot of all time.
Why ask for anything more, though?
Go fire this thing up!
The sequels are (mostly) fun too, building up the ultimate old man with a gun franchise.
In self-defense, the vengeful man kills muggers on the mean streets after dark.
Death Wishis currently available to rent or buy on Prime Video in the U.S.
WATCH ON PRIME VIDEO
