I think this one deserves a higher rating than it’s current average, Mollo is showing off his sense of style here and it is quite an improvement. Some excellent editing for sure. I think I gave this an 8, but I’m not certain, as it was some time ago. Recommended watching!
That said, Mollo’s edit is certainly more entertaining than the original. Unfortunately, the original is faulted (IMO) beyond any attempt to make it very good at all. It’s sad, really, because the premise of the film is quite cool and Mollo’s thought behind the edit (making it more like a Leone film) is an excellent one. And in the hands of someone more capable, like Leone, it could have been a really kick ass movie. Imagine Clint Eastwood and Mifune with Leone directing! And if any old Western could benefit from a remake ala ’3:10 to Yuma’, it is this one.
Mollo has improved it a bit with new sfx and some new score. His stated intention was to give it “a bit” of the Leone feel, and he has done so. But it’s really not enough to save the picture.
Mollo is a very good (and award winning, lest we forget!) editor. But even with competent fan editing certain films might never rise above a certain level. For me, this is the case here.
