A Fistful of Dynamite

Rating: 8/10 (3 June 2016)

Set during the Mexican Revolution in 1913, Juan Miranda isn't too worried about politics so long as there are valuables to be stolen. Shortly after robbing a stage coach he and his family cross paths with John Mallory, an Irish terrorist on the run who just happens to be an explosives expert. John tells him that he is going to work at a local silver mine but Juan has other ideas with John's help he thinks he can rob the bank in Mesa Verde; something he has dreamt since he was a youngster. John isn't so keen but ultimately the pair end up in Mesa Verde and attack the bank only to discover that there isn't a single peso inside; its vaults are instead being used to house political prisoners. This is the first of many major confrontations with the authorities and reprisals are inevitable by the end Juan isn't so worried about getting rich but by getting even.
This is another solid western from Sergio Leone; as one would expect there are some good laughs to be had; it is also its serious moments though the film doesn't shy away from showing some brutal moments; most notably when large numbers of people are gunned down by the soldiers. It isn't totally on-sided though; soldiers are gunned down and blown up by the protagonists in situations where they don't have a chance. There is plenty of action in the film's two and a half hour run time as well as some deliberately slow moments. Leone makes good use of the Spanish desert as a substitute for Mexico. Rod Steiger does a great job as Juan; it is hard to believe he is the same actor who appeared in 'In the Heat of the Night' thanks to the totally different accent and a scruffy beard. He is ably supported by James Coburn, who plays John. Overall I'd certainly recommend this even if it isn't quite as entertaining as Leone's best known westerns; it is a shame this one isn't better known.