Magnificent Seven has committed actors, good practical effects, and decent music. It is based on a good story that has been told many times - Akira Kurosawa's Seven Samurai (1954), Magnificent Seven (1960), and Battle Beyond the Stars (1980). Yet, the most recent adaptation fails to capture the magic of the original copies.
The 2016 version has a very diverse cast of good actors who are not necessarily faithful representations of the era! Also, it is hard not to draw comparisons with the cast of the 1960 western, which included giants such as Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen, James Coburn, Charles Bronson, and Eli Wallach. Denzel Washington is one of the best actors of his generation and also probably a better actor than Yul Brynner, but Yul had the western-credit that Denzel lacks. Chris Pratt, although fun in his role, couldn't fill the huge shoes of Steve McQueen either. The only actor from the 2016 version that managed to develop a unique and likeable character was Vincent D'Onofrio! His voice, physique, and belief system were new additions to this old story!
Speaking of the story, it has been told many times - in feudal Japan, old west, and also space! Maybe it's time that we let go of this story and told new ones! To me, that was the major reason for making this film underwhelming! But it was still entertaining for a late Sunday evening! I'd give it 6.5/10!
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