Don't listen to the negative reviews

I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.

The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

This movie feels like it was made purely to piss off people who want good shows

"Ace High" is an adequate example of the Spaghetti Western genre that top-bills Eli Wallach as Cacopoulos, a bandit released from jail who's determined to avenge himself since his partners had abandoned him. He doesn't exactly endear himself to bounty hunters Cat Stevens (Terence Hill) and Hutch Bessy (Bud Spencer) when he takes their money and decides to share the wealth with those less fortunate. Yet, they all hook up (along with Thomas, an acrobat played by Brock Peters), in various attempts to get rich.Directed by Giuseppe Colizzi, this so-so film lacks the mastery of Sergio Leone, and doesn't tell a particularly interesting story (at least, not one that sustains itself for over two hours). Its action scenes are decently executed, but not numerous. It does bear some of the trademarks of its genre, such as the impressive widescreen photography and an appropriately melodic music score (by Carlo Rustichelli). However, it's really the sense of humour that is the films' strong suit, as it does get reasonably amusing at times. It also travels a fair distance on the chemistry between the charismatic star trio. Wallach is amiable as the slippery rascal who makes guards fall asleep to the tales of his Greek heritage. Of course, it's always a pleasure to witness the Hill-Spencer pairing. Peters has an engaging presence as well. However, if you're intrigued by the casting of Kevin McCarthy in such a lark, be advised that he doesn't show up until an hour and 46 minutes into the story.The unorthodox robbery of a casino during the climax does help "Ace High" stand out a little bit. It may plod too much, and it never gets truly exciting, but overall it's pleasant enough to make it acceptable viewing.Six out of 10.

Yes if you know your Hill/Spencer you ought to know that they did three darker, and more serious westerns in the late 60's before they find their stride in "They call him Trinity". All three were directed by Guiseppe Colizzi who later directed them in their first non-western "All the way boys" in 1972. Someone asked if this was filmed in English, and yes they were all made for an international market. But Bud was almost every time dubbed afterwords since he has a very special accent. I am pretty sure Terence was dubbed in this one as well. I enjoyed this movie. Eli Wallach is very good as the Greek. And it feels almost like he came directly from the shoot of "The good the bad the ugly" to the set of this movie. Bud Spencer is also surprisingly good here, but Terence is just a bit too stiff and almost somewhat boring. A script involving escape, robbery and revenge is not that original in these type of films but it works. Mainly because of Wallach and Spencer and a solid directing by Colizzi. All in all Spencer/Hills best movie together before their heyday.

When he escapes the noose, criminal Cacopoulos flees the charges against him and, on his way, robs two banker robbers – Cat Stevens (no, a different one) and Hutch Bessy. Unwilling to kill the two men, Cacopoulos heads off with the money while Cat and Hutch begin the long walk out of the desert. Getting back to civilisation, they vow to track down Cacopoulos and get their money back. They start their search for him but meanwhile Cacopoulos is also bent on revenge on those that betrayed him – and plans to get Cat and Hutch to help, whether they know about it or not.Screened under the main English title of Ace High, I recorded this film on late night TV hoping for a typical spaghetti western. While that is pretty much what I got, I must confess to being a bit put off by how silly it was at times. I know it was meant to be a comedy of sorts but it didn't sit very well with the spaghetti western genre because it made aspects of that feel like they had been badly done, as opposed to done for laughs. The plot is solid enough but the running time is too long for the material to sustain, making many scenes feel dragged out beyond their intended time. The action (as in movement generally) also suffers because of this perceived slow pace.The cast are suitable for the genre, but this is not the same as being any good. Eli Wallach has fun in the central role and his performance is good value. I couldn't shake the feeling that Hill had borrowed his performance from many other actors but hadn't been sure how to make it work for him; he didn't really have the screen presence required to carry off the character. Spencer is better in terms of presence but his performance is a bit wanting. The support cast are all so-so, which works within the genre and as always much of the dialogue has that strange bad ADR/bad dubbing feel to it that I think is a prerequisite for the spaghetti genre.Overall this is an enjoyable enough spaghetti western but if you only know the Eastwood, "Fist Full" or Leone spaghetti films then you'll probably come away thinking this is a low-rent version of those (which I suppose it is). With all the trademarks and weaknesses of the genre, this one will most likely please fans but probably not the casual viewer.

I was completely amazed by this fantastic movie. I am not sure why - it isn't any much funny, the plot is unnecessarily complicated, there are few unnecessarily long scenes ... but still, the characters, the atmosphere, and the great musical score almost made me cry in the last scene where our three heroes are leaving together. All the actors do great work - from Spencer/Hill duo and Wallach himself to the black boxer champion, who gets beaten by Bud Spencer for $50. Another funny scene is where Wallach talks about his Greek ancestors, and thus makes his guards sleep. Or, when he breaks the bank in the casino. The movie is definitely worth seeing, and it does not disappoint even when watched more times. Nice!