Waste of time

Nice effects though.

This is a coming of age storyline that you've seen in one form or another for decades. It takes a truly unique voice to make yet another one worth watching.

It's simply great fun, a winsome film and an occasionally over-the-top luxury fantasy that never flags.

Why You Might Like It: This is a pretty solid revenge movie that really gets you pulling for William Devane as Major Charles Rane. Not only is he a decorated POW that just returned from the Vietnam war, but he also has a score to settle with those who murdered his family. Devane does a nice job in the lead role and the supporting cast is pretty good as well with the likes of Tommy Lee Jones (although his role is limited). It is also an interesting look and character study of a POW after returning from Vietnam. There is plenty of action and drama to keep you interested.Why You Might Not Like It: There are definitely moments that drag a bit and this film isn't chalked full of over the top action. As mentioned, there is a lot of emphasis on the mind and demeanor of the lead character after returning from Vietnam as a POW. To me, the music seemed to be really off in spots and not very fitting for the movie at times. I will admit I felt a bit unfulfilled after watching the film and it seemed to end rather abruptly.Acting/Casting: 6.5* Directing/Cinematography/Technical: 5.5*Plot/Characters: 6* Entertainment Value: 6* Total - 6.5+5.5+6+6 = 24/4 = 6.0 - Worth a watch

I thought I was gonna see a game-changer of a vigilante movie. Instead, it pretty much runs with the pack. As good as Vigilante, Slaughter, White Lightning--not as good as Death Wish, Death Sentence, or my big favorite The Brave One. Rolling Thunder is apparently a Tarantino favorite--and not just among revenge flicks, but among any movies! Frankly, I don't see it. William Devane is a welcome addition to any movie, and he fully commits to this taciturn pressure-cooker of a human being, back from a Viet Nam POW torture hotel, but once he has reason to seek vengeance against a gang of sadistic thugs, the character is much like what we've seen Bronson do, Seagal do, Arnie do. And an ultra-bloody finale doesn't exactly qualify as a fresh plot twist. So what's to like? Well, Devane gets it mainly right, once he commits to playing a character who has very little to say, and a lot of shooting and, uh, pronging, to do. (Although, I do agree that Devane does not seem upset enough--even seems kind of jokey--in the hospital scene right after the major tragedy that ripped his life apart.) Linda Haynes does just fine as the younger woman who sort of worships this brooding, military mystery-man with all the sexy inner pain. And like any vigilante movie worth its ammo, the villains get up to some pretty shocking behavior, only to be outdone by a marginal hero who--once he guns up and hits the trail in search of prey--makes the baddies look like small-timers when it comes to shocking behavior. If I can slip in a complaint: it's a bit dull when the hero and his lady always use the same "decoy/distraction" ploy; sure...in real life, I guess you'd repeatedly go with what works,but in an action-movie, running the same trick more than once can cause viewer ennui. I know this film has some loyal fans who rate it high, and I respect that. I really did get into its intense feel as I watched it, and there's no denying it's got a mean punch. But it did not become one of my favorite vigilante movies, that's for sure. I see a few warts, and an underused Tommy Lee Jones who seems to function mainly as Devane's secret weapon for the final dust-up...like a bazooka you keep stashed until you really need it. Also, I had just seen the film called The Outfit recently--same director, and Rolling Thunder seems to end pretty much the same way as The Outfit does, right down to what you see as the closing credits start to roll. So I'm back to repeating my complaint about repeating oneself, and I hate repeating myself.Entertaining vigilante thriller that doesn't quite get full marks from me.

Rolling Thunder isn't better known because it needs to be sought after. It's a very powerful film. One of the best role of Tommy Lee Jones & one of the very best revenge pictures ever conceived.Devane's character is pure testosterone.What it is: A Definite must see for any fan of 70's sinema,"GRINDHOUSE/ /Drive-INN/,road-movies/, Strange 70's dramas/, or any A film for fan of seriously intrepid film making! Or anyone looking for an uncompromising vision in all it's ugly glory, & honest story telling.I'm truly amazed at the cinephiles who love 70's style insane character dramas,revenge,horror,gore,etc."grindhouse-a word thrown around a bit too much of late.) I don't exactly categorize this film as "grindhouse". Though no doubt I'm sure it had it's run. But these films i always imagine to relate more in style to the "southern" drive-Inn style of action pictures.-(Dirty Mary,Crazy Larry, Gaitor Bait & tons more.) This film has little relation to Gaitor Bait, other than violence & bright southern scenery in parts,does have a great: " Dirty Mary, crazy Larry" feel towards the end.Rolling Thunder isn't better known because it needs to be sought after. It's a very powerful film. One of the best role of Tommy Lee Jones & one of the very best revenge pictures ever conceived.Devane's character is pure testosterone.I was around ten when my father 1st showed me the film,& I remember being somewhat confused/uncomfortable as to why the hero was trying to get his "friend" to hurt him. My father then explained: "Devane" has had no real contact, in war people tend to seal up & they become machines or they brake apart. -*(My father fought in the Korean war.I only mention his part because I thinks it's a very brave choice to leave the scene in, where i can see a studio/producer wanting the scene out due to the fact it shows a damaged part of the psyche of our hero/anti-hero-Brando-personified & then mixed up again.*(Elements of "The Wild One" of course are present even if only subconsciously).I feel as if parts of this film, can only be truly understood by those who've seen the true horror of war. These scenes have that very dual nature Very brave & honest characterization scenes.Building like a roller-coaster, the film opens with our hero returning from a war, more scarred than only a veteran could understand. Met with praise for slaughter & mental anguish. The only thing he knows is war. Not love for his wife as she seems to have forgotten any hope. a mere stranger to his son.His eyes are cold, Devane really pulled the darkness from his soul for this role & you will feel it! It's heartbreaking to watch the silent dynamic unfold between a lost little boy & his yearning father whose not even a memory to his son. The boy shyly wants to know his father & The couple decides to divorce, he keeps getting social praise as the things that matter slip away all, but the love for his son. He's then rewarded, as gangster types get involved-not to give too much away, but he ultimately loses his son & his hand & wife in a horrific, scenes that have to be seen.The game is on!Cherry Red Cadillac,Reflective Sun-glasses & the open road, not to mention enough hate inside & artillery to take down the terminator.The soldier takes over & it's a road movie to hell at all costs. With nothing to lose he heads towards Mexico where he mets a beautiful woman who gets involved & it becomes just a man hunting down his own demons, in the flesh & the ones in his soul. Few movies really compare with the dynamic portrayed by the characters, in most revenge movies before & definitely after. (not that they were bad, just they didn't take the time to really suck you in get to know just how dark the character is. But this is where Devane shines. Righting wrongs that can never be healed. just like the scars of war.

Late Fillmaker John Flynn's 'Rolling Thunder' is a gruesome & slow-paced vendetta fare, that works primarily due to Flynn's Direction, that's so Well-Done.'Rolling Thunder' Synopsis: Major Charles Rane comes back from the war and is given a number of gifts from his hometown because he is a war hero. Some greedy thugs decide that they want to steal a number of silver dollars from him. In the process they also manage to kill his wife and son and destroy his hand. And Now, The Major wants revenge.'Rolling Thunder' is slow-paced & gruesome. The Action-Sequences are unforgiving & very effective, while the pacing is slow & moves lethargically. Paul Schrader & Heywood Gould's Screenplay could've been tighter, but works nonetheless. Flynn's Direction is the biggest merit here. He's done his job wonderfully, from start to end. Kudos Indeed!Performance-Wise: William Devane plays the protagonist well. The Ever-Fantastic Tommy Lee Jones, stands out, yet again. Linda Haynes is adequate. Others offer good support.On the whole, 'Rolling Thunder' isn't Spectacular, but Well-Directed nonetheless.