Maverick - My Pappy told me to write this!!

I will admit right now that I have only seen a couple of the original Maverick episodes so I cannot comment on how accurate the movie portrayed the t.v. show.

The movie however is extremely entertaining and riddled with inside jokes. Such as the scene where Maverick (Mel Gibson) goes to his banker friend to try and get his money and arrives just in time for a bank robber (Danny Glover) to rob him and the bank. During the robbery Glover, and Gibson stare at each other like they know each other but then shake it off. For those of you who don’t know (like my sister) they were in the Lethal Weapon movies together. Glover even uses the ”I’m getting to old for this sh@!” Line.

Story

I have read a couple of the reviews of this movie and they both gave away the ending and even the suprises, which ruins it for anyone watching it for the first time. So when you read this review you will see I am very careful not to ruin anything.

Maverick is looking to enter the biggest poker game ever with a winning pot of $500,000 cash. Only problem is the entrance fee is $25,000 and he is running a bit short. So he is traveling the west looking up old buddies who owe him money and also playing a lot of poker in an attempt to win some cash. While he is sneaky he never cheats, unfortunately some people take exception to his poker skills.

At one point he meets up with Annabelle Branford (Jodie Foster) who is also trying to get up the $25,000 entrance fee needed for the big game.

The two try to cheat each other of their money at every possible turn while trying to remain civil. And even through all the twists and turns, including a hilarious scene with the Indians, they make it to the big game.

The game is held aboard a riverboat captained by James Coburn (character name unknown) and is watched over by Cooper (James Garner, the original Maverick). Who while on the trail with Maverick gets him to do the dirty work while he sits back and enjoys the ride. The rules are simple 5 tables of 4 people each. You play until your $25,000 in chips are gone then you leave gracefully. The last two people play for the $500,000. Cooper kicks out any cheaters, or people with guns immediately so that fair play is insured.

The ending is definitely something I didn’t expect, and I doubt fist time viewers will expect it either.

Conclusion

Mel Gibson plays this role with real enthusiasm that shows brilliantly in his work. For some reason I think his comedic/action roles are played better than his pure action/drama roles. He seems to enjoy doing comedies more and it shows.

Jodi Foster is a real joy to watch as she attempts to con Gibson out of his money. While all the time keeping her southern charm at peak levels.

James Garner is hilarious at times. And when you watch the last scene of the movie you will see that the way he treated Maverick throughout the movie makes complete sense.

This movie was very well done and the story is perfect.
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