The Valley of Gwangi (1969) Review in 2024
The Valley of Gwangi is a classic 1969 adventure film directed by James Clavell, starring Anthony Quinn and Richard Boone. The movie follows the story of a group of cowboys who discover a hidden valley in Mexico, where they encounter prehistoric creatures, including a giant T-Rex.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is not suitable for young children due to its intense action and violence. However, older kids and adults may enjoy it for its classic adventure and dinosaur-filled action.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching for fans of classic adventure films and dinosaur-filled action. However, it's not a must-see, and some viewers may find it a bit dated and cheesy.
Spoiler Alert!
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The movie takes a dark turn when the cowboys, led by Tuck (Anthony Quinn), discover the valley and begin to hunt the prehistoric creatures for sport. However, things take a turn for the worse when they unleash the T-Rex, which begins to wreak havoc on the valley and the surrounding area. The cowboys must then work together to stop the T-Rex and escape the valley alive.
Review Details
story7.00/10
The story is engaging and full of action, but it suffers from a predictable plot and some cheesy dialogue. The pacing is also a bit slow in some parts, which can make it feel like a slog to get through.
acting7.00/10
The acting is solid, with some standout performances from the cast. However, it's not enough to elevate the movie to greatness, and some of the dialogue feels a bit cheesy.
characters6.00/10
The characters are well-developed and likable, but they feel a bit one-dimensional at times. The actors do their best with the material they're given, but it's not enough to elevate the movie to greatness.
direction7.00/10
James Clavell's direction is solid, but it's not particularly memorable. He does a good job of capturing the sense of adventure and danger, but it's not enough to make the movie stand out.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is excellent, with some stunning shots of the Mexican landscape and the prehistoric creatures. The special effects are also impressive, considering the time period.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The Valley of Gwangi has some excellent cinematography, impressive special effects, and a engaging storyline. The cast does a solid job, and the movie has a certain charm to it.
Cons
The plot is predictable, the characters feel a bit one-dimensional, and some of the dialogue feels cheesy. The pacing can also be a bit slow in some parts.
Notable Quotes
"'The Valley of Gwangi' is a place of wonder and magic."
"'We're not going to let a few dinosaurs scare us off!'"
