Grimerlana Plenty to Like, Plenty to Dislike

Teringer An Exercise In Nonsense

Odelecol Pretty good movie overall. First half was nothing special but it got better as it went along.

Humaira Grant It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

MartinHafer William Walker was one of the more interesting characters of the 19th century--though he's pretty much forgotten today. And, with films like "Burn!" and "Walker", he'll probably pretty much remain forgotten! Let me explain. I saw Marlon Brando's film "Burn!" and noticed that almost NONE of the film bore any similarity to the like of the title character, William Walker. It had a very broad similarity and it used his name--but that is all. So, wanting to learn more about the real guy, I did some research. He was a very interesting and screwy guy--an adventurer that lived to start self-serving revolutions in Central America. And, amazingly, with a tiny rag-tag army he became the leader, briefly, of Nicaragua just before the US Civil War. He also was a staunch supporter of returning slavery to these nations which had outlawed slavery in the preceding decades. And, because he was such a fascinating man, I was excited to learn about the film "Walker"--a film that purports to be a true story of the man. Unfortunately, it isn't. Although the film is much closer to the man than in "Burn!", it is completely inaccurate and portrays Walker as a man so bizarre and idiotic you question whether he had the ability to dress himself--let alone lead a successful revolution! Imagine taking a historical biopic, "Blazing Saddles" and a Fellini or Buñuel and combining them! The film is rather pointless and annoying.Through most of the film, Ed Harris seems to be almost sleepwalking through the title role. I don't necessarily blame him--that is the sort of performance the director wanted. But it just made no sense. And, as the film progressed, it made less and less and less sense. And, at times, the film inserted things SOMEONE must have thought were funny--but weren't. For example, at the one hour mark, two Nicaraguans are shown reading PEOPLE and NEWSWEEK magazines....in 1857! And, in another case, he and walks casually through a botched battle--showing no emotion whatsoever and not fighting as his men are being slaughtered around him. So what does he FINALLY do? He sits down to play the piano as men are dying all around him!!The problem is that if it was meant as satire, it didn't stray far enough or get weird enough. If it was meant as a biopic, well, it was a total failure--with too many surreal moments and little attention to historical accuracy. The resulting film is simply a stupid mess--and one I really cannot recommend even for bad movie buffs.By the way, if you care, Ed Harris really is doing sign language in the early part of the film. It's not great but he did a good job here.

TheExpatriate700 Made during the mid-1980s struggles in Latin America, Walker is a scathing satire of American attempts to impose "democracy" on third world countries, while serving their own purposes in the process. Although it was made to critique Reagan era policy toward Nicaragua, it is all too relevant to our current efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan.The film focuses on the real life exploits of William Walker, an American in the nineteenth century who led an army of filibusters to conquer Nicaragua on behalf of American financial interests. Driven by a vision of Manifest Destiny, Walker ultimately established himself as a dictator in Nicaragua. This historical background makes for an interesting commentary on later American imperial adventures, suggesting that history repeats all too readily.The film boasts an incredibly good cast for such an obscure piece. Aside from Ed Harris in the title role, we have Peter Boyle, Xander Berkeley, and, in a hilarious turn as a foul mouthed mute woman, Marlee Matlin. The film's one weakness is that its satire is overly broad, with the introduction of obvious anachronisms to make concrete the parallels with contemporary events. Although these made the film's commentary more explicit, they come across as over bearing, and weaken the film's overall impact. Nevertheless, this is a provocative film that is far more interesting than director Alex Cox's more well known Sid and Nancy.

dbborroughs This is the story of William Walker's take over of Nicaragua in the late 19th century been done in a very very deliberate style which forcibly draws comparisons between Walker's actions and the madness of the Reagan administrations similar adventures. We see modern cars, Time Magazine and references to modern people and events. The style is very arch and very knowing that walks the fine line between intentionally funny (good) and unintentionally funny (bad), falling over the line repeatedly often with in the space of the same minute. Its also a film that is truly unique in film history.Looking at this film for the first time in fifteen or so years I'm struck by how silly it is. I'm not sure if director Alex Cox succeeded in making any sort of real film, rather I think he's made a very political minstrel show that tries a little bit too much to be rib tickling and relevant and instead comes across loud and annoying. You've never seen anything like this before or since. Don't get me wrong, I like the film in that odd road accident sort of way many films that almost work sometime have (Little Nicky anyone?). This film is a road accident, but you have to watch not sure if its good or if its bad.Clearly had the film been played straight it would have been an okay film that quickly dated, became forgotten and was never heard from again. But Cox, by allowing the intrusion of 1987 America, and several odd touches has fashioned a film to ponder and be amazed about. What was he thinking when he allowed Ed Harris to give one of the most bizarre and wrongheaded performances ever committed to celluloid? Even over actors like the great Tod Slaughter knew you had have some sort of restraint, Harris shows none and in scenes like the one where he arrives home to find his wife dead, he emotes with a passion that I can only describe as deranged.You will not believe your eyes.Still the film does make some valid points about the nature of American foreign policy, and it does have some truly wild moments that are enjoyable simply because you can't believe anyone would really think to put them on a screen for other people to see (okay, not some moments, the whole film) Recommended for those who want their films as wild and off the beaten track as they come. Bad film lovers are also a target group.

keith80486 Alex Cox has created a visionary work. This film is a masterpiece. It's a one and a half hour joke with an incredible punchline that indelibly changed how I view the world. Ed Harris is a dead ringer for the "grey eyed man of destiny". I couldn't see anyone else in this role. He's a perfect fit. This is an incredibly original work of historical fiction that tells a truly timeless story (pardon the pun) in a way that one could never forget.By all means, find this movie!