Mr. Majestyk (1974)

Who would of thought that Charles Bronson would give his best performance as a melon farmer! Mr. Majestyk is a '70s classic. Elmore Leonards screenplay elevates this above other 30 year old action fare. The late great Al Lettieri is hilarious as hit-man Frank "The Keeeeeeeys" Renda. Character actor extraordinaire Paul Koslo nearly steals the show as the irritating Bobby Kopas. Linda Cristal is quite good as Charlie's love interest. Beautifully photographed, with scene after scene of memorable dialogue Mr. Majestyk delivers. Especially an amazing truck chase ( that ford used in TV commercials years later.) Instead of endless DEATHWISH sequels that numbed the senses, Charlie should have done a sequel to this one.

Fmovies: One of the big stars of 70's cinema, Charles Bronson doesn't disappoint in Mr.Majestyk- an entertaining film which came on the heels of the critically successful "Death Wish". In this film, Bronson plays Vince Majestyk, a melon farmer who simply wants to bring in his crops on time. A local labor racketeer, Bobby Kopas (Paul Koslo) tries to exert pressure on Majestyk to use Kopas' work crew instead of the migrant workers Majestyk has hired. Unfazed by Kopas' threats, Majestyk knocks him down and drives him from the premises. As a result, he is thrown in jail on an assault charge.

Here, he meets up with Frank Renda (Al Lettieri), a mob boss who is planning an escape during a bus transfer to another prison. The escape attempt goes awry and Majestyk alternately humiliates and abuses Renda while using him as a bargaining chip for his own freedom. Renda later escapes and spares no effort in seeking revenge on Majestyk.

The film moves nicely and never gets bogged down with unnecessary detail. This is a simple story about the "little guy" being wronged, and the enjoyment lies in watching both Kopas and Renda underestimate the guy they're bullying. Bronson plays his role with his usual quiet toughness, but it is Lettieri who stands out. His character is a vicious brute who makes it easy for us to root against him. Lettieri had several great roles (The Godfather, The Getaway, McQ) before his untimely death. Paul Koslo does his customary nice job in a character role, while Linda Cristal plays Bronson's love interest in a low-key dignified manner. Lee Purcell, Renda's "squeeze" is strictly eye candy.

Overall, classic 70's action cinema and an enjoyable watch.

Of all Bronson's starring roles, this is his best. The movie is low budget but effective. I've seen it umpteen times over the years and still enjoy it immensely. Al Lettieri is perfectly cast as the heavy and Paul Koslo is exquisite as the weasel. Linda Crystal's beauty tops off the appeal of the flick.

The truck chase scene is probably one of the best ever filmed. What more can one ask for?

Mr. Majestyk fmovies. A Fantastic effort from director Richard Fleischer, Bronson stars (in a great performance) as Vincent Majestyk, owner of a rich stretch of property that he uses to grow melons. Al Lettieri probably steals the show in his role as mafia bad dude Frank Renda (his performance is a big wow!) Between Bronson and Lettieri's performances, the film easily sustains an interesting pace and the action sequences are very tense and well edited together to keep the audience captivated. I really didn't know what to expect in this film before watching it, but now after viewing it, I must say I'am proud to have purchased this film. 9 out of 10 stars because this movie will only get better after each viewing. I really don't know which Bronson character is cooler? Paul Kersey of 'Death Wish' or Vince Majestyk of "Mr. Majestyk'? I'll let you be the judge!

Promising another great action drama!

Richard Fleisher's tight direction, Bronson's sheer force of presence, and above all Elmore Leonard's excellent dialog combine to make this one terrific piece of entertainment – and one of Bronson's best films. Also worthy of note is Al Lettieri as Frank Renda (another excellent performance), a fearsome, explosively violent antagonist who perfectly compliments Bronson's cool-yet-tough demeanor. Bronson plays Vince Majestyk, a watermelon farmer who wants nothing more than to get his harvest in and mind his own business. He is interrupted by the weasel-like Bobby Kopas, who is quickly set straight by Majestyk – but Kopas soon joins forces with the vengeance-seeking Renda, whom Majestyk tried to send back to jail. Renda is just itching to get at Majestyk, and what follows is an action packed battle of wits between two determined foes – with only one left standing at the end…

Mr. Majestyk also manages to combine great action with some especially sharp, funny dialog. For instance, Majestyk overhears a gas station attendant claim the bathrooms are out of service: `Hey, I was the last one to use that men's room - you saying I busted the toilet?' Overall, Mr. Majestyk is highly recommended to fans of the great Charles Bronson, action movies, or just great movies in general.

This movie is simply Bronson's finest work. While I concede that the movie is formulaic and predictable, his acting is top-notch, as is the acting of the supporting cast. The premise is also exciting and downright cool: Bronson as a watermelon farmer who gets screwed by the man for protecting his property and then gets screwed when he attempts to secure his freedom via a poorly conceived plan. I can see him farming anything, but not watermelons (or maybe blueberries). Rent this movie along with The Mechanic, and you'll see Bronson in 2 of his finest action films. You definitely won't be disappointed.