The Eiger Sanction

There is a thin line between the sort of unreality in the Bond movies of the era and that in this mish mash of sex and adventure. The film obviously was trying to capitalize on the Bond mania of the mid seventies with spooky bad guys, sexy bad girls, mysterious bad organizations and complicated bad motives. In short, it isn't very good. The average Bugs Bunny cartoon is less far fetched. There is some spectacular scenery and some dramatic mountaineering. But it's too long, too preposterous and too badly written and acted to make it worthwhile. If you want to assassinate somebody --- or "sanction" them --- is it really necessary to go mountain climbing with them. But then, if you didn't, the movie would last 15 minutes rather than almost two and a half hours. (Besidses, Clint Eastwood was never that young, was he?)

I absolutely love this movie. The only reason I cannot give it a 9 or 10 is because the premise is just a bit too unbelievable. Eastwood is a stud for doing his own stunts. The climbing sequences had a few minor errors, but all considered, the most accurate movie adaptation of climbing with the possible exception of "Storm and Sorrow". I felt like I was there with the climbers, cold and scared and forced to continue. The dialogue on the mountain is "rock" solid. If you're looking for a well-developed action flick with a dash of spy stuff, watch this movie. Eastwood has done so many great movies that it's hard to rank this one- it's not his best, but it is wonderful.

(Flash Review) Eastwood is a retired government hitman who gets lured by a man named Dragon to avenge the murder of a former colleague or a Dragon will spill the beans of his questionably acquired art collection. The job must take place on the challenging mountain Eiger Sanction as the man needing elimination will be located here. Not knowing that man's visual identity, Eastwood and others must also identify the man before taking him out. So Eastwood spends lots of time brushing up on his advanced climbing skills before embarking on this one last job. Also, as a 'hit-man' he is often 'hit-on' by several woman. Ha. Mix in a few story twists and you have a nice scenic action movie.

I heard a lot of mixed reviews on this film, but I saw it anyway. And to tell you the truth, I quite liked it. It isn't Clint Eastwood's best film by a long-shot, but it is far from his worst either. It is sluggishly paced, it is routine in the story in places and the villains are to say the least very strange and over-the-top. However, the cinematography and editing are very good and do justice to the amazing scenery and backgrounds. John Williams's score while not his best is excellent, and there is some decent dialogue and direction. The acting is good enough, Eastwood is not exactly on top-form but to be honest his role doesn't really require that. The real joys are George Kennedy, who I actually think gives one of his better performances here, and Thayor David whose character is over-the-top but David is quite enjoyable. Overall, it is good, better than I was expecting. Maybe not a Clint Eastwood classic, but definitely worth the look. 7/10 Bethany Cox

I love this movie, Like Play Misty For Me this is a different kind of Clint Eastwood movie which is not a western or a cop movie. This is an espionage thriller with a surprise ending. He plays an assassin who comes out of retirement to avenge the death of his friend. In order to catch the unidentified killer he must participate in a mountain climbing expedition which the killer is also participating. Clint really took a big chance while making this movie. He did all the dangerous mountain climbing stunts. If I was directing and starring in a movie I wouldn't do a stunt that is dangerous. I urge Clint Eastwood fans to watch this movie, they won't be disappointed.