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Zachariah

Zachariah

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Rating: 5 stars
Summary: A movie that was perfect for its time
Review: "Zachariah" has remained one of the most vivid memories of my teenage cinematic years. And I only saw it once. As a 14-year-old in 1970, it was perfectly timed to take advantage of the growing fusion of rock, drugs, rebellion, free love and good times that were evolving through the culture. And it packaged them up in a funny, satirical fashion that was uniquely themed as a Western. I still remember one of the gunfight songs "Zachariah, Zachariah don't go to Apache Wells; 19's tried and 19's died, and you'll make only one."

If you're a hippie product of the 70s era, "Zachariah" is a must see, as much for the fun, gags and drug references, as for the actors who went on to further stardom whether in movies or television.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Grooovy
Review: After reading the reviews for this film, you will realize that Zachariah is a "Love it or hate it" phenomenon. If you can't appreciate camp, then you have no business watching this one. I am in the "Love it" category myself. For me, the Elvin Jones drum solo is enough reason to buy this one. I am also a fan of Country Joe, and I enjoy all the music in this one. The fiddler's tune always sticks in my head for days after I hear it. Of course, the acting is horrid. You have to expect that (Although Elvin Jones is surprisingly good). The homo-eroticism is a bit silly, but so is everything else in this one. The Herman Hesse connection really takes it to another level. It amuses me to no end that this silly romp is based on a serious work of literature and is remarkably true to the original (Except for the ending).

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Story-line based on Herman Hesse's novel "Siddhartha"
Review: Despite all the "first electric western" hoopla, there is an eerie truth about awakening conveyed throughout this eccentric, eclectic, perverse adaptation of Herman Hesse's novel "Siddhartha." The characters are all there Siddhartha, Govinda, Kamala (Bell Starr!), the Old Ferryman, and more.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Like wow! A fun, mind-blowing western!
Review: Here's a wild, unexpected one: an electric western. John Rubenstein concocted a surprisingly fun movie in Zachariah, with appearances by the James Gang, Country Joe and the Fish, and Doug Kershaw, among others. If you are feeling free-spirited and looking for a good but laid-back time, this is one video to get.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Early 70's Rock & Roll Western Cult Film
Review: I remember seeing this one at the midnight movie show numerous times during the early 70's. If you like somewhat absurd, campy humor & early 70's electric rock & roll, it is a must for a collector. Country Joe & the Fish are great! The James Gang & NY Rock Ensemble are electrified! Doug Kershaw's fiddle playin is very hot! Super sound track! Not politically correct!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Early 70's Rock & Roll Western Cult Film
Review: I remember seeing this one at the midnight movie show numerous times during the early 70's. If you like somewhat absurd, campy humor & early 70's electric rock & roll, it is a must for a collector. Country Joe & the Fish are great! The James Gang & NY Rock Ensemble are electrified! Doug Kershaw's fiddle playin is very hot! Super sound track! Not politically correct!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: 31 Years Later - Still a Great Movie!
Review: I saw this movie when it was first released in the theatre (1970). Being a fan of Country Joe and the Fish and James Gang got me to the movie originally. The movie itself made me never forget it. When I saw it was on DVD, I had to get it, and I'm glad I did. All the unlikely scenes (electric guitars, drum solos, etc.) fit right into the story and never seem out of place. Watching Zachariah again was more than nostalgia, and I felt good afterwards. Highly recommended!

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: "For Novelty Use Only"
Review: Still dont remember why I bought this DVD, or why it sat for 4 years before watching it. Anyway, this movie is a real hoot. From Don Johnson's premiere as an 18 yr old Prom Queen lookalike with a sidearm to Country Joe's surreal insertion into an old west shoot-em-up saloon. The whole thing is just twisted as hell, and semi-fun.

A recommended rental with a 6 pack. 3 tokes.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: You missed the point
Review: The plot is a parody of Hermann Hesse' Siddartha. It is the life story of Gautama Buddah. This novel was very popular in colleges in the late 60's and early 70's

Rating: 2 stars
Summary: Hoo Boy.
Review: You know, I've even shown this to fellow fans of the Firesign Theatre, who purportedly wrote this piece of dreck, and even THEY can't find much to like about it. (Peter Bergman appears as a bartender for about five seconds.)

Don Johnson, who looks fresh out of high school, and John Rubinstein, who looks fresh out of rehab, play gunslingers in a town that is OBVIOUSLY just flats with no actual buildings. That's the cool, groovy, 60s point, get it? It's just a movie, maaaan.

And it's a movie that's more interesting to watch from a stunned, "why did they make this" sense of wonder than from a "boy, I sure like 60s Westerns" point of view. Called the "first Rock and Roll Western," it's more a kind of surreal trip of a film, with smoke-hazed nods to Bunuel and Peckinpah.

One thing about the relationship between the two friends/gunslingers/eventual enemies that is a little creepy is that there seems to be a kind of "more than just friends, nudge nudge" feeling to their relationship. Your milage may vary.

I'm not going to bother to tell you what it's about, since it doesn't really matter. All I know is, I have never loaned a DVD to so many people and had them all give me the same reaction: "Get This Piece of ... out of my house!" That alone keeps it from being a one-star movie.

An absolute must-have if you're an Elvin Jones completist. Is there one of those out there?


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