Hondo

Enjoyable Wayne western doesn't rise above any other middle of the road Wayne western, but a fine supporting cast and nice scenery help distinguish it somewhat (as well as a surprisingly bleak tangent involving that beloved icon Lassie). 3D effects are like a living, breathing advertisement for everything wrong with 3D, as they hokily and ridiculously draw attention to themselves, especially in the 2D version.

This definitely feels like one of the most classical Western-est Westerns that ever Westerned. John Wayne, desert landscapes, dusty town, saloon brawl, Indians, circling the wagons, gun fight, cheesy love story with an iron-willed dame, it’s got it all. In that sense it’s kind of a movie that feels like a movie you’ve seen before even if it’s your first time watching it. But it’s comforting and enjoyable in that sense.

3D western movie opens with John Wayne walking into frame shaking his dick at a farmhouse, must've given your grandparents heart attacks

Not bad, it will not end up in the Western Hall of Fame, but its watchable. Bonus points for the first 3-D movie I ever saw.

WOAH 3D KNIFE FIGHT YEAH

A low key western with fine performances from Wayne and Geraldine Page. Nice to see a western with a good part for a woman.

There's nothing at all wrong with HONDO... it just doesn't blossom into greatness. Not sure why. Is it because the characters are not so much characters as fully idealized icons? Is it because it tries so hard to be an immediate classic? It's worth your time, but there are stronger Wayne Westerns out there.

Probably would have faded into obscurity if not for John Wayne’s participation. It’s not bad, but it’s also nothing special. The landscapes, production design and cinematography are on point, the final battle with the wagon train is epic and well-choreographed. Commentary on Natives is muddled yet again. In it’s best moments Hondo is reminiscent of Shane (which curiously came out the same year) I.e. the family dynamic, but for the most part it’s another typical western.