Maverick
Performance & Direction: Maverick Review
Last updated: February 16, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Maverick (1994) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.9/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Action.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and Maverick features a noteworthy lineup led by Mel Gibson . Supported by the likes of Jodie Foster and James Garner , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Maverick
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1994, Maverick is a Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Western film directed by Richard Donner. The narrative delivers highly intense sequences and pulse-pounding confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Mel Gibson.
Story Breakdown
In this high-octane feature, Richard Donner establishes a narrative structure that follows a classic action blueprint: establishing the protagonist's world, introducing a formidable antagonist, and escalating the stakes. Bret Maverick is a gambler who would rather con someone than fight them, and needs an additional $3k in order to enter a winner-takes-all poker game beginning in a few days. He joins forces with a woman with a marvelous Southern accent, and the two try and enter the game. The film balances spectacular set pieces with character moments for Mel Gibson, ensuring the action serves the story rather than overwhelming it.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title opens with an explosive sequence that immediately establishes the stakes and introduces our protagonist in action.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Mel Gibson's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The final confrontation delivers on the buildup, with stakes at their highest and the protagonist using everything they've learned.
Ending Explained: Maverick
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Richard Donner, Maverick concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Mel Gibson, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Maverick reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Maverick?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Action films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Mel Gibson or the director
- Want an adrenaline rush without demanding perfection
Box Office Collection: Maverick
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $75.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $183.0M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Maverick Budget
The estimated production budget for Maverick is $75.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Maverick
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Where to Watch Maverick Online?
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Apple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeMaverick Parents Guide & Age Rating
1994 AdvisoryWondering about Maverick age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Maverick is 127 minutes (2h 7m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.9/10, and global performance metrics, Maverick is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1994 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maverick worth watching?
Maverick is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 6.9/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Maverick parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Maverick identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Maverick?
The total duration of Maverick is 127 minutes, which is approximately 2h 7m long.
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How Maverick Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Maverick
From the moment I slapped eyes on this hombre, I smelled trouble. And re-fried beans. Maverick is directed by Richard Donner and written by William Goldman. It stars Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster and James Garner, with support coming from Alfred Molina, Graham Greene and James Coburn. The music is scored by Randy Newman and Vilmos Zsigmond is on photography. It's based on the 1950s television series of the same name and the plot finds Gibson as Maverick and follows his attempt to take his place in a major five-card draw poker tournament. With Foster and Garner in tow, there's plenty of adventures and misadventures along the way. After Costner's Dances With Wolves and Eastwood's Unforgiven had reignited interest in the Western genre in the 90s, Richard Donner and his team felt the time was right to unleash a light hearted Western on the mainstream audience. Timing was important, as was the casting, but Maverick is the sort of family friendly fun that could in truth be released at any time in any decade and still be a hit at the box office. It's not particularly clever in narrative or themes, but with its blending of action, romance and comedy seamlessly coming together as a whole, Maverick is practically hard to dislike. Even the cast seem to be having a real good time, with Gibson smooth and roguish, Foster dainty yet spunky and Garner (the original Maverick from the TV show) offering up a sort of stoic maturity over proceedings; with all three playing the comedy with ease (how great it is to see Foster in such a role). Donner and Goldman have also shown respect to both the TV show and the Western in general (check out those lovely landscapes), while it's always fun to play spot the numerous stars in the cameos. Harmless fluff, then, but always watchable and never once over reaching itself by trying to be something it's not. 7.5/10
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
