Is Last of the Independents: Don Siegel and the Making of 'Charley Varrick' Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2015)

📖 The Core Premise

Last of the Independents: Don Siegel and the Making of 'Charley Varrick' returns to the screen in 2015, bringing a fresh narrative to the Documentary genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Don Siegel’s classic crime thriller "Charley Varrick," made in 1972 in the wake of the immensely successful "Dirty Harry," stars Walter Matthau in what is probably the actor’s finest dramatic role, airshow pilot turned crop duster turned bank robber turned mob target Charley Varrick. This feature-length documentary takes the viewer back to the time of the shooting of this cult item and features original interviews with Siegel’s son, Kristoffer Tabori, actors Andy Robinson and Jacqueline Scott, stunt driver and actor Craig R. Baxley, composer Lalo Schifrin and Howard A. Rodman, whose father co-wrote the screenplay."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Kristoffer Tabori does well with the material given, though the script occasionally limits their range. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Documentary. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Last of the Independents: Don Siegel and the Making of 'Charley Varrick' worth your time? If you appreciate Documentary films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Last of the Independents: Don Siegel and the Making of 'Charley Varrick' is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 72 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.