It's been a long time since I watched Seven Samurai; and I can't remember if I ever even watched the original version of this movie. So really, I can only make assessments on this film in its own right (which is probably as it should be anyway). The immediate impression this film makes is one of absurdity; the opening sequence features a presentation of villainy that exceeds the bounds of psychopathy. It's unrealistic; no one that out of his mind would ever get as far in this world as Peter Saarsgard's Bartholomew Bogue. So the movie starts with a problem right there, and it's a lot to overcome. Fortunately, just when you think 'over-the-top' is going to be the rule of the day, director Antoine Fuqua smartly dials it back--somewhat--and let's the strength of this film--the lead actors--take over. Excellent work by Denzel Washington (of course), Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke, and Vincent D'Onofrio--as well as very able support from Haley Bennett--give the viewer solid, dimensional anchors upon which to ground one's emotional attachment. You definitely root for this bunch, especially once the (ample) mayhem starts. Lastly, this movie demonstrates why Western movie cliches became cliches: because they work, very well, at least as storytelling elements. It's not without its flaws, and I can't say whether it lives up to its precursors, but on its own terms this is a pretty good movie.
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