chaswe-28402 "The greatest actor I ever worked with", said the great Sergio Leone. He worked quickly and efficiently. Acted so natural it didn't look like acting. Bronson is wonderful in this very fine movie, although some of the snide reviewers here don't seem to agree. Inexplicably rated at only 6.8 on this site. Ridiculous. Formulaic and predictable ? An opinion that beggars belief. Superb script by Elmore Leonard, a professional, keeps you guessing. I saw nothing predictable about the way the action unrolls. I had no idea what Majestyk would think up next. Entertaining, suspenseful, humorous, in fact deadpan witty. When times are hard, everyone gets Bronson on their side. Even the weasel. He's simply the nemesis that Drexl Spivey had in mind. Bronson is REAL; and Al Lettieri is a terrific bad guy, especially in his handling of the weasel. Their relationship was hilarious.

Michael_Elliott Mr. Majestyk (1974) *** (out of 4) Melon farmer Vince Majestyk (Charles Bronson) has a wise guy trying to force his workers onto his land, which lands the farmer in jail on assault. While in jail, hit man Frank Renda (Al Lettieri) tries an escape but the farmer puts an end to his plans. Soon the hit man eventually breaks away from Majestyk but he has sworn vengeance on the farmer and comes after his crops and him.MR. MAJESTYK is one of Bronson's better pictures from this period even though there's no question that it runs a tad bit too long and has a rather long-winded plot. With that said, if you're a fan of Bronson then the Majestyk character is certainly one of the most memorable of his career and it allows the actor to show off his tough side but it also gives him a couple very funny bits.The biggest factor that makes this film work is of course the cast. Bronson is tough-as-iron as you'd expect and this role really fits him well. The farmer is obviously your everyday type of person and Bronson fits this perfectly. He just looks, sounds and walks like a melon farmer. As I said, there's action throughout, which the actor handles without a problem but he's also given a chance to play a real character and deliver a real performance. For those who say Bronson was just a figure and not an actor, show them this. Lettieri was making a great career playing worthless scumbag and he's wonderful here as well. Linda Cristal and Lee Purcell are both good in their roles Paul Koslo is so slimy as the worthless wannabe tough guy.The film contains a great number of action scenes that are all perfectly directed by Richard Fleischer. Some of the memorable moments include the terrific car chase at the end and there's another very good sequence where Bronson has some fun beating the tar out of the hit man. The film also benefits from some great visuals and a very good music score. MR. MAJESTYK is everything you'd expect from a 70s action film.

Scott LeBrun Especially if the man in question is the great Charles Bronson. The iconic tough guy actor plays the title role, who merely wants to go about his business in peace. And that business is watermelon farming. When Majestyk is arrested for roughing up sleazy, worthless little weasel Bobby Kopas (Paul Koslo), it brings him into contact with syndicate hit man Frank Renda (Al Lettieri). After a series of incidents, Renda comes to utterly despise Majestyk and want him dead.Very capably directed by the versatile Richard Fleischer, "Mr. Majestyk" features an engaging Bronson performance, and a strong supporting cast. The tongue in cheek antics are courtesy of screenwriter Elmore Leonard. Brief bursts of violence and a few action set pieces help to make this watchable, as well as a brilliant music score by Charles Bernstein. Lettieri is an effectively intense antagonist, Linda Cristal has lots of appeal as migrant worker Nancy Chavez, and Koslo is great fun as the pathetic Kopas, although Lee Purcell has an underdeveloped role as Rendas' associate "Wiley". Taylor Lacher, Frank Maxwell, Alejandro Rey, Jordan Rhodes, and Bert Santos are all good as well. Veteran character actor Richard Erdman appears uncredited as attorney Dick Richard.In the end, "Mr. Majestyk" is no great shakes, but is still nicely plotted and solidly entertaining for its duration. For a disposable bit of entertainment, it is quite agreeable.Seven out of 10.

jcohen1 As noted this is Bronson's sole Elmore Leonard title. Too bad, as Bronson is perfectly cast as the toughest farmer since Van Heflin or Alan Ladd. The cap on his head is a nice touch. Majestyk is pitted against an organized crime hit man presumably at the rank of The Mechanic and played by the quirky Al Lettieri. Al had already completed The Godfather and The Getaway. The latter role of Rudy was fine preparation for this one. In the battle of the tough guy killers, Bronson is by far the best. He physically bests Renda in every one on one battle. He also out maneuvers him every time. Renda needs a gang of support to deal with this Viet Nam ranger and ex-con.This role was the perfect prep for Bronson as he moves from Colorado into Death Wish territory.