RIO LOBO

Cinemavixion Review

Howard Hawks's "Rio Lobo" offers a late-career Western excursion, anchored by the stoic presence of John Wayne. Set in the aftermath of the Civil War, the film follows Colonel Cord McNally as he hunts down the traitors responsible for the downfall of his unit and the death of a friend. Hawks, a master of the genre, crafts a narrative that, while perhaps not reaching the heights of his earlier classics, still delivers a solid, character-driven story. The plot, involving stolen gold and double-crosses, unfolds with a deliberate pace, allowing the audience to savor the rugged landscapes and the palpable tension. Wayne is in familiar territory, embodying the determined, morally upright hero, supported by a capable cast including Jorge Rivero and Jennifer O'Neill. The film's exploration of loyalty and vengeance resonates, making "Rio Lobo" a worthy, if understated, addition to the Western canon, particularly for fans of Hawks's distinctive directorial touch.