MITCHELL (1975) Dir. Andrew V. McLaglen
Joe Don Baker stars as Mitchell, a slovenly, alcoholic anti-hero cop who is chasing down a pair of criminals played by John Saxon and Martin Balsam. Dynasty’s Linda Evans plays a forgettable role as a prostitute that Mitchell has no qualms about taking in when he discovers she smokes pot while sleeping with him. What a jerk! Mitchell is chasing after some big time drug dealers featuring no-speed car chases, yelling at children, shooting innocents and courting hookers, all while getting an ear full from his superior at every turn. Anti-hero indeed.
The film plays like a TV pilot that never became a series. It definitely feels like a 70’s cop drama with minimal action and a lot of talking and threatening. It does play slow at times but has the feel of an old western when the cast chemistry flies. This is likely due to the fact that the director of this was also the director of great John Wayne flicks such as Chisum and McLintock!
While it never really captivates the audience, but I must say that I do enjoy it. Despite Baker is playing a downright heel of a character, his chemistry in the role makes the film a watchable, fun romp. Sorta like Smokey and the Bandit, but from the cop’s perspective with the same style of soundtrack and the score of an early 80’s cop show. Baker just oozes the look of Ignatius J. Reilly, with the tough stubbornness of Pacino’s Lt. Vincent Hanna in Heat. I think this movie and the character of Mitchell himself is a reaction to the Dirty Harry films. Showing that even a bumbling, overweight loser can get the job done. (My life story perhaps!)
If this film were to be seen in a form you can obtain easily, I would track down the Mystery Science Theater 3000 version of it. It is a notable episode of the series, as it was creator Joel Hodgson’s last episode before handing it over to Mike Nelson. But despite that, the film itself is just harmless fun.
GRADE: 3 Dinner Rolls out of 5.
For more from the author ADAM TALLEY, including a look at his independent comic book work, visithttp://www.idiothead.com
Raised primarily in central Michigan all his life, Adam is a successful writer, artist and self publisher. He is best known for his comics: PLEASANT LIFE, THE EXPENDABLES, WISE INTELLIGENCE and the upcoming ANNA POCOLYPSE. He also wrote a free online how to book called "IN THE TRENCHES: HOW TO SURVIVE AS A SMALL PRESS COMIC BOOK PUBLISHER." He also has done some pinup work for ANTARCTIC PRESS and logo designs for many other clients. He has been featured on web sites, newspapers, television and magazines talking about his work and travels around the country promoting it. He resides in Southwest Michigan. 
