A movie that feels like it could have been made by Tarantino before Tarantino existed. It’s about a preacher (Clint Eastwood) trying to outrun a vengeful gunman (George Kennedy) in rural Montana. He gets tangled up with a young con man (Jeff Daniels), and together they plan an elaborate robbery involving some of the preacher's old associates. Michael Cimino wrote and directed “Thunderbolt and Lightfoot” (1974), marking his directorial debut, and it’s filled with cinematic flair from start to finish. You can see how it influenced Tarantino; it has a style that wouldn't surface in his films until decades later with "Pulp Fiction." It blends elements of gangster movies, road pictures, and car chases, similar to “Bonnie and Clyde” (1967), “Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry” (1974) and “Joyride” (1977). I heard someone suggest that some feminists might object to the way women are presented – they’re often shown as objects of desire. However, men aren't exactly portrayed in a flattering light either; they come across as superficial, preoccupied with sex, dishonest, lacking direction, and generally inept. So, any criticism about the film's portrayal of women applies equally to its depiction of men. It might be helpful to view this movie as an example of picaresque storytelling, where the main characters are charming rogues, free spirits, adventurers – essentially ‘picaro’ types. These kinds of stories use satire, humor, sarcasm, and sharp social commentary with a loosely connected plot centered around a frequently pointless pursuit. "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" (1966) is another example, but this one surpasses that often-overrated Spaghetti Western because the characters are more appealing and engaging, plus it’s just more enjoyable to watch, thanks in part to the beautiful Montana landscapes. Even though the female characters aren't deeply developed, June Fairchild delivers a memorable performance as Gloria. Erica Hagen has a brief role as a blonde waitress, and Catherine Bach appears in a very small part. The film is 1 hour and 55 minutes long and was filmed entirely in the Great Falls area of northern Montana. GRADE: A-

Source on TMDB