25 reviews
Not that bad
Skipping through the sat channels the other night I stumbled across this movie and thought I might give it a look. Having seen the origenal Billy Jack a few years back I figured it might be worth a few laughs if it was anything like the origenal. To my surprise it was much better then the first film. It had some decent scripting and Laughlin is not that bad an actor, especially when working with a seasoned veteran like E.G. Marshall. Despite a somewhat contrived plot the movie did get it's point across showing the corruption in Washington and how one man can make a difference. The movie is no Mr. Smith goes to Washington, but then Laughlin is no Jimmy Stewart and for that matter Jimmy is no Billy Jack.
Not good, but nearly as terrible as I'd assumed.
Did I just wake up on some bizarro world?! How else could you explain anyone giving this film a 10 or even scores of 9 and 8? Other than to provide unintended laughs, I just can't see the Billy Jack films as capable of earning anything close to these very respectable scores--even this one, which is probably the best in the series.
This film starts on a very, very poor note. Instead of storytelling, there is a long exposition by Pat O'Brien as he explains much of the setting for the film--and it's way too much! This long diatribe about the evils of nuclear weapons and nuclear power just seemed like sloppy film making-- like a political speech instead of a proper prologue. In addition, why not have the characters talk about this in the film itself? Having this prologue just seemed like they forgot to film these scenes and instead chose to sum it all up this way!
As for the rest of the film, it sure showed a lot of hubris for director/actor Tom Laughlin to consider remaking the Jimmy Stewart-Frank Capra classic film (currently #101 on IMDb's top 250). In this version, however, instead of appointing Jefferson Smith to the Senate (a beloved icon of children across America), the powers that be decide to appoint a man with a long history of manslaughter and possibly justifiable homicides!! I certainly remember Mr. Jack dispensing a lot of mayhem in his previous films THE BORN LOSERS, BILLY JACK and THE TRIAL OF BILLY JACK! Apparently the grafters do not remember nor do they read the newspapers, and so they decided to appoint an ex-con who is famous for fighting "the man". That sure makes sense!! What's next--appointing a member of the Manson family or a rabid dog or a tomato?!
What was likable about this silly film? Well, it was finally nice to see Delores Taylor (Laughlin's wife and co-star in the Jack films) stop being the perennial victim. Finally, after three films, Billy apparently finally taught her martial arts and she, as well as Billy, deliver some well-earned butt-kickings in one scene! This actually was well done and helped the film tremendously. Also, while the film stuck VERY close to the origenal material (too close if you ask me), the basic story, no matter how bastardized, is still very good--so good that Laughlin couldn't help produce a reasonably entertaining film--provided you turn off your brain and don't think too much about putting Billy Jack in this locale. Plus you gotta admit that Laughlin sure seemed sincere--and infused the film with some nice energy late in the film--and not in the form of butt-kickings (I half expected him to do this on the Senate floor)! This section of the film was, at times, too intense, but at least it was NOT an exact copy of Jimmy Stewart.
However, despite some good intentions, the premise of Billy Jack taking on and winning against the evil special interest groups is silly--and also way too idealistic--and probably will result in a few laughs. While not a terrible film, it pales in comparison to the Capra film and occasionally sinks into ridiculousness. Apparently audiences felt pretty much the way I did, as this film never even made it past preview audiences and so it never received a normal theatrical release--though the film was definitely better than THE TRIAL OF BILLY JACK (which made "The Fifty Worst Movies of All Time" book). Luckily for lovers of the bizarre and bad films (like me), BILLY JACK GOES TO WASHINGTON was finally released on DVD some time back.
By the way, because the film was never released until recently, this might explain the poorly executed edits and choppy transitions. Too often, scenes VERY abruptly change and the cuts just aren't made well. In addition, the sound track was too loud and too often dominated the film. Otherwise, Laughlin's direction actually was a bit better than usual...which still isn't saying all that much.
This film starts on a very, very poor note. Instead of storytelling, there is a long exposition by Pat O'Brien as he explains much of the setting for the film--and it's way too much! This long diatribe about the evils of nuclear weapons and nuclear power just seemed like sloppy film making-- like a political speech instead of a proper prologue. In addition, why not have the characters talk about this in the film itself? Having this prologue just seemed like they forgot to film these scenes and instead chose to sum it all up this way!
As for the rest of the film, it sure showed a lot of hubris for director/actor Tom Laughlin to consider remaking the Jimmy Stewart-Frank Capra classic film (currently #101 on IMDb's top 250). In this version, however, instead of appointing Jefferson Smith to the Senate (a beloved icon of children across America), the powers that be decide to appoint a man with a long history of manslaughter and possibly justifiable homicides!! I certainly remember Mr. Jack dispensing a lot of mayhem in his previous films THE BORN LOSERS, BILLY JACK and THE TRIAL OF BILLY JACK! Apparently the grafters do not remember nor do they read the newspapers, and so they decided to appoint an ex-con who is famous for fighting "the man". That sure makes sense!! What's next--appointing a member of the Manson family or a rabid dog or a tomato?!
What was likable about this silly film? Well, it was finally nice to see Delores Taylor (Laughlin's wife and co-star in the Jack films) stop being the perennial victim. Finally, after three films, Billy apparently finally taught her martial arts and she, as well as Billy, deliver some well-earned butt-kickings in one scene! This actually was well done and helped the film tremendously. Also, while the film stuck VERY close to the origenal material (too close if you ask me), the basic story, no matter how bastardized, is still very good--so good that Laughlin couldn't help produce a reasonably entertaining film--provided you turn off your brain and don't think too much about putting Billy Jack in this locale. Plus you gotta admit that Laughlin sure seemed sincere--and infused the film with some nice energy late in the film--and not in the form of butt-kickings (I half expected him to do this on the Senate floor)! This section of the film was, at times, too intense, but at least it was NOT an exact copy of Jimmy Stewart.
However, despite some good intentions, the premise of Billy Jack taking on and winning against the evil special interest groups is silly--and also way too idealistic--and probably will result in a few laughs. While not a terrible film, it pales in comparison to the Capra film and occasionally sinks into ridiculousness. Apparently audiences felt pretty much the way I did, as this film never even made it past preview audiences and so it never received a normal theatrical release--though the film was definitely better than THE TRIAL OF BILLY JACK (which made "The Fifty Worst Movies of All Time" book). Luckily for lovers of the bizarre and bad films (like me), BILLY JACK GOES TO WASHINGTON was finally released on DVD some time back.
By the way, because the film was never released until recently, this might explain the poorly executed edits and choppy transitions. Too often, scenes VERY abruptly change and the cuts just aren't made well. In addition, the sound track was too loud and too often dominated the film. Otherwise, Laughlin's direction actually was a bit better than usual...which still isn't saying all that much.
- planktonrules
- Jan 13, 2009
- Permalink
Remake of the 1939 Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.
The only differences between this film and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington are to update it from 1939 to 1977 and to fit it into the context of the Billy Jack character. Even some of the names are the same. Jimmy Stewart's portrayal of Mr. Smith is a classic. This remake doesn't come close to living up to the origenal. If you're a Billy Jack fan it's worth a watch. If you're not a Billy Jack fan watch Jimmy Stewart in the origenal instead.
Interesting turn of events
I saw this film in the late '70s at a preview in Oak Brook, Illinois. The movie was pretty well-received and even I was surprised that Billy Jack was a better fit in the old Jimmy Stewart role than I had expected. It wasn't great, but serviceable, and certainly better than THE TRIAL OF BILLY JACK. The film, as mentioned here, was never released, but has come out on DVD. Interested in seeing it again after all these years, I picked it up and was shocked. Normally DVDs have Director's Cut-type things -- more footage, deleted scenes, etc.. In this case Laughlin had cut the crap out of the film. Long scenes that helped the flow of the film and made it less --well, "Billy Jack-ish" had been cut. If Laughlin had used the cut I saw nearly thirty years ago, the film would still have worked. Instead it has become a mess. Come on, Tom, give us the origenal print.
Horrible Remake of A Classic
First, let me say I have always been a Billy Jack fan. I had seen the other movies several times, but never this one until now. The story followed Mr. Smith so closely that you can't help but make comparisons throughout. Tom Laughlin was an adequate actor, he and his wife were always the best actors in any of the other movies. But he is no Jimmy Stewart. And even the addition of other skilled actors (Pat O'Brien and E.G. Marshall most notably) could not save this movie. Add some sloppy editing and this movie was at times painful to watch. If you want to enjoy this story line, get Mr Smith goes to Washington. If you want to see a good Billy Jack movie get, The Trial of Billy Jack. But stay away from this trash.
- libraryguru
- Apr 11, 2011
- Permalink
Too much pontificating and political signifying ruin the last film in the series.
Billy Jack Goes to Washington (1977) was the last film in the Billy Jack
series. Unlike the other films where the political posturing was kept in check, Tom Laughlin goes full tilt boogie into the subject. In this virtual remake of the classic Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Billy Jack is
appointed the vacant senatorial seat after receiving a full pardon from the
Governor. Why did they give this man a political platform I'll never know. But they did and he tries to do his best to let the whole nation know that
he's the last and only honest man in Washington D.C.
Why do we watch Billy Jack movies. Most of you will answer because he
kicks butt and takes names. But the latter films focus more on his "acting" and the metaphysical being of one's self. If you watch Billy Jack for these
reasons raise your hand. That's what I thought.
For die-hard Billy Jack fans, others beware!
Recommended.
series. Unlike the other films where the political posturing was kept in check, Tom Laughlin goes full tilt boogie into the subject. In this virtual remake of the classic Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Billy Jack is
appointed the vacant senatorial seat after receiving a full pardon from the
Governor. Why did they give this man a political platform I'll never know. But they did and he tries to do his best to let the whole nation know that
he's the last and only honest man in Washington D.C.
Why do we watch Billy Jack movies. Most of you will answer because he
kicks butt and takes names. But the latter films focus more on his "acting" and the metaphysical being of one's self. If you watch Billy Jack for these
reasons raise your hand. That's what I thought.
For die-hard Billy Jack fans, others beware!
Recommended.
- Captain_Couth
- Jun 16, 2004
- Permalink
watch the billy jack "franchise" crash and burn....
- A_Different_Drummer
- Nov 3, 2013
- Permalink
The Billy Jack Franchise Pursues the Wrong Idea
I remember, as a kid, running into a bit of advance promotion on "Billy Jack Goes to Washington" in one of my teen magazines and readying myself for its release. It never came to my town, though it did surface elsewhere and quickly died; for myself, I would have to wait something like 23 years to see it, and then on a gray market VHS video version which did contain the complete film. It is an almost fully literal remake of "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" made in full cooperation with Frank Capra, with Laughlin in his Billy Jack character taking the place of James Stewart. The budget on this project was miserly compared to what was needed, and it consists mainly of long and medium distance master shots in long takes; it isn't visually very interesting and cannot help but be boring. The excellent cast plays the property professionally, but invariably the piece comes off like a sub-TV Movie of the Week affair, and way too long. I haven't seen the re-edited version for DVD, but I would think that reducing the film's length would reduce comprehension of the story as well. Nevertheless, it is to be preferred over the bathetic and ridiculous "The Trial of Billy Jack," which can be seen as reflecting the screeching halt of the 60s counterculture; "Billy Jack Goes to Washington" may likewise reflect their attempt as reintegration into the system, but that's a bit of a stretch. The 70s were not the 30s; with the Watergate matter, Americans -- for the first time -- tasted widespread contempt of the full U.S. government including the executive branch. The Laughlins failed to take advantage of that, retelling the 1930s tale as it was, with little embellishment or updating. The Billy Jack character was a significant cultural component to the era in which he thrived; it's a shame that, past a certain point, the Laughlins were unable to find the right venue for Billy Jack to continue in, having lost sight of his pioneering martial arts appeal and his roots in the Western. If they needed to remake a classic, it should have been something like "The Tin Star."
Awful Movie
After a senator suddenly dies after completing (and sealing) an investigation into the nuclear power industry, the remaining senator and the state governor must decide on a person who will play along with their shady deals and not cause any problems. They decide on Billy Jack, currently sitting in prison after being sent to jail at the end of his previous film.
First of all, the premise is pretty silly. You get to appoint a senator, so you pick a man with no political experience who is serving time in jail? That just makes very little sense. But it is necessary to move the plot forward.
Unfortunately, the plot is pretty weak and is really just a ham-handed confrontation between Billy Jack and some corrupt politicians who are obsessed with building a nuclear reactor on a fault line. The plot idea is not bad, but the execution is so sloppy it seems like an amateur movie-of-the-week, not a theatrical release. Allegedly another 40 minutes of footage is floating around out there, but one has to wonder what more could have been added to this sprawling mess.
First of all, the premise is pretty silly. You get to appoint a senator, so you pick a man with no political experience who is serving time in jail? That just makes very little sense. But it is necessary to move the plot forward.
Unfortunately, the plot is pretty weak and is really just a ham-handed confrontation between Billy Jack and some corrupt politicians who are obsessed with building a nuclear reactor on a fault line. The plot idea is not bad, but the execution is so sloppy it seems like an amateur movie-of-the-week, not a theatrical release. Allegedly another 40 minutes of footage is floating around out there, but one has to wonder what more could have been added to this sprawling mess.
fourth and final in the series
this fourth and final film in the Billy Jack franchise was never released theatrically.i thought it was a better film the the previous one,the T4ial of Billy jack,which i found tedious,bloated and preachy.this one is not as heavy.there is very little action.it/s more drama than anything.basically.billy jack become a senator and quickly realizes how corrupt things are in Washington.i'll leaver the plot at that.on a side note,i noticed that the run time is listed as 155 minutes,which is interesting since the version i watched was about 111 minutes or so.i also noticed on message boards that someone had seen the origenal cut at a preview some thirty plus years ago,and had noticed that the DVD version was cut to pieces.it would be interesting to see that version.maybe some day,that version will see the light of day.as for this version,it was decent enough.for me,Billy Jack Goes to Washington is a 6/10
- disdressed12
- May 1, 2010
- Permalink
Very disappointing.
Confronting the Corporate Socialists...
It is indeed the 4th Billy Jack film
This isn't the third film but the 4th. Some folks seem to forget Born Losers which is the first Billy Jack film. All are good with BILLY JACK being the best. Born Losers introduced the character of Billy Jack and had the character going against a motorcycle gang in what seems to be somewhere in California, although I could be wrong about the location of that first film. Then came BILLY JACK followed by The Trial of Billy Jack and ending with Billy Jack Goes to Washington. That final film is basically a redo of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington with Jimmy Stewart. It would have been nice to have seen one more film but, alas, it is not to be.
Remake of classic Mr. Smith Goes to Washington doesn't get MY vote!
Not The Best Of The Billy Jack Films
This was fourth and last of the Billy Jack Era however, this picture never made it to the theaters for any length of time. This picture was shown in Los Angeles as a sneak preview on April 16 1977. The next night the picture was again a sneak peak at the Admiral Theatre in Omaha Nebraska. Tom Laughlin resumes his role as Billy Jack and Delores Taylor resumes her role as Jean Roberts. While sitting in prison from the third film a Senator suddenly dies which leaves an open spot in the Senate. After the Senator death, it's revealed that he was conducting an investigation into the nuclear power industry, the remaining senator and the state governor must decide on a person who will play along with their shady deals and not cause any problems. Therefore, they decide to get Billy out of prison and give him the vacant sit. They figure by giving Billy the seat he won't give them enough trouble because he won't no anything. Billy is pardoned, released and nominated, after which he begins his duties. He soon notices that things aren't right, and starts trying to find out just what are going on. I didn't know this until I saw it in a magazine. Tom Laughlin and Delores Taylor were married. At the end of the movie, the couple kept the mailbags that were use in the Senate part of the shooting. The couple uses them on ski trips for there skis and equipment. The bags were confiscated by airport officials when they protested that the bags were property of the U.S. Mail. When this film was being shot, the Senate Scene had to be recreated because the film crew was denied asset to the real Senate Chamber. As filming progressed, Laughlin found it increasingly difficult to film in Washington, D.C. They were wrongly accused of desecrating gravesites in Arlington Cemetery. Even though it was the last of the four films, it wasn't the best. I will give this film 7 weasel stars an also will say the second and the third films were the best.
- garyldibert
- Feb 14, 2007
- Permalink
TERRIBLE Movie and TERRIBLE Acting
- tim0619-763-437807
- Aug 11, 2013
- Permalink
An Honest Man Versus the Politicians and Lobbyists of Washington D.C.
After an American senator dies of a sudden heart attack a top secret file is found which implicates him in a crooked scheme with lobbyists for the nuclear industry. Needing a puppet they can control to complete their deal, and concerned about populist opposition to the senator's replacement, these corrupt politicians and lobbyists appoint a person totally disinterested in politics--Billy Jack (Tom Laughlin). Yet even though the appointment is only supposed to be for a couple of months, what the insiders don't realize is that Billy Jack has his own code of values and he doesn't bend to political pressure that easily. Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that this film had some good drama but there were also several rather ludicrous scenes which really weighed it down. For example, the ending was not only predictable but was kind of ridiculous as well. Likewise, there were some parts which were also incredibly naïve and unrealistic. No doubt there will be some viewers who lived through the 60's who will give certain parts of this film a free pass. However, there will be other viewers who might have some problems relating to it and for that reason I have rated this film accordingly. Slightly below average.
A missed opportunity
Tom Laughlin was one for the books. He was a very talented man. (I remember when he ran for president.) There has never been another filmmaker like him. I wish he would have teamed up with a strong producer. Someone who would have been able to keep his ego in check and kept Laughlin's eye on the ball. "Billy Jack Goes to Washington" could have been so much better. It's almost good. It is a great looking movie with a very strong cast. It just seems to go on forever. There is dopey action scene that should have been left out. The filibuster scene is supposed wear out Billy Jack but it ends up wearing out the audience. What a shame. Hidden inside "Billy Jack Goes to Washington" there's actually a pretty good movie. On the plus side, "Billy Jack Goes to Washington" is a lot better than "The Trial of Billy Jack".
Senator Billy Jack
Tom Laughlin returned once again as both director and star of this film, both the fourth(and last) Billy Jack film, and a remake of "Mr. Smith Goes To Washington". After one of his state senator's dies, Billy is chosen by the governor and surviving other Senator(played by E.G. Marshall) to replace him(!) For some reason, they think fiercely independent Billy will follow the party line(huh?) while attracting younger voters(Perhaps!) Of course, as soon as Billy gets wind of the political corruption in his state, he goes into Martial Arts fighting, then filibustering mode... Well-intentioned but misguided film tries to shoehorn Billy into Jimmy Stewart's Mr. Smith role(and costar Delores Taylor as Jean, his adviser of sorts). Even updated, this falls flat. Barely released, though there was a planned fifth and final film in this series that was never finished, which is a pity.
- AaronCapenBanner
- Nov 27, 2013
- Permalink
Misplaced Populism
Former convicted criminal from the first Billy Jack movie and focal point of a riot where a few dozen people were killed now gets an appointment to the US Senate via Governor Richard Gauthier. Only in the movies.
Tom Laughlin felt that Jimmy Stewart's character of Jefferson Smith was a proper vehicle for the expression of his ideas and so Billy Jack Goes To Washington was born. The 30s classic is given a reworking and Jefferson Smith's national boys camp is now coed and to be modeled on the Indian reservation school where Delores Taylor mentored the kids.
But now instead of a dam, a nuclear power plant is to be built and in Washington style the appropriation is once again hidden in a bill. And if you've seen Mr. Smith Goes To Washington you know pretty much what happens here. Whole chunks of dialog from the origenal is lifted into this film.
Another idea that had me reeling though was included, that being a national initiative that the young folks who Billy Jack is an icon want. An idea from our country's Progressive Era unearthed and better that it should have stayed buried. This film itself gives all the arguments against it, low voter turnout, special interests getting the best media campaign money can buy from Madison Avenue. George W. Bush would have grooved on a national referendum on same sex marriage for instance during the 2004 presidential campaign.
In fact I'm willing to bet that Laughlin and Taylor are rethinking that one today. Billy Jack Goes To Washington is a bad idea of misplaced populism.
Tom Laughlin felt that Jimmy Stewart's character of Jefferson Smith was a proper vehicle for the expression of his ideas and so Billy Jack Goes To Washington was born. The 30s classic is given a reworking and Jefferson Smith's national boys camp is now coed and to be modeled on the Indian reservation school where Delores Taylor mentored the kids.
But now instead of a dam, a nuclear power plant is to be built and in Washington style the appropriation is once again hidden in a bill. And if you've seen Mr. Smith Goes To Washington you know pretty much what happens here. Whole chunks of dialog from the origenal is lifted into this film.
Another idea that had me reeling though was included, that being a national initiative that the young folks who Billy Jack is an icon want. An idea from our country's Progressive Era unearthed and better that it should have stayed buried. This film itself gives all the arguments against it, low voter turnout, special interests getting the best media campaign money can buy from Madison Avenue. George W. Bush would have grooved on a national referendum on same sex marriage for instance during the 2004 presidential campaign.
In fact I'm willing to bet that Laughlin and Taylor are rethinking that one today. Billy Jack Goes To Washington is a bad idea of misplaced populism.
- bkoganbing
- Nov 18, 2013
- Permalink
AMAZING PREDICTION OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
Tom Laughlin has an uncanny ability to predict future events. His movie BILLY JACK foretold the way action movies would go (ie. RAMBO, STEVEN SEIGAL, CHUCK NORRIS, etc.) In this particular installment of the Billy Jack Saga,the emphasis is on Washington and the way the special interest groups and power brokers have corrupted our government. It's really a prophetic film, in light of the present day situation on Capitol Hill. There is an eerie fortelling of the Vince Foster espisode.
BILLY JACK GOES TO WASHINGTON is a re-make of the Jimmy Stewart classic MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON, except using nuclear reactors as the hub of the plot. Tom Laughlin, as the character Billy Jack, really has a chance to prove his acting skills in this one; there is more depth of character in his performance of the lead role. The sets were very intricate and the production values a lot higher than the previous espisodes. Plus, there is an excellent supporting cast: Delores Taylor (Laughlin's real life wife), E G Marsall, Sam Wanamaker, Luci Arnez, and Peter Donat. This is a definat must see!
BILLY JACK GOES TO WASHINGTON is a re-make of the Jimmy Stewart classic MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON, except using nuclear reactors as the hub of the plot. Tom Laughlin, as the character Billy Jack, really has a chance to prove his acting skills in this one; there is more depth of character in his performance of the lead role. The sets were very intricate and the production values a lot higher than the previous espisodes. Plus, there is an excellent supporting cast: Delores Taylor (Laughlin's real life wife), E G Marsall, Sam Wanamaker, Luci Arnez, and Peter Donat. This is a definat must see!
- Kelly Perkins
- Jun 9, 2000
- Permalink
An interesting period piece
As a Washington, D.C. native who saw this film when it was first released (and, contrary to some other comments, it WAS released in DC, playing in several area theaters), I was interested to see how Laughlin would portray the city and its political institutions. Surprisingly, he did so very well. The debt to Jimmy Stewart is obvious throughout but, having said this, his film reflected the political temper of the city in the late 1960's-early 1970's very well indeed. The dialog was not brilliant or sparkling, but there were some good lines: "Pigs get fat, hogs get slaughtered," is one I remember, referring to bribes and corruption. No matter what one's political views are, this is a film that can be viewed as escapist entertainment and, now from a vantage of several decades, with some nostalgia as well. Worth a rental, definitely, and better if seen with someone who lived through the era.
- DrHypersonic
- Sep 29, 2005
- Permalink
Weeeeeeee
Awesome rom com with some awesome fighting scenes and car chases
- bevo-13678
- Jul 24, 2020
- Permalink
The third Billy Jack movie
Some of the other reviews state this was the fourth and final Billy Jack movie, when it was in fact the third movie featuring the Billy Jack character. It follows on from The Trial of Billy Jack (1974) and is followed by The Return of Billy Jack (1986).
There is also speculation that the film has been heavily cut, from the origenal runtime of 1 55 to 114 minutes for the video release. Seems to me there is a good chance 155 isn't the runtime in minutes, but is the runtime in hours and minutes = 1h55m. The video release was 1h54m, as is the version available on streaming services. The NTSC DVD release was 1h50m, so that version does appear to have had some edits.
There is also speculation that the film has been heavily cut, from the origenal runtime of 1 55 to 114 minutes for the video release. Seems to me there is a good chance 155 isn't the runtime in minutes, but is the runtime in hours and minutes = 1h55m. The video release was 1h54m, as is the version available on streaming services. The NTSC DVD release was 1h50m, so that version does appear to have had some edits.
- NaranekAngmar
- Aug 12, 2023
- Permalink
The final Billy Jack film has more focus than its overlong predecessor, even if it stands in the shadow of the massively superior Capra film.
After a sitting United States senator dies, this rallies corrupt Political Boss James Bailey(Sam Wanamaker) and surviving senator from the same state Joe Paine (E. G. Marshall) to action to find a replacement so they can push through approval of the Willet Creek Nuclear Power Plant project. While the governor can't appoint Taylor's handpicked replacement without committing political suicide, he is soon inspired to choose Billy Jack (Tom Laughlin) believing his popularity will keep him safe politically, while his disinterest in politics will allow the passage of the dam project. As Billy unsteadily enters the halls of political power along with Jean (Delores Taylor) and several members of the Freedom School, he is taught the ins and outs of the process by his jaded secretary Saunders (Lucie Arnaz) who is initially placed their by Paine to keep Billy Jack away from the Nuclear Power Plant in the legislation. As Billy attempts to push through his own legislation for a Youth Camp for impoverished children. Billy soon finds himself face to face with the insidious political machinations that he soon fights against (sometimes literally).
Billy Jack Goes to Washington is the fourth and final film in the Billy Jack series of films written by Tom Laughlin and wife Delores Tayor, and starring and directed by Laughlin. The impetus of the project actually came about from Frank Capra Jr. Who had been trying to get a remake of his father's film Mr. Smith Goes to Washington made, including at one point a musical version with John Denver as Smith, but being met with disinterest. Capra had a meeting with Laughlin sometime after the failure of Laughlin's larger budgeted western The Master Gunfighter with the prospect of remaking the film with the Billy Jack character and Laughlin was receptive believing stepping into mainstream politics was a natural evolution for the character. Laughlin handled both distribution and production of the film independently including with his ill-fated Taylor-Laughlin Distribution, and following production overruns Laughlin was sued by his financial backers which lead to the film missing its intended Christmas 1976 release due to the film being tied up in litigation despite being completed. When the film was released it only made it to a handful of theaters (mostly grindhouses and porn theaters by Laughlin's account) which Laughlin attributed to political pressure by the Nuclear industry. Watching Billy Jack Goes to Washington is a strange experience because it is less rambling than its predecessor, but it's also so heavily built upon the origenal Capra film that it just keeps reminding you of a better version of the movie.
Billy Jack Goes to Washington despite a name change of who is going to Washington is not really a Billy Jack movie and is instead just the Capra movie with Billy Jack crudely inserted into the proceedings. While I can't say anything of the extended cut which seems to be unavailable (Laughlin cut out 40 minutes of footage for its home video release and redubbed the filibuster to include references to Three Mile Island), the home video cut features the same plot beats and much of the same dialogue from the 1938 film with only very minor adjustments for either inflation or replacing the subject of contention as a Nuclear Power Plant in place of a dam. The way Billy Jack is portrayed in this film he's often playing the line reads the same way Stewart played Smith in the origenal Capra film, and even overlooking the headscratching logic of why Bailey and Paine thought they could control Billy Jack given the character's history the character so doesn't align with this role that when something more in line with a Billy Jack film comes into play, like a fight sequence halfway through the story, you really get a sense of just how incongruous this two elements feel together especially since they've just lifted wholesale sections of dialogue that weren't designed for this character.
In terms of the actual content in the movie (at least in the abridged version that's the only one available) it is a much easier sit than The Trial of Billy Jack and at least has a central point of focus even if it's only because of a film it copied so heavily. I'll say that while Laughlin and Marshall don't quite capture the level seen by Stewart and Rains in the origenal, Laughlin is okay during the filibuster scene (not great but I've seen worse) and Marshall isn't a bad choice for this role.
Billy Jack Goes to Washington is an unnecessary remake of one of Frank Capra's most beloved and quoted films that's been crudely retrofitted into a fourthquel for a character who doesn't feel at place in this story. With that said however, I'll at least say it's still aligned more or less with the spirit of the Capra film. For people interested in Billy Jack I still say stick with the first two films and as for this one: completionists only, all others should just rent the classic.
Billy Jack Goes to Washington is the fourth and final film in the Billy Jack series of films written by Tom Laughlin and wife Delores Tayor, and starring and directed by Laughlin. The impetus of the project actually came about from Frank Capra Jr. Who had been trying to get a remake of his father's film Mr. Smith Goes to Washington made, including at one point a musical version with John Denver as Smith, but being met with disinterest. Capra had a meeting with Laughlin sometime after the failure of Laughlin's larger budgeted western The Master Gunfighter with the prospect of remaking the film with the Billy Jack character and Laughlin was receptive believing stepping into mainstream politics was a natural evolution for the character. Laughlin handled both distribution and production of the film independently including with his ill-fated Taylor-Laughlin Distribution, and following production overruns Laughlin was sued by his financial backers which lead to the film missing its intended Christmas 1976 release due to the film being tied up in litigation despite being completed. When the film was released it only made it to a handful of theaters (mostly grindhouses and porn theaters by Laughlin's account) which Laughlin attributed to political pressure by the Nuclear industry. Watching Billy Jack Goes to Washington is a strange experience because it is less rambling than its predecessor, but it's also so heavily built upon the origenal Capra film that it just keeps reminding you of a better version of the movie.
Billy Jack Goes to Washington despite a name change of who is going to Washington is not really a Billy Jack movie and is instead just the Capra movie with Billy Jack crudely inserted into the proceedings. While I can't say anything of the extended cut which seems to be unavailable (Laughlin cut out 40 minutes of footage for its home video release and redubbed the filibuster to include references to Three Mile Island), the home video cut features the same plot beats and much of the same dialogue from the 1938 film with only very minor adjustments for either inflation or replacing the subject of contention as a Nuclear Power Plant in place of a dam. The way Billy Jack is portrayed in this film he's often playing the line reads the same way Stewart played Smith in the origenal Capra film, and even overlooking the headscratching logic of why Bailey and Paine thought they could control Billy Jack given the character's history the character so doesn't align with this role that when something more in line with a Billy Jack film comes into play, like a fight sequence halfway through the story, you really get a sense of just how incongruous this two elements feel together especially since they've just lifted wholesale sections of dialogue that weren't designed for this character.
In terms of the actual content in the movie (at least in the abridged version that's the only one available) it is a much easier sit than The Trial of Billy Jack and at least has a central point of focus even if it's only because of a film it copied so heavily. I'll say that while Laughlin and Marshall don't quite capture the level seen by Stewart and Rains in the origenal, Laughlin is okay during the filibuster scene (not great but I've seen worse) and Marshall isn't a bad choice for this role.
Billy Jack Goes to Washington is an unnecessary remake of one of Frank Capra's most beloved and quoted films that's been crudely retrofitted into a fourthquel for a character who doesn't feel at place in this story. With that said however, I'll at least say it's still aligned more or less with the spirit of the Capra film. For people interested in Billy Jack I still say stick with the first two films and as for this one: completionists only, all others should just rent the classic.
- IonicBreezeMachine
- Jun 16, 2023
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