The Hunter (DVD, 2001, Widescreen)

The last film of legendary actor Steve McQueen, "The Hunter" is an unusual film that should be a part of every McQueen fan's collection. It should not be compared to past films in the actor's 30 film catalogue. Rather, this film is a stripped down, white knuckled treatment of real-life bounty hunter Ralph "Papa" Thorson's life story. McQueen plays Thorson in "real time" as a 50-year old who has slowed somewhat, but still combines determination and grit with a hesitation at facing impending fatherhood with his live-in girlfriend (Kathryn Herrold). The action sequences filmed entirely on location in Chicago's brutal South Side aboard the "L" commuter train is evenly matched by McQueen regarding himself with a dryv tongue-in-cheek humor. The film holds up to McQueen's standards of Integrity evident throughout his entire acting career. While not the strongest script, the performance is endearng as McQueen's last--much to the regret of millions who continue to be drawn to the depth and complexity of this great actor's body of work. One is left with the inextricable feeling of wishing McQueen was not seriously ill (a fact unknown by the majority of the cast and crew). He would die just several months later of Mesothelioma. This author will forever associate "The Hunter" with acts of philanthropy McQueen carried out his entire life--bestowing upon needy neighborhood children 100 baseball bats, balls and gloves generally and becoming legal guardian of a teenage girl with wife Barbara. The girl whom The McQueen's rescued from a life in Chicago slums is today a successful mother and wife with a professional career in Los Angeles. Well worth a watch! A homage to one of the most belowed actors of our generation. McQueen is missed!

I am a fan of Steve McQueen, but this movie has it all, action, comedy, alittle drama, and its just fun to watch. This is based on the true life of Ralph Thorson (see him behind the bar in one scene) a bounty hunter (I think in LA or San Francisco). He has a big heart but takes no guff from anyone. Watch for the famous scene where a car runs off a parking garage into the chicago river. I'm not Ebert, but I do recommend this movie for anyone who likes a GOOD movie.

I bought this DVD because I really admire Steve McQueen - in his movies, he puts his all into his role - if he had had a longer life - I am certain he would have made some fabulous films. What a loss.

This film was exciting, funny in parts & very tender - especially when he handled his baby.

This is one of my favorite Steven McQueen movies, right behind Bullitt and so many of his other great movies. Hunter was based on a true story and was executed flawlessly. When you've said Steve McQueen, you've said it all! Great movie, highly recommended.

Steve's final movie is a fun one. Steve plays a bounty hunter who is getting a little older and has a baby on the way. Steve is dealing with all that and a person out there who wants to kill him. He keeps taking all kinds of jobs to pay the bills and this leads to excitement. It was good the first time Isaw the movie and just as much fun watching it again after the purchase.