Django Shoots First (aka He Who Shoots First) (1966)Dir: Alberto De Martino
As one of the 30 odd spin off sequels to the Sergio Corbucci's classic, "Django" (1966), this film is a huge disappointment. This will not be a very in depth review as the film was so dull and completely lacking in any interesting features that I don't have that much to say about it.
I guess to begin, a huge negative is the lack of Franco Nero. He was a big part of what made "Django" so memorable. In this, he is replaced by Glenn Saxon, a bland and forgettable leading man, who kind of wanders around with his blond hair and blue eyes, looking the part, but missing the vital things that Nero had. Charisma and screen presence.
The script lacks any character and the direction is stale and uninspired. The film felt like a giant pretend movie, or like a template without any of the spaces filled in. Put some harmonica music here, some sweaty guys here, follow it with a shoot out, some whiskey, something about money, have the music swell, get Django to shoot some people and you're done.
If you're in the mood for a Django film, don't bother with this one. Watch the original again. Or the wonderfully surreal "Django Kill! (If You Live, Shoot!)" (1967). "Django Shoots First" isn't a terrible film, it's put together competently enough, but it's not worth your time.4/10
