Pale Rider 1985

Vincent Canby, New York Times: I'm just now beginning to realize that, though Mr. Eastwood may have been improving over the years, it's also taken all these years for most of us to recognize his very consistent grace and wit as a filmmaker. Read more

Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader: Though the metaphysical overtones of the screenplay are sometimes awkwardly handled and Eastwood's direction of actors (other than himself) is occasionally uncertain, this was one of the better American films of 1985. Read more

Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times: [Eastwood] understands so well how he works on the screen that the movie has a resonance that probably was not even there in the screenplay. Read more

Richard Corliss, TIME Magazine: Pale Rider does nothing to disprove the wisdom that this genre is best left to the revival houses. A double feature of Shane and Eastwood's High Plains Drifter will do just fine, thanks. Read more

Derek Adams, Time Out: It's good to be back in the saddle again. Read more

Variety Staff, Variety: It's all been seen before, but Eastwood serves it up with authority, fine craftsmanship and a frequent sense of fun. Read more