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A 1990's Western comedy featuring Mel Gibson, Maverick was a breath of fresh air when it first appeared in theaters. Unlike most films with a Western setting, this one doesn't take itself too seriously. The product of famed director Richard Donner, whose career spans such diverse and notable creations as Gilligan's Island, The Goonies, and Lethal Weapon, Maverick is a uniquely clever and entertaining adventure comedy based on the 1950's television series of the same name. Back then, as in this one, James Garner is the true star'

Set in the 19th Century as America expands westward, Maverick follows the life of Bret Maverick (Mel Gibson), an enterprising poker player navigating the dangerous backrooms of Western taverns and saloons. In need of $25,000 to enter a winner-take-all poker tournament, he travels from town to town along the way in the hopes of winning his entry fee. But he immediately encounters Angel (Alfred Molina), a roughneck poker player who tries to kill him...

Also along the way, Maverick encounters Ms. Annabelle Bransford (Jodie Foster), a slick and conniving poker player who picks Maverick's pocket following a brief romantic interlude. Both Bret and Annabelle are bound for the same tournament, and they're soon joined by Marshal Zane Cooper (James Garner), a retired sheriff famous throughout the West for his moral clarity.

As the three travel cross country, they face a series of pitfalls that include a dead coach driver, a showdown with hundreds of Indians, and Maverick's unorthodox financial dealings with an Archduke from Russia. Eventually separated, the three meet once again on the Riverboat Lauren Belle, home of the championship poker game hosted by the Commodore Duvall. Bret and Annabelle both intend to win the tournament showdown, while Marshal Cooper is tasked with guarding the $500,000 in entry fees. With Angel part of the tournament field, Maverick must face down the man who tried to murder him. But it's the unexpected actions of a tournament official that really throw things off for our heroes, and when things go awry, Maverick and Marshal Cooper are left to pursue the slickest culprit of all'

Long before The Passion Of The Christ, Mel Gibson helped make this gem of a movie. Great entertainment in every sense of the word, Maverick is an unforgettable comedy marked by the standout performances of Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, and James Garner. Each of the main characters creates a likeable persona. And what makes this movie an absolute must-see (because the plot leaves much to be desired) is the ability of the onscreen characters to develop a personal connection with the audience. Several scenes from the film are ridiculously hilarious, such as those featuring Maverick's Indian friend Joseph (Graham Greene). Nevertheless, Maverick isn't the type of movie that will win Academy Awards or leave one pondering the fundamental principles of the universe. That said, Maverick does serve the ultimate purpose of the big screen by transporting its audience away from the mundane and recharging the soul with laughter and suspense, and that's what good movies are supposed to be all about.