<![CDATA[They don't make them like this anymore (really)]]>Archived from the IMDb Discussion Forums — The Friends of Eddie Coyle

Jefbecco-1 — 15 years ago(February 23, 2011 07:50 PM)

I know it's a cliche, but just because it's used alot doesn't make it a false statement.
Nothing about this movie would fly with moviemakers of today. A downer of an ending,a cynical downer of an ending, unsympathetic characters (to include the good guys), criminals who have no redeeming qualitites and an overall feel of bleakness and decay. Wow.
The novel was written by a former prosecutor who was very familiar with the "Justice System" and the criminal culture. It's very obvious. I've been a cop for over ten years now and there isn't a false moment in the movie. It might be thirty-eight years old, but nothing has changed.
Oh sure the technology is different, clothing and hair, even the fact that semi-auto handguns have become more popular than revolvers, but that's all superficial. All in all that's the world of the professional criminal and the cop/Federal agents who pursue them. An outstanding example of the Seventies Movie.
Not real glamerous. Great movie however.

]]>https://filmglance.com/discuss/topic/186004/they-don-t-make-them-like-this-anymore-reallyRSS for NodeThu, 14 May 2026 18:47:32 GMTTue, 28 Apr 2026 21:01:22 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to They don't make them like this anymore (really) on Tue, 28 Apr 2026 21:01:28 GMT]]>Pozzolana — 9 years ago(January 28, 2017 05:27 PM)

This just wouldn't sit with the nauseating crap churned out of Hollywood we see today. That's why it's so nice to just keep discovering and enjoying films like this.

]]>https://filmglance.com/discuss/post/1560871https://filmglance.com/discuss/post/1560871Tue, 28 Apr 2026 21:01:28 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to They don't make them like this anymore (really) on Tue, 28 Apr 2026 21:01:27 GMT]]>yatzo376 — 9 years ago(July 29, 2016 07:50 PM)

Agreed. 70s gritty crime dramas were the best!
"You work your side of the street, and I'll work mine"

]]>https://filmglance.com/discuss/post/1560870https://filmglance.com/discuss/post/1560870Tue, 28 Apr 2026 21:01:27 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to They don't make them like this anymore (really) on Tue, 28 Apr 2026 21:01:26 GMT]]>Eddie_Fingers — 11 years ago(February 16, 2015 02:31 PM)

Agreed. They just don't make crime movies now like they did in the 70s. Easily the best decade for the genre.
"This life's hard, man, but it's harder if you're stupid!"

]]>https://filmglance.com/discuss/post/1560869https://filmglance.com/discuss/post/1560869Tue, 28 Apr 2026 21:01:26 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to They don't make them like this anymore (really) on Tue, 28 Apr 2026 21:01:25 GMT]]>ibbi — 11 years ago(January 21, 2015 01:39 AM)

They try to, they just generally fail for one reason or another
Whether because of a copout ending, or a far too glossy look. If you do get a movie that goes all the way it'll be really low budget, and feature nobody of note.
I'll tell you about
the yellow king.

]]>https://filmglance.com/discuss/post/1560868https://filmglance.com/discuss/post/1560868Tue, 28 Apr 2026 21:01:25 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to They don't make them like this anymore (really) on Tue, 28 Apr 2026 21:01:24 GMT]]>WardenGordonBorden — 14 years ago(April 21, 2011 06:56 PM)

A believable visit to the underbelly. Mitchum, naturally, is perfect as the 2-bit Eddie Coyle, destined to be a loser his whole shortened life.
Even better for me is, I'm originally from that area and have lived, worked and played in those working class 'hoods. Heck, I've even been to the Gahden and seen numbah foah, Bobby Oah - the greatest hockey playah in the world!!!!
Great movie!!!
Hi, Bob.

]]>https://filmglance.com/discuss/post/1560867https://filmglance.com/discuss/post/1560867Tue, 28 Apr 2026 21:01:24 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to They don't make them like this anymore (really) on Tue, 28 Apr 2026 21:01:23 GMT]]>CrossCountryDriver — 15 years ago(March 01, 2011 07:50 PM)

hi Jef
I agree they dont' make movies like this anymore. Its indeed a great movie and one of my favorites. I'm partial to older movies anyway- nothing current rocks my boat. This movie is so realistic and I love it. The cast is incredible to boot.
"This lifes hard man but its harder if you're stupid!" (Steven Keats as Jackie Brown)

]]>https://filmglance.com/discuss/post/1560866https://filmglance.com/discuss/post/1560866Tue, 28 Apr 2026 21:01:23 GMT