Hard Times (1975)
A bit unusual choice for an HoF nomination, as they seem to lean quite heavily towards more serious and ambitious films. Personally, I find it a welcome change. As much as I enjoy ambitious projects, I watch a ton of genre films and god-honest B-movies, so I have no difficulties enjoying Charles Bronson doing some bare-knuckle fights.
As a plot, I'm not a great fan of these organized fights and underground tournaments. It's probably the most often used story in martial arts films and the most boring and uninspired at the same time. Hard Times is better than most such films due to its setting (Great Depression almost always works for me) and charismatic actors. The characters may be a little bland, but Bronson and Coburn still make them worthwhile.
Walter Hill may not be an innovator like Kubrick, but he's competent enough to make a good-looking film on a budget. The South looks hot, moist, and beautiful, and the pacing is reasonably tight (though Ireland's character seemed unnecessary, and the film would probably have worked better without her altogether). The fights are also quite good, especially considering the film's age (and Bronson's, I guess).
It's funny how positive the above reads considering that I wouldn't call
Hard Times exactly good. It's an easy watch, though, and moderately entertaining 90 minutes.