Although TRUE STORY OF JESSE JAMES provides some interesting angles into the legendary figure of Jesse James, I doubt very much that truth is this film's central concern.
That said, Wagner is an unexpected choice as JJ. He has never been a great actor, but he fares OK in this role, not as convincing, or as likeable, as Jeffrey Hunter as Frank James.
The rest of the cast is not as memorable as the long coats worn by the James and Younger brothers during their attack on Northfield. Photography largely pedestrian, but the scene where the James brothers jump off a cliff on horseback is one that stays with you.
Direction is as uneven as the script, which uses a completely needless flashback to trot out a predictable narrative. As for psychological credibility - well, none that I could honestly detect, apart from an eagerness to clear JJ of all blame, and of any murderous tendencies.
Not recommended, unless you are a diehard Western fan. 5/10.
That said, Wagner is an unexpected choice as JJ. He has never been a great actor, but he fares OK in this role, not as convincing, or as likeable, as Jeffrey Hunter as Frank James.
The rest of the cast is not as memorable as the long coats worn by the James and Younger brothers during their attack on Northfield. Photography largely pedestrian, but the scene where the James brothers jump off a cliff on horseback is one that stays with you.
Direction is as uneven as the script, which uses a completely needless flashback to trot out a predictable narrative. As for psychological credibility - well, none that I could honestly detect, apart from an eagerness to clear JJ of all blame, and of any murderous tendencies.
Not recommended, unless you are a diehard Western fan. 5/10.