User Reviews

The acting and the scenery are all amazing. Nick Sowell as Max was as evil a man as Jack Palance's character in SHANE. The sets reminded me more of what it was like in the old west more rustic than what TV westerns would have had you believe. The lighting resembles HBO's DEADWOOD series in authenticity. For a probably low budget film, this has all the features you could want. You will be seeing more of Nick Sowell and hearing more about Charlton Thorp, director in the future. The only glaring weakness would be in that it needed a historical wardrobe person...too many large scarves for guys who did not work with cattle.

The Devil Wears Spurs is a wonderful re-creation of the westerns my parents grew up loving, with a twist. With an amazingly shocking storyline, this film consistently had me wondering what was coming next. Charlton Thorp and Nick Sowell created a wonderful film for such young filmmakers. Nick Sowell, as Max McCoy, made a fantastic acting debut. His raw talent filled the screen in almost every scene. The background score of the film kept it moving right along, adding to it's suspense. The beautiful scenery of West Texas gave the movie that extra authenticity needed for a western to truly work. I hope to see this film in festivals across the country!

Nick Sowell and Charlton Thorpe combined to make one heck of a film....and one heck of a awesome project to be part of. The entire cast and crew did such a good job that, frankly, I was disappointed when the fun was over and I had to go home. The location in Texas was exquisite. Wonderful rolling hills with Mesquite trees make this film a scenic splendor.

Charlton's brilliant writing abilities only mirror his method of directing with such a quiet, definitive style. His artistic ideas are easily discussed and you immediately know what he's looking for.

Nick Sowell's energy is contagious and he is excellent as "Max", expertly showing the range of the many emotions required for this character. Michael Wayne James, as the Sheriff, and the rest of the cast make this film truly entertaining.

This is the second film that I have been associated with Charlton and Nick. They certainly are the next up-and-coming film duo. Strap on your seat belts, people. This will be exciting to watch!

This movie was a real pleasure to work on from start to finish. The cast and crew were filled with talented individuals and full of great leadership. The film is a hallmark of scenic beauty giving the cinematography a very high rating. New, young, and very talented actor Nick Sowell commanded the screen throughout his entire performance giving the Director Charlton Thorp the ability to manipulate this Gothic western in the way he saw fit. The lush symphonic score covered all modern and folk genres giving the picture a wide scope of emotions and tension. This film should be ranked high in the new 2006-2007 festival and independent film markets. Great job.

This movie by a young group of actors and crew is stunning in its cinematic beauty and its quality belies the fact that this was many of the principals first movie. The story line flows well and the action scenes at the end of the movie are riveting. Keep an eye out for this group in the future, they are beginning to make a names for themselves. Carlton Thorp did a masterful job on a very limited budget, Nick Sowell was a real force on the screen being in virtually every scene, the camera loved him and his angular good looks will cause him to be in demand beyond the 2 new movies he has made since the completion of The Devil Wears Spurs.

This group of talented writers, actors and producers has come together to create a beautiful portrayal of love, greed and deceit. The combination of talents both young and veteran blends smoothly to form a unique film. Charlton Thorpe and Nick Sowell collaborated on what would prove to be their first of several films, and their skills are evident. Nick's foray into acting is a huge success as his presence on screen was casually commanding. Together, he and Charlton have developed a unique relationship, both on and off the screen. Devil Wears Spurs is an excellent initiation into film making. These wonderfully talented writers and producers are bound to continue to create.

A solid movie all the way up and down. Thorpe's directing reminds me of a young John Ford or Sergio Leone. Personally it reminds me of Yojimbo or Fistful of Dollars. The lanky star, Nick Sowell, acts out his lines. His delivery never seems forced. A good movie and entertaining to say the least. The setting in Texas reminds one of the true locales of the old west. What lacks in length it makes up for in substance. Music was original. Cinematography was inspired. If you are a fan of the western genre, do yourself a favor, watch this, and see some of the most promising actors to do a western movie in a long long long time. A true treat for all western fans.

I thought this movie was very well written and put together by the team of young professionals behind it. It is a great western offering suspense and drama to the audience. Filmed in west Texas, the Mesquite Trees and plains add to the movies authenticity. Independent films of this caliber are rare which is why I believe this is one of the best ones to arrive this year. Nick Sowell and Charlton Thorp have created a great movie for audiences of all ages and will continue to raise the bar in the film industry. I think there are several new talents in this motion picture that we will see for years to come. This movie is the beginning for several young actors and producers and is a great launching point for their continued success in the business.

The Devil Wears Spurs is the kind of film that subtly grabs you from the beginning and just doesn't let go. It features an outstanding ensemble cast of actors that clearly had there hearts invested in the project. The locations and cinematography are truly breathtaking as well as the inventive score accompanying them. The set and costume design is amazing too. I look forward to seeing more work from this group in the future and think Nick Sowell and Charlton Thorp should be applauded for making a film of this caliber on such a low budget. I can't wait to see it again in the Los Angeles Film Festival, where it belongs.

This was a great new film from the beginning to the end. The youth of these actors and crew in there young careers is far from evident in this story of greed and deception. Nick Sowell did a masterful job with his first big role as Max McCoy. Carlton Thorp could not have done not better with the budget he was given. The music and cinematography of this independent film were a delight in every sense of the word. I can say with out a doubt that not too many people could have pulled this off with what they had. Pulling it off is one thing, but making it as great as it was is another. I look forward to seeing how high this film is ranked in the up coming festivals. Congratulations to cast and crew for a job well done!

All of the characters vividly portray the lifestyle of the 1880's old west. Those cowboys knew who they were, and what they were doing. Sheriff Von Morely, Michael Wayne James, had a strong and yet subtle way of serving justice. The sheriff and his deputy kept a tight rain on the town's rough necks. Nothing would get past their suspicions. The women had you softly compelled as to what they thought was real in life and love. They worked hard to survive life and to always be prepared for the unknown. In every western there is always a bad villainous man. Max McCoy, Nick Sowell, takes you down an aggressive path of greed and hate. Max was truly a bad man intent on taking everything from everyone. Bill McKinney, the mysterious barkeeper, delivers an old folklore monologue that leaves you in suspense as to what really happens in the end. Charlton Thorp, writer and director, brings back the true grit of the old west with the ethics and morals intertwined into the story line. John Ford would be proud to see this type of production quality come from such a young team of filmmakers.

Filming on the Sowell's 101 Ranch was a great experience. Bunking up in the hunting lodge with the cast and crew brought everyone close together. Waking up in the morning to see the long horn cattle grazing on those Texas plains outside the hunting lodge was a real inspiration. TDWS was my 2nd collaboration with Nick Sowell and Charlton Thorp. I refer to Charlton as the quiet director, with a soft-spoken style similar to that of Clint Eastwood. Charlton and Nick truly brought us all together as a creative team. Nick's ability as a producer and actor has put this film on the map. As big as Texas! His talents all around are more than worthy to take notice of. Performing opposite Nick was natural and comfortable. When Nick offered me the role of Sheriff Von Morley, it wasn't a difficult decision to make. Especially since Nick gave me a deputy filled with lots of spunk, Wesley Satterfield. Nick and I had a lot of fun in a prior project titled "REWARD" an Indie short. This second time around, we had some new actors that enhanced our fun even more. Bill McKinney and I became friends a few years ago. We talked about doing a project together. I appreciated Nick bringing that to fruition. Bill's performance, like always, was outstanding. This group of newcomers and veteran actors blended well together. I am sure that this team will continue to gain further recognition with their fans and within the film industry. I am happy to be a part of this new stock company.

From creative cinematography to a dynamic and interesting storyline, "The Devil Wears Spurs" was a truly well-rounded film. This movie delivers a powerful and thought-out message which is enhanced by the work of the actors and production crew. Powerful music and sound blended with scenery that draws the viewer into the mood of the old west, helps to create a dramatic overall effect making "The Devil Wears Spurs" very enjoyable. Nick Sowell, Charlton Thorp, and the rest of the cast and crew did an excellent job creating this production, and I am looking forward to seeing their next film "Elves" as soon as it comes out.

I saw this movie a few nights ago at a friends house and the one performance that stood out was Michael Wayne James. I think the casting of him in his part was a great choice as I couldn't think of anyone better to have played the part. His acting was right on and you could tell characters feelings whether they were verbalized or unheard. A true sign of a great actor! I look forward to seeing him in many others movies to come. The story was well written as well. The only thing I would comment on were costumes. They really could have done a better job with the female leads costumes. other than that the movie is worth watching even if you only fast forward to Michaels parts.

Watch out Lucas and Spielberg, new young guns on the horizon. Sowell and Thorp, that is Nick and Charlton, are coming to town!! THE DEVIL WORE SPURS is a great first movie for this duo. Sowell's acting and producing was terrific and totally believable coupled with Thorp's directing made TDWS a real enjoyment to watch. The authenticity of the scenes reminds one of the old spaghetti westerns. The scenery takes one back to the old West and the music was an awesome addition to the story.

One feels that this team will be making a lot more movies. I can only agree with the other posts. Keep 'em coming guys, the skies the limit. Thanks for a very enjoyable evening.

This was an excellent first effort by the creative team of Nick Sowell and Charlton Thorp. Entertaining, well scripted, and beautifully executed, this movie proves that some people just have movie making in their blood! Although the budget was limited, the cast and crew managed to use their resources and a beautiful backdrop to display some amazing scenic visuals. Their research paid off; as each scene was a picture from an old western photograph, including authentic costumes and period appropriate hair and makeup. Paired with a dark and brooding score, this story of a man and his haunting past was incredibly entertaining. I can't wait to see the next piece of work from these talented young artists!

It's nice to see a real western made by fans of the old gunslinger films of the 60's and 70's. The Devil Wears Spurs is a great film for anyone and everyone of all ages to enjoy. The locations are just as beautiful, if not more, than the old Sergio Leone locals of his famous movies. The actors, set pieces, and costume design are authentic and fun. The cinematography looks great, especially considering it was shot on a super 16mm film camera. David Box contributes mightily with daring and adventures scores to accompany the stunning visuals. All in all, Charlton Thorp and Nick Sowell did an incredible job making this low budget feature that every young, aspiring film maker should see.

I had seen David Box's name in Film Score magazine so I decided I work continue checking his website for the music to this film. He does warrant being in Film Music Magazine Hot Sheet but there were spots that sounded synthesized. Low Budget constrictions are always tough to deal with and he did a great job of filling in the much needed solo sections and woodwind parts with real musicians. This was an extremely impressive score to pull off with such a limited budget. I emailed the composer to see what he had to work with and he was nice enough to email me back with his process and the total music budget figure of $3500 dollars. $3000 for him and $500 for musicians. This is really impressive. Great job David and I hope you get another film to work on that uses this 20th century compositional style. I wish they would have put out a sound track.

The legendary A. C. Lyles of Paramount Pictures attended the screening of "The Devil Wears Spurs" at the New York International Independent Film Festival. What a thrill it was for the Bravado Production Team to be accompanied by such an Icon. A.C. Lyles has a career spanning over 75 years and is well known for producing such popular westerns as; Rawhide, Buckskin, Johnny Reno, and the list goes on and on. Most recently consulting for "Deadwood"! Starring in the film was Nick Sowell as Max McCoy who is also the Executive Producer of this fine piece. Along with Nick was the famous, Bill McKinney whom is also known for his role on Outlaw Josie Whales and 7 other Clint Eastwood Films. New talent, Charlton Thorp, the Writer and Director moved the film with his character as Cal McCoy. Finally, Michael Wayne James as Sheriff Von Morley got an awesome review by AC Lyles. "Michael Wayne James is a great actor". "The overall production was great! A big compliment goes out to David Box, Composer and Shawn Grice, Director of Photography for their unbridled talents in giving the film impact and flow. They together brought the characters alive! All in all this was a successful evening validated by the presence and acceptance of AC Lyles the Master of the Western Drama.You will see this team of talent along with other famous names soon again in the film. "Elves". To be filmed in year 2007.