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nrsmith85
Reviews
Deadman Standing (2018)
Great Western, Even Better Drama
These are the kinds of stories Hollywood won't tell. It has the guns, girls, and a gruff sheriff, but it also has heart.
It's a solid western, but really stands on its own as a drama that happens to be set in the Old West. The casting is excellent and it feels like the characters exist in a genuine world. This isn't one of your grandpa's genre films.
The Living (2014)
Amazing Indie Film
I saw this film at the Tallgrass Film Festival, and it was excellent. Jack Bryan really knows how to write a compelling tale, and the film ends in a way that Hollywood could never deliver. There's a well-established sense of the world that the characters inhabit, and it never feels like a low-budget production. There are several long dialog takes that are thoroughly impressive performances. It's good to see Fran Kranz in a serious role, as he totally sells the character. Hopefully this acts as a showcase for more dramatic projects. I was unfamiliar with Jocelin Donahue, but will definitely keep an eye out for her in other films. Chris Mulkey is a beast, and absolutely kills it. The people involved in making this movie are clearly talented and passionate individuals, and I can't wait to see what they bring to the table next.
Wichita (2014)
A Thriller in the 1880's Heartland
'Wichita' is an engaging film, full of character and intrigue. While I am not typically a fan of Westerns, this movie feels more like a dramatic piece set in the Old West, rather than a genre film. It is a gritty tale of life on the frontier, where the greatest threat to mortality is not one's health, but the actions of others. To say that I couldn't predict where the story would go is an understatement! There were several surprising moments where the whole theatre gasped, and the ending was met with resounding cheers and applause.
'Wichita' is visually striking, and beautifully shot. It certainly depicts the time period, leaving the audience to focus on the story itself rather than the practicality of the production. There is a great sense of movement, fluidity, and life throughout the movie. Various lines of dialogue set up payoffs later on, with no indication at the time that the audience is being given clues. Watching the movie is an engaging experience, rather than idle viewing.
I would definitely recommend this independent feature, whether or not you are a fan of typical Westerns. It's a dramatic piece, and unlike anything Hollywood is putting out there!