Courier at the movies – Come Hell or High Water
The setting of the movie really sets it above others in the genre
With Taylor Sheridan as the writer and David MacKenzie at the helm, I had high hopes for this movie.
And Hell or High Water did not disappoint.
Toby Howard (Chris Pine) is a divorced father who’s trying to make a better life for his son. His brother, Tanner (Ben Forster), is an ex-convict with a short temper and a loose trigger finger. Together, they plan a series of heists against the bank that’s about to foreclose on their family ranch. Standing in their way is Marcus Hamilton (Jeff Bridges), a wily old Texas Ranger who’s only weeks away from retirement. Chris Pine and Ben Foster both turn in great performances.
TRAILER:
Ben Foster, as usual, turns in what I think was the best performance of the movie. He has a knack for playing a top notch supporting role, and often gets overlooked. Chris Pine also nails it as the more straight-laced brother. For a pretty boy of Hollywood, his portrayal is authentic.
Jeff Bridges as the crafty old lawman also compliments these two well.
There is great politically non-correct banter between Hamilton and his Red Indian/Mexican partner Alberto Parker, played by Gil Birmingham.
The setting of the movie really sets it above others in the genre. I would say this movie is more crime/drama or heist film than Western, but it definitely has a Western vibe due to its northwest Texas setting. The area has been hit hard by the recession, a failing farm industry, and big oil. It all makes the recklessness and danger Foster and Pine engage in that much more enjoyable, and even sort of relatable.
The audience can at least sympathise with them as they do what they think is right. But first they must prepare for a final showdown with Marcus who is not ready to ride off into the sunset just yet.
Eight out of ten
