Bullet Points: Old Henry
Old Henry has just had its international premiere at the 2021 Venice Film Festival. On October 1st, Shout! Studios will present a Hideout Pictures Production of Old Henry at select theaters. Saddle up!
- The Plot: Tim Blake Nelson and his facial hair star as Henry, a widower living the quiet life on his farm with his teenaged son, Wyatt (Gavin Lewis). When Henry discovers an injured stranger, Curry (Scott Haze) on his farm, it triggers a series of events that eventually lead Henry on a collision course with Ketchum ( Stephen Dorff) and his posse who claim to be the law out looking for justice. Who will be the last man standing when the smoke clears? Old Henry is written and directed by Potsy Ponciroli.
- Western: I love a manly macho Western. Old Henry is Western to the bone. The musical score it just right for the genre. A solid Western needs a solid lead. Tim Blake Nelson is expertly cast as Henry. His energy and vibe bring a lot to the viewer’s experience. You feel like you know Henry after you watch. Also, Stephen Dorff is fantastic as the assumed antagonist of the film.
- The Action: Old Henry is a character study and a badass action movie. It is not nonstop action. Most Westerns are not. They take their time, and then they reward the patient viewer. Old Henry’s climax is as thrilling as they come. You have a sense of uneasiness watching. You know something isn’t quite right, and you know there is a great chance we will not see a happily ever after ending.
- Final Thoughts: We need more movies like Old Henry. Tim Blake Nelson kills it. Once again we have another unexpected action hero. 2021 is the year of the unexpected action hero. I am looking at you, Nobody. Old Henry is made for adults who can appreciate excellent filmmaking and action. The Western genre is far from dead with Old Henry.
- Grade: B+
