The western genre has had a tough time in the 21st Century with a mediocre number of films that really make the grade. That said, the movie Old Henry opening this weekend really pulls off a good show with action and thrills. Quality direction, acting and special effects turn routine into high grades and perfect locations and sets make the film extra special. If you like a good shoot ‘em up that will keep you on the edge of your seat, then check out Old Henry.
While trying to escape a posse Curry (Scott Hayze) gets shot. Falling into a ditch he eludes capture. In the meantime, widower Henry McCardy (Tim Blake Nelson) and his teenage son Wyatt (Gavin Lewis) live on a farm a couple of miles from where the incident took place and they spot a horse covered in blood approaching them. Checking out the bloody saddle, Henry decides to look for the fallen rider. He comes across the hurt and unconciouos Curry hiden in a ditch. There he also finds a gun and some money in his saddlebag. When Curry regains conscience, he tellsWyatt that he’s being chased by a fake marshall named Ketchum (Stephen Dorff).
So begins a story of cat-and-mouse as Ketchum gets the feeling that Henry may be hiding Curry. Director and writer Potsy Ponciroli makes all the right moves in his twist filled movie that’s compelling and intriging. Putting together a fine special effects/props department, excellent cinematographers, Ponciroli works his crew into a tizzy and comes up with a winner. For example, even the sounds of the western six-shooters are so realistic that when they discarge a round you can hear the metalic spin of the cylinder.
The performance by Tim Blake Nelson is incredibly good as he depicts the farmer who can handle a gun like it was part of his body. The standoff he makes as McCardy between Ketchum and his gang is edge of your seat convincing . It’s a battle to save his son and homestead, and he doesn’t give up. His acting through his stellar carrer of almost 100 credits has always been good. My best memory of him in “O Brother , Where Art Thou?” still flashes his image whenever the title gets mentioned. Check that film out and The Ballad of Buster Scruggs after you have watched Old Henry to see this actors depth.
Old Henry has not been rated by the MPAA, but contains violence, language, and gory scenes. The film is now playing in theaters across the country. 4 out of 5 stars
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Tim Blake Nelson, Scott Hayze, Gavin Lewis, Trace Adkins
Directed and written by: Potsy Ponciroli
Genre: Western
MPAA Rating: Not Rated, violence, gore, language,
Running Time: 1 hr. 39 min.
Opening Date: October 1, 2021
Distributed by: Shout Studios
Released in: Theaters
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
