A spooky ‘Searchers’/western ‘Terminator 2’
- The Missing review by HW
This may not have the full emotional scope or complexities of the beautiful Thomas Eidson novel. However among the ranks of film westerns, this one still stands out for its originality and poignancy. Both Tommy Lee Jones and Cate Blanchett excelled as estranged father and daughter: both tough western characters hiding their vulnerabilities. I loved that they kept the young girl Dot in the film as well and the actress playing her was faultless. For western fans, this is worth seeing for its dark, supernatural atmosphere; its emphasis on strong female characters (a western rarity); its exploration of the clashes between races and beliefs in the West; and, of course, its moving message on family and blood ties overcoming these barriers. There’s also some decent action, especially at the end. Do read the novel as well: it may be the best western novel ever written.
1 out of 1 members found this review helpful.
Gory but moving
- The Missing review by JD
Some pretty sickening scenes. Some of the more sensitive and endearing characters come to pretty grizzly ends. Some of the less endearing ones also. I liked the "Western" feel to this drama, other critics obviously didn't. I got this primarily for the pairing of Blanchett and Tommy Lee and was not disappointed. They play pretty much to form but it is a good match and very sparky. Some of the contrivances are unbelievable (as Kermode might say) but I don't like being left with the thought that something wouldn't really work. Is it because directors are so arty they aren't good with minor practicalities or do they just think they'll get away with them? The child actors are good enough not to drag the rest down (unlike the Harry Potter series) because the acting is strong. I was moved and bitterly disappointed (in a good way) with the mood of the film many times.
1 out of 1 members found this review helpful.
Gripping stuff!!
- The Missing review by NR
Powerful performances from all concerned,make this a compelling view.
Portray's the "old West"in a "warts n all" light,a seismic shift from "cowboys n injuns".
Here,the "good guy's" don't all wear white hat's either.
Cate Blanchett and Tommy Lee Jones on good form,but all credit to the able support cast too.
0 out of 0 members found this review helpful.
Disappointingly average thriller.
- The Missing review by CP Customer
This is pretty much an average suspense thriller played out in a western setting. The acting is universally good through the story often plods along at a slow pace, and towards the end of the story the film pretty much turns in to a clichéd western.
0 out of 2 members found this review helpful.
A truly great western
- The Missing review by CD
This is probably the third time I’ve watched this film over the years.
The acting is magnificent and the film puts a welcome slightly spooky spin on the genre. Based on a fantastic Thomas Eidson novel, which I strongly recommend, it tells of a brutal kidnapping but also a past fractured relationship between father and daughter, which is progressively resolved during the film. This relationship is not explored as thoroughly as in the novel, but the film still works as an explanation.
The range of characters in this film is very strong, with great performances from the main child actor. The film has good action and some beautiful photography as well. Highly recommended.
0 out of 0 members found this review helpful.
Underrated Western
- The Missing review by GI
Rather a gruesome film from director Ron Howard who is usually a bit more restrained but this western is a riveting experience. The story is a simple one but made exceptional by the performances and the character relationships which bolster the structure of the film. Cate Blanchett plays a frontier woman who has some medical skills and is often called upon to help her neighbours with ailments and injuries. She has two daughters and lives with a handsome rancher (Aaron Eckhart). One day her estranged father (Tommy Lee Jones) turns up much to her consternation as many years ago he abandoned the family and went to live with Indians. But she finds she needs him when a renegade Apache (Eric Schweig) and his band kidnap her oldest daughter and other local girls. Father and daughter have to unite on the dangerous trail to rescue the abducted girls before they reach Mexico and are lost forever. The narrative adds in some interesting ideas around spiritual belief and there's the hint of the supernatural within the story. There are some great action set pieces and some nasty deaths. This is an entertaining film that deserves to find a new audience as it seems to have been a bit forgotten. With Val Kilmer in a small cameo and co-starring Evan Rachel Wood and Elisabeth Moss this is worth seeking out.
0 out of 0 members found this review helpful.