I hate to compare this to Unforgiven, as that movie probably ranks #1 as my favorite modern western, but this movie is pretty good and has that similar tempo and is more about the character development, a slow building story, and most importantly realistic feel vs. a lot of mindless unrealistic shootouts.
While I don't think anything can compare to the power and screen presence Hackman, Freeman, and of course Eastwood brought in Unforgiven, but Forsaken does a good job and has some memorable acting of it's own. Kiefer is a versatile actor and while I don't think a cowboy is his best fit, he did well, but mostly I thought Michael Wincott who I've only seen in a couple other movies really shined here. My only regret is I wish he had more screen time as he stole every scene he was in, including the ones with Kiefer. I didn't realize Demi Moore was in the movie until she showed up, which was a pleasant surprise, although she too has a small role
Interestingly I didn't think the scenes with the Southerlands were that much of a standout, and given IMDB's low 6.3 rating at the time of me watching & writing this review, was the main reason I took a leap of faith and watched the movie to begin with. Mainly to see the dynamic of those two on the screen together, playing father & son, but in the end it wasn't any more fulfilling or memorable than two decent actors playing father & son. I wouldn't call this a let down and I don't really know what I was expecting, that said I will look up some other Michael Wincott movies as I just thought he stole the show
To sum up, no this isn't Unforgiven by any stretch, it didn't have that score, level of depth or acting level, but it is a similar type of a western and is definitely entertaining and worth of a watch if you like westerns. IMDB is kind of funny though and generally what I've found is 9=A, 8=B, 7=C & 6=D and anything below a 6 is an F which I typically won't ever watch. So I almost passed this by and am glad I didn't as I personally rate it a C+ / B-, certainly better than the D- that it has now...
While I don't think anything can compare to the power and screen presence Hackman, Freeman, and of course Eastwood brought in Unforgiven, but Forsaken does a good job and has some memorable acting of it's own. Kiefer is a versatile actor and while I don't think a cowboy is his best fit, he did well, but mostly I thought Michael Wincott who I've only seen in a couple other movies really shined here. My only regret is I wish he had more screen time as he stole every scene he was in, including the ones with Kiefer. I didn't realize Demi Moore was in the movie until she showed up, which was a pleasant surprise, although she too has a small role
Interestingly I didn't think the scenes with the Southerlands were that much of a standout, and given IMDB's low 6.3 rating at the time of me watching & writing this review, was the main reason I took a leap of faith and watched the movie to begin with. Mainly to see the dynamic of those two on the screen together, playing father & son, but in the end it wasn't any more fulfilling or memorable than two decent actors playing father & son. I wouldn't call this a let down and I don't really know what I was expecting, that said I will look up some other Michael Wincott movies as I just thought he stole the show
To sum up, no this isn't Unforgiven by any stretch, it didn't have that score, level of depth or acting level, but it is a similar type of a western and is definitely entertaining and worth of a watch if you like westerns. IMDB is kind of funny though and generally what I've found is 9=A, 8=B, 7=C & 6=D and anything below a 6 is an F which I typically won't ever watch. So I almost passed this by and am glad I didn't as I personally rate it a C+ / B-, certainly better than the D- that it has now...