A memorable western with plenty of action, but the guns-holstered moments really kept me invested; the quiet scenes, surprisingly. There's a purity to this beat-down mining town and its unassuming people struggling under the thumb of its unmistakable black hat. That goodness extends to the star himself, Eastwood's ghostly Samaritan who volunteers to step in and even the odds. He's good in this role, and the developing relationships with his surrounding characters feel authentic (Moriarty and Penny are integral).
Eastwood has attained godlike stature in this genre over the decades; there's a reputation involved here. But I found myself wanting more of the day-to-day scenes, even after the smoke cleared and the job was done. How often does that happen?
Eastwood has attained godlike stature in this genre over the decades; there's a reputation involved here. But I found myself wanting more of the day-to-day scenes, even after the smoke cleared and the job was done. How often does that happen?