With "Forsaken" having the particular title it has, it's obvious that the filmmakers were trying to package it in a way to make viewers think they were getting a western in the same vein of Clint Eastwood's "Unforgiven". (Another similarity is that both movies were filmed in Alberta, Canada.)
Anyway, if you have seen your share of westerns, it's highly likely that you'll find the majority of the story pretty familiar and predictable. (It's more or less the old land-grab plot.) While there are no real big surprises with the movie's story, it is a pretty well executed telling of a familiar story. The dialogue is pretty good for the most part. While the chief bad guy uttering the "f" word several times did seem out of place, the various other characters (good or bad) talk in a manner that gives them some dimension and makes them believable. The cast also does well, particularly the elder Sutherland, who gives one of his best performances in years, helping to make his character with some sympathy instead of a stern stereotype.
Director Jon Cassar gives the movie a nice feel. There is a relaxed and down to earth attitude that while admittedly is a little slow at times, manages for the most part shows life in the wild west was for the most part hard work and not constant action. And the movie looks great, from the background scenery of Alberta to the costumes and sets.
To sum up, while "Forsaken" doesn't offer an original story, and is not for western fans who are looking for tons of action, patient western fans who don't mind seeing a familiar story once again will find this western a well crafted retread.
Anyway, if you have seen your share of westerns, it's highly likely that you'll find the majority of the story pretty familiar and predictable. (It's more or less the old land-grab plot.) While there are no real big surprises with the movie's story, it is a pretty well executed telling of a familiar story. The dialogue is pretty good for the most part. While the chief bad guy uttering the "f" word several times did seem out of place, the various other characters (good or bad) talk in a manner that gives them some dimension and makes them believable. The cast also does well, particularly the elder Sutherland, who gives one of his best performances in years, helping to make his character with some sympathy instead of a stern stereotype.
Director Jon Cassar gives the movie a nice feel. There is a relaxed and down to earth attitude that while admittedly is a little slow at times, manages for the most part shows life in the wild west was for the most part hard work and not constant action. And the movie looks great, from the background scenery of Alberta to the costumes and sets.
To sum up, while "Forsaken" doesn't offer an original story, and is not for western fans who are looking for tons of action, patient western fans who don't mind seeing a familiar story once again will find this western a well crafted retread.