Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Dale Dickey | ... | ||
Ben Foster | ... | ||
Chris Pine | ... | ||
William Sterchi | ... |
Mr. Clauson
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Buck Taylor | ... |
Old Man
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Kristin Berg | ... |
Olney Teller
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Jeff Bridges | ... | ||
Gil Birmingham | ... |
Alberto Parker
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Jackamoe Buzzell | ... |
Archer City Deputy
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Katy Mixon | ... |
Jenny Ann
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Keith Meriweather | ... |
Rancher
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Amber Midthunder | ... |
Vernon Teller
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Joe Berryman | ... |
Bank Manager
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Howard Ferguson Jr. | ... |
Vernon PD Officer
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Debrianna Mansini | ... |
Vernon Diner Waitress
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Following a series of armed robberies at a number of branches of Texas Midland Bank where very little money was taken, we learn that the motive of unemployed oil and gas worker Toby Howard (Chris Pine) and his brother -- just released from prison -- is to raise enough money to pay off the reverse mortgage that will forfeit their recently deceased mother's ranch if not paid off. Oil was discovered on the ranch and in order to secure the future of his sons and ex wife, Toby needs $43,000. After two of the robberies, curmudgeonly Texas Ranger Marcus Hamilton (Jeff Bridges) and his American Indiana deputy partner pick up the trial and just miss foiling the next, and last robbery. Written by Scott J. Tepper, Calabasas
With Taylor Sheridan as the writer and David MacKenzie at the helm, I had high hopes for this movie. Both of their last respective projects (Sheridan - Sicario, MacKenzie - Starred Up) were gritty, violent, and engaging. All of those hold true for Hell or High Water.
The main characters, Chris Pine and Ben Foster turn in great performances. Ben Foster plays the ex-con brother. And as usual, he turns in what I think was the best performance of the movie. He has a knack for playing a top notch supporting role, and often times gets overlooked. Chris Pine also nails it as the more straight laced brother. For a pretty boy of Hollywood, his portrayal is authentic. Jeff Bridges also compliments these two well as the older, sort of jaded officer. Both him and Foster even provide a good amount of laughs, but neither overdo it.
The setting of the movie really sets it above others in the genre. I would say this movie is more crime/drama or heist film than Western, but it definitely has a Western vibe due to its northwest Texas setting. The area has been hit hard by the recession, a failing farm industry, and big oil. It all makes the recklessness and danger Foster and Pine engage in that much more enjoyable, and even sort of relatable. The audience can at least sympathize with them as they do what they think is right.
Overall, this film is well worth a watch. It can be put in a league with more recent films like The Town, Drive, and The Place Beyond the Pines.