Movies

Rust, a 2024 American Western directed and written by Joel Souza, emerges amidst a backdrop of profound tragedy that irrevocably intertwines with its release. The film’s narrative ostensibly seeks to evoke the classic American Western genre, blending elements of coming-of-age and raw frontier justice with motifs of innocence lost and moral ambiguity. Despite its picturesque Western visuals and ambitions to revisit traditional themes with a modern perspective, Rust inadvertently becomes a cultural focal point not solely for its cinematic qualities but also for the tragic circumstances surrounding its production. The film’s release thus carries a weight beyond its artistic intent, compelling viewers and critics to confront both its aesthetic merits and its haunting real-world aftermath.

Gunslingers, the latest addition to the Western genre, comes to us courtesy of the amateurish antics of director Brian Skiba, released in 2025 and notably available on streaming platforms for those unfortunate enough to stumble upon it. This film supposedly delves into themes of vengeance, redemption, and the convoluted nature of morality in the old West. However, if you're looking for a meaningful exploration of these concepts, you might be disappointed. In reality, it serves as a cautionary tale about how not to make a Western and how not to cast talented actors like Nicolas Cage in a script that seems to have been penned at the local saloon after an all-night poker game.

When you sit down to watch a biographical film named The Ballad of Davy Crockett, you may have some fair expectations. Perhaps a legendary tale filled with thrilling adventures and a touching narrative, one that would pay glorious tribute to the life and times of the famed American frontiersman. Alas, this cinematic endeavour by director Derek Estlin Purvis with Colm Meaney, Jesse Hutch, and William Moseley isn't just disappointingly far from it, it's perturbing.