Among the Willows

Okay so normally I'm not a huge western movie person but this one hit different. I genuinely enjoyed it because it was unique and not your typical Hollywood movie. It stood out. I think this movie made me appreciate the indie film industry more.

The actual movie had a storyline that wasn't too complicated to understand but complicated enough to keep me engaged. There were some good action-packed moments that left me on the edge of my seat, and when a major plot twist was revealed, I was left absolutely stunned. I was rendered speechless (and I never shut up so that's definitely saying something).

The positive reviews will trick you; they most likely got all of their friends and family to write them and give them high ratings! The worst script, director, and acting job you'll ever witness, to put it mildly. It's nearly impossible to watch this through to the conclusion, so I appreciate those who were able to!

Poor writing, editing, directing, and acting are all so horrible that you have to wonder if they ever went through auditions or if they just picked a few people at random. I suppose you should see it if you want a nice laugh at a ridiculously horrible movie because it was laughable the majority of the time. If not, spare yourself the trouble.

I've never been much of a western movie fan, but this inspiring movie changed my mind. The story was believable and in the fashion of old Hollywood westerns. The action scenes were exciting and well done. The cinematography is beautiful and the music greatly enhanced the plot line (especially in the ending scene). The characters were convincing and their dialogue was well written. The violence was moderate and well-presented. However, the best part was the telling of a longtime friendship that had been lost and was restored. The ending is truly inspirational and very touching. I would highly recommend this movie.

Set in the 1800s, when men were men and women were chattels - in this movie by Trinity Creative, anyway, where women are indiscriminately killed, kidnapped, menaced, abused, exploited, bought, shamed, and for speaking out, killed (again). To be fair, men are killed, menaced, abused, and shamed, also. But the closing scene brings us all home to the love of the Lord, if only one will admit his Sin and accept Jesus as his only Lord and Savior. I didn't watch this alone, or would have stopped watching after a ten-minute toe-dip. As it was, I struggled to detect any character development, the acting ran the gamut from A to B, and the primary storyline trudged doggedly to its end, smothering any secondary stories. The movie is brutish, IMO, meaning to slip onto the viewer stealthily, like a choke chain, then yank tight to compel submission and obedience. There is no indication in the film description that it drives the message of Christianity. In fact, visit the Trinity Creative Partnership website and there is no mention that it is a Christian organization. Okay, the word "Trinity" is a bit of a giveaway. But why cloak what it is you stand for, especially if you believe it's a good thing? The old "bait and switch," eh? Like the snake oil salesmen of the time period? The film was not produced for quality entertainment (witness all the 1-star reviews), and it is sure not a "family movie." It seems to be, unabashedly, a blunt object for luring in, battering, and converting sinners. In this film, even if they've been wicked all their lives, if they use their last gasping breaths to be Saved, they are assured a place in Heaven. What the H-E-double-toothpicks?!

From the TrinityCreativePartnership.com website: "For over 20 years, Trinity has managed the commercial release of thousands of titles across the world." "Every year, Trinity works with its clients to develop and distribute their new content, as well as provide them with the ability to exploit their large libraries of content and material." (Their site content; not my words.)

I don't get all the hating on this movie. Okay, it's not the greatest movie ever but it's no way as bad as some of these "reviewers" are saying.

I'll admit, the story is very recognizable. Two former friends having to reunite for the greater good, a son who only wants his fathers love and respect, and a reckoning of the two with good guys VS bad guys at the end. The story moves along at a decent pace, the acting has both good moments and some not so good but for the most part you don't notice anything bad enough to make you cringe. I enjoyed how the story built to the action scenes at the final reckoning, although I do wish the action scenes at the end were longer and I had no issues with the ending.

Overall I thought it was fine. It's not on par with a big budget blockbuster film but I guess you have to start somewhere. I did notice that the poor scores here all seem to have an issue with the ending, (not going to add any spoilers) and in my opinion, that may be the issue with the poor reviewers. Too bad you can't get you $3.99 back, lol. This movie is probably not one I'd rent again, but if I was channel surfing and came across it, I'd probable watch at least for a while. I thought, as a whole, it was enjoyable enough to leave a fair review, what more can you ask for?