My review of 'Red Hill'
Source: http://www.freewebs.com/mhredh
I hope you enjoy it!
RED HILL (2010)
(Directed by Patrick Hughes)
"A TRUE HORROR WESTERN WITH A LOT OF ACTION!? EVEN IF THE MOVIE SUCKED IT WOULD BE AWESOME......Okay, maybe not, but......THIS MOVIE IS AWESOME!"- Signed by MartialHorror.
Plot: A young cop moves up to the small town of Red Hill, Australia so that there is less stress on his pregnant wife. Unfortunately, on the first day of the job, a brutal killer escapes from Prison and declares war on the small town.
Review:
HELL YES! I watched “Red Hill” with my Father and both of us had two fairly different opinions on the movie. He conceded that it was gorgeously shot and the acting was solid, but that some script issues kept it from being a great movie. We both agreed on the faults and indeed, I don't think “Red Hill” is a great movie. However, my response was still much more enthusiastic. I love westerns almost as much as I love horror films, but rarely (if ever) do I see hybrids of the two genres. Sure, I guess you could argue “Tremors” as such (including the prequel which does take place in the old west). There's also some movie out called “The Burrowers”, which I believe is a western. There are also a few spaghetti westerns that have some horror elements too. But for the most part, the western-horror genre is limited to a select few films. Plus, whenever they do make one, it's usually either a western or a horror with some touches of the other genre. “Red Hill” blew me away because it took its western and horror roots farther than anything I've ever seen before, and for this reason, I loved the movie. If such a hybrid doesn't interest you, you likely won't.
Despite being a western, it does take place in present day Australia. Shane Cooper (Ryan Kwanten) has just moved to Red Hill so that his pregnant wife can give birth comfortably. Apparently city life was stressful for the two, so moving to a small town seemed like a good idea. Unfortunately, the Sheriff (Steve Bisley) doesn't take to the young officer very well. This seems like the bane of his day until news arrives that a dangerous killer named Jimmy Conway (Tommy Lewis) has busted out of prison and is heading their way. For some reason, Conway has a score to settle with this town and he declares war on it “First Blood” style. Will Shane be on of his victims or will he stop him?
So how does one combine a western with a horror film? The film won me over with its opening shot. The Australian outback looks strikingly like something we'd see in an old western movie, but there is something cold and menacing about it too. The film continues to show off some gorgeous cinematography and this is something even detractors acknowledge. The film is beautiful to look at. But as a western, it exploits all the old visual cliches. For example, in every cool western, there is always a scene where the camera is on the ground, tilted up so the shooters hip is in view as he slowly puts his hand on his gun, ready to draw. When this shot appeared, I squealed. But the horror elements come from the atmosphere. The moody lighting, the flashes of lightning, the heavy wind, Conway's horrifically burned face and the edgy suspense all worked together masterfully. I love films where the characters move slowly when in danger, whether it be a killer or potential victim. When it fails, your movie becomes immensely boring. But when it succeeds, it makes for a very nail biting movie. "Red Hill" brings the iconic western imagery and MAKES IT SCARY! The whole movie it like that. The only real question is, is it a horror film dressed as a western or a western dressed as a horror film? Or Both? I dunno, but it's epic!
I also liked the pacing, although many disagree with me. Some have complained that it slowed down in the middle block. Others felt the entire movie was a bore. I was never bored and I was almost always excited for the next scene to happen. Once it gets going, it rarely stops. This is helped by the actors performances and everyone plays their role perfectly. Lewis is badass and terrifying as the killer, Bisley was perfect as the vicious Sheriff and even Kwanten who had the weakest role as our protagonist (more on that in a bit) was endearing. These people were fun to watch and the nonstop horror, western AND action entertained me.
The problems with the script might be very distracting for some and even I have to confess they did bug me at times. The first problem came in the form of Shane Cooper. You'd think with a name like that, he'd be quite the badass, albeit in a more subdued kind of way. Instead, he's the guy we're supposed to relate too. He's weak, inexperienced, confused and constantly getting knocked out and disabled. Come on, westerns are supposed to be known for their larger than life heroes. The film never really seemed interested in this guy and instead focused more on Conway's massacring of the cops/armed civilians. Furthermore, there is a feeling that Shane is never in any real danger. There is a reason for it, but I don't want to say any more because I might reveal a bit too much. I also felt the thing with the Panther was stupid. I kept wondering if it was symbolism, a metaphor or foreshadowing but it's used so clumsily that I suspect something may have been cut out from the final products. A better metaphor in the film is the storm. The bit with the Panther was just poorly handled. Also, the gun shots sometimes sounded off, as if there was a glitch in the audio. I know I'm not the only one who noticed this, so it's unlikely it was my DVD.
Luckily, while its script faults keep it from being great, I love it all the same. My rating will be generous, but director Patrick Hughes finally was able to give me the film I always wanted: A western horror. I felt the films tension, marveled at its atmosphere and squirmed in delight at the iconic western imagery. It's a case of me loving the film that solidifies my final opinion, not necessarily the films objective quality. But PLEASE, PLEASE, consider the reason I love it before deciding to check it out. I think you should watch it anyway, just don't expect an amazing film. It was a film that catered to my tastes and if what I love about it doesn't interest you, don't blindly presume my rating indicates it's a great film.
Violence: Rated R. It's pretty grisly.
Nudity: None, but rape is mentioned.
Overall: “Red Hill” is for people who want a true western-horror hybrid. I loved it for that reason alone. It's objective strengths solidified that love while it's weaknesses didn't take away from it that much.
3.5/4 Stars
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