See it at the Movies

HELL OR HIGH WATER

By Don Fowler
Posted 8/24/16

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(Modern western)

There's nothing like a good old western. And a great new western is even better.

Ben Foster and Chris Pine star as two brothers who plan bank robberies in small …

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See it at the Movies

HELL OR HIGH WATER

Posted

* * * *

(Modern western)

There's nothing like a good old western. And a great new western is even better.

Ben Foster and Chris Pine star as two brothers who plan bank robberies in small Texas towns to pay off the debts on their family ranch. Jeff Bridges and Gil Birmingham play the Texas Rangers on their trail.

What we are treated to are two odd couples with parallel stories and unusual relationships who finally come to a true western showdown. To add to the fun and excitement we – and they – must deal with a variety of moral issues, plus their own prejudices and outlooks on life. One brother is reckless and unforgiving, while the other has a conscience and an ex-wife and kids he still cares about.

Bridges gives an Oscar-winning portrayal of an old Texas Ranger, about to retire, and unforgiving in his verbal putdowns to his Native American partner. Theirs is a funny cowboy and Indian relationship.

The story unfolds slowly, with moments of humor (a scene in a small town restaurant with a waitress that is in complete control, is funnier than the classic Jack Nicholson "tuna on toast" classic.) There is pathos, as you feel for one of the brothers and both of the lawmen.

There is action, as the final chase is on, involving good ole boys who join in the chase, not on a posse of horses but in their pickup trucks.

"Hell or High Water" has a postscript, as two of the characters meet years later and try to make sense of what happened.

If you love good, original movies, this is the one to see. Rated R, with some violence and cussin'.

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