I just wanna go to Mexico…
In a Valley of Violence is the story of a man trying to make it to Mexico with his horse and his dog. But a lack of water forces him to make a detour to the closest town. And he does not make a good impression on the locals -well not all of them. He does what he has to do and heads out. And it could have ended there if a few of the locals didn’t follow him.
Starring Ethan Hawke (Sinister, The Magnificent Seven), John Travolta (I Am Wrath, Pulp Fiction), Taissa Farmiga (American Horror Story, Wicked City), James Ransone (Sinister, Mr. Right), and Karen Gillan (Guardians of the Galaxy, Oculus).
In a Valley of Violence **Spoilers Ahead**
A dog, a horse, a thirst. A number of things put me in mind of other movies out recently but I didn’t mind that so much. It was a western, it has Ethan Hawke in, so I was watching it. (Currently available on NowTV movies pass and on Amazon Video for £3.99.)
There were a few places in In a Valley of Violence where I was thinking it was the John Wick story but in another era, and others where it had similarities to a Tarantino -and not just because John Travolta is in it.
It felt a little lacking in people, despite it being a town under hard times and difficult rule. There was just enough people to fill the required roles. And not quite enough horses for everyone. But despite all this it was an enjoyable film – if you like westerns, violence (although, to be fair, not huge amounts), and simpering females eager for whoever comes along to save them, this just might be the film for you.
I will say the flashbacks to the Indian camp were a little off putting. The use of the torch in the dark effect, so you only see small portions of the scene, felt out of place. They didn’t have those kind of torches then.
In a Valley of Violence Movie Review Conclusion
I will watch it again – loved it, the idea that there was a town so violent only a few remained living in it. A stranger with a violent past trying not to be violent. A dog. Horses. The drunk priest. The aged sheriff. The irritating band of bullies. All a little cliche but it worked just the same.
4.5 stars
Your Suggestions Wanted: If you have a Horror, Weird West, or Western Horror you think I’d enjoy, or if you have an Indie horror you’d like me to review, let me know in the comments or Tweet it at me. I’ll give you a shout out if I review it 🙂 You can find me on Twitter @KateTrinity or @AuthorKTMcQueen
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P.P.S. This is what I base my reviews on…
Horror and Fantasy Author – Also writing as K.T. McQueen. Love Western Horror, cowboy boots, my cactus Collin, & my Demon Cat.
Moths – I hate moths, the way they flutter at your face!
