My take on Hell or High Water differs from the reviews in major publications. Two brothers need $25,000 to save their ranch in Texas in 2008. Now, I can think of a half-dozen ways to legally acquire $25,000 off the top of my head. But these two brothers decide to rob banks. Jeff Bridges plays a Texas Ranger on the cusp of retirement. This series of bank robberies will be his last case. The first few bank robberies go well, but of course things start to go wrong. All of this happens within the terrible economic conditions of West Texas. For Sale signs litter the landscape. Poverty is everywhere. Chris Pine and Ben Forter play brothers with issues. Director David Mackenzie captures the desperation of people as the economy spirals downward. The resolution with Chris Pine’s sour ex-wife and his two sullen sons undercuts his actions. GRADE: B
Looks interesting – a modern version of Bonnie and Clyde? But with a kind of happy ending …
Btw, George, it’s hell OR high water.
Isn’t that an old proverb?
Wolf, I believe you’re right about “hell or high water.” But, the Director originally wanted to call this movie COMANCHERIA (the name of the West Texas/Oklahoma area where the Comanches once lived before greedy settlers took their land). The two brothers have higher aspirations than Bonnie & Clyde.
The movie will make it to Germany next year, so maybe …
Western Texas looks interesting – but so far away right now. When I “toured” Texas more than 10 years ago I had to concentrate on the big cities and their environs – even then I found it very diverse, from Austin to Dallas …
Wolf, Texas is a HUGE state. I’ve been to Austin a couple times, Houston, and San Antonio. Very different cities!
I guess I liked it better than you. I would give it a A-. Since the summer movie season was so bad it may have looked better by comparison.
Steve, HELL AND HIGH WATER looks like CITIZEN KANE when compared to STORKS. I’m looking forward to DOCTOR STRANGE on November 4.
Too bad the bros didn’t have a savvy financial advisor!
Bill, the brothers do find a savvy financial adviser–but it’s too late. Nice scenery of Western Texas, though!
I also liked it better. Good atmosphere and characters goes a long way with me. Plot doesn’t matter as much. And I give Jeff Bridges a lot of latitude just for showing up.
I don’t think either was smart enough to figure out another way. And they needed the money fast. What the one was doing with himself other than caring for his mother was unexplained. Taking drugs maybe?
Patti, the older brother had a history of bank robberies so that was the path of least resistance. I think the Director saw HELL OR HIGH WATER a critique of the American Economy.
“Now, I can think of a half-dozen ways to legally acquire $25,000 off the top of my head.”
So George: Can you get me 25K by next weekend? I’m going out with a girl I really want to impress.
Dan, sure can. Just sign on the dotted line for a home-equity loan on your house. Easy-peasy.
MY house is so far underwater the last realtor who looked at it got the bends on the way back up.
Dan, the real estate market in Western NY is red hot. Houses sell within a week. There are bidding wars among buyers. Sooner or later the improving Market will reach you and your house.
I’m not a huge Chris Pine fan, but I’d watch Jeff Bridges in almost anything (except R.I.P.D.). I guess this is another cable/Netflix film, as most are these days.
Jeff, Chris Pine plays a very subdued role in HELL OR HIGH WATER. His character has been beaten down and it shows.
Yes, Chris Pine’s best film.
Patti, I agree with you. HELL OR HIGH WATER is Chris Pine’s best film. I love his understated acting in his role as the younger brother.