Big Kill - Stadt ohne Gnade

Actually liked this film, but you need to drop preconceived expectations that it is a serious western. I definitely felt a chemistry among the actors...it seemed most were actually enjoying their characters. A few good laughs and general entertainment value is what I got out of the film, and frankly, that's what I was looking for when I hit "play".

Some funny parts and some chemistry between the actors; but, schizophrenic plot, stilted dialogue and slow moving 2 hours + run time make this not so great even by B movie standards. Not an entire waste of an evening, as it has some good and funny moments; but, the writer and director should be "Unforgiven"! LOL

After reading a number of reviews on IMDB, I hesitated to obtain and watch Big Kill. Since I really like Westerns and they seem to be a dying breed, I threw caution to the wind and decided to watch it anyway. Bottom line: It's a very decent example of the genre, which is a throw back John Ford camera stylish modern western (with some overhead shots Coach couldn't film). It has some problems related to over saturated color, semi-bizarre costumes (over the top) and HD camera style which keeps the homage from ringing too true but it is sui generis and as such, is interesting. I think they carried off their homage well enough that you can enjoy it as an pseudo old fashion, modern filmed western and it deserves an audience. Good actors, fun story, a sense of humor and great shoot-outs. It isn't exactly a classic but it is as good or better than most of these B style westerns in the past few years because it dares to be different but also classic enough to be a genuine western. I definitely recommend it, especially if you are an aficionado of the genre. ie: If you like westerns, in general, you shouldn't miss this stylish update of the classic form.

It's an ok couple of hours to spend but don't expect any magic. Reminds me of the type of movie you get when TV actors come together on a network project they sort of have to do to fulfill a contract. Somebody writes a big screen script for three specific celebrities, but they pass on it, so you end up with a quick draw TV production, pun intended. I know that's not the case with Big Kill, it's just that only three actors really seem like they belong in the old west, Lou Diamond Phillips, Jason Patrick, and Danny Trejo, who is completely wasted in a teaser that goes nowhere. In fact, he's not the only character that shows up and then disappears without a payoff. Watching the guys on horseback is painful, and in some of the shots, the paint looks like a pony. Let's just say being in the saddle doesn't look like second nature to most of these riders. It's like taking the cast of Murder She Wrote and giving them parts in Gone Baby Gone, and then not giving them any time to get into character.

Concept is OK: Town goes bad after silver mines flood, gets taken over by hired guns rustling cattle. Of course, one look at the dusty town and sage brush, not a puddle or raindrop to be seen, and, well, you know, what floods? Whole town looks like a Hollywood back lot. And cinematography is not geared to making a visual statement.

Nothing really makes much sense, and characters just seem to do things at the whim of the screenwriter, especially at the end.

All this being said, I wouldn't mind seeing this same cast again in another western, albiet, better script and higher production values.

I enjoyed this movie! Pace was brisk with a compelling ending. Some of the dialogue could have been better, but the characters were likable. Some great scenery shots that reminded me of good old-fashioned westerns from the likes of John Ford and Anthony Mann. The friendship and comedic aspects of the leading actors worked well. Christopher Sanders was also excellent in the lead role. Absolutely a surprisingly good modern Western movie!