Tornado

Being a fan of Slow West, I was really looking forward to this movie. You can tell right away it is the same director as Slow West, John Maclean. His style is a very subtle, cool, relaxing form. Unfortunately, it means not really a good fit for a thriller.

The movie is almost same as Slow West in the element, a slow burn with a big finish. Unfortunately unlike Slow West, the ending was somewhat anti-climatic. This is very disappointing as the rest of the film, the story, was actually quite intriguing and keeps you engaged but the ending didn't quite satisfy.

Overall, I thought this is an average film, watch it once, you probably won't think about it again. The ending leaves many questions, but then you realize it is a western, it's not suppose to have a realistic ending.

5/10.

I really enjoyed this movie! The cinematography, directing, and music were great. If you've ever watched an old Akira Kurosawa film where the pace is slower with shots of scenery amongst/in between scenes you'll truly appreciate this film. This movie has a very nostalgic old samurai western feel with modern day technology. However, I feel say the choreography and visual effects lack a bit. Not sure if it was the budget or just not the focus. It was a good build up for a very short, slightly unfulfilling climax. If there was a Tornado part 2, I'd go see it. The movie was worth the time and money!

What is not to like?

There is no older wise guru to motivate the protagonist to choose the right path. Which is a good thing since it is so trite a hero's journey trope it should have its own word - "trote" since "tripe" is already taken.

There are a few narrative or character threads that are not closed, and a few scenes that do not seem to have a plot point. But no big deal.

There is a turn away from the obvious happy ending.

The protagonist's poor choices lead to the deaths of many characters with carrying degrees of unconnectedness.

There are a couple of plot holes, but I really didn't see what what could have made it better.

This was a fun film! And the art team was on it!!! Every color and prop was so perfect- literally down to the protagonist's red nose- Wes Anderson is gonna be jealoouussss. And a samurai, pulp, scottish hybrid?! What will they do next? I really hope to see this production team make another film. I mean I have to admit that the protagonist lost its substance really quick; a fart in the wind. Yet they got me back with the action. Very on the nose funny, blocky, power ranger-esque choreography. Great aesthetic and sound design; looking forward to seeing this unique style come back soon. But I expect more depth.

Overall it's very mediocre.

I see the influences, but it feels like a cheap knock off.

The story is pretty basic, with a weird and slow pace. But it gets faster towards the end.

In general the production value screams old Samurai movies, but it feels like a cheap knock off.

The characters were okay. Tim Roth was a great antagonist, but I want crazy about the protagonist Tornado. The other characters were host mindless thugs or helpless civilians. The character arc of Tornado was decent, but other than that unimpressive.

In general the film was very underwhelming. I'm not sure if it's worth your time.