The Virginian

The acting was convincing, and the scenery was quite breathtaking. It offered a clear image of wilderness and wide open spaces. This was a realistic portrayal of what life was probably like in this time period of the old west. It was a bit gritty at times, but I am certain the old west was not as "romantic" as some movies and books try to portray it. The rugged old log buildings certainly looked authentic. There was a surprise ending I did not see coming. I use to have a good time predicting sub plots but this one fooled me completely. I can't give too much info here or it will ruin the story for others. Just trust that most fans of western style movies will enjoy this.

It had been awhile since we watched a good old-fashioned Western flick. Intrigued by this release, my husband and I snuggled in and watched this movie one night and really enjoyed it! We immediately loaned it to my parents who recalled the original and they enjoyed it too.

We all thought that Trace Adkins did an excellent job. The other actors too. What an imposing figure he makes in this movie! We also thought that the acting roles done by Ron Perlman and Victoria Pratt were well done. The editing made the story line jump a couple times but only one really bothered us. Not enough to ruin the movie by any means. Some of the scenery was really beautiful.

Trace Adkins plays the title character who prefers the name 'South.' He was raised by an authoritative cattle baron (Ron Perlman) in Wyoming where he works as a ranch enforcer. When a writer from the Big City (Brendan Penny) questions the inhumane treatment of rustlers, South defends the fierce realities of the "Code of the West." South's code is further probed by a newly arrived schoolmarm from Vermont (Victoria Pratt) and he begins to wonder about his upbringing and the Judge's motives.

Adkins makes for an iconic Westerner, as witnessed in "Traded" (2016) and "Hickok" (2017), where he played side characters. In "Stagecoach: The Texas Jack Story" (2016) he plays the main protagonist, but that movie's noticeably inferior in overall filmmaking, even though it cost approximately the same amount to make. In other words, as low-budget as "Traded" and "Hickok" are, they worked quite well as made-for-TV/direct-to-video Westerns, all things considered. "Stagecoach: The Texas Jack Story" is almost amateurish by comparison. Yet it still has some points of interest for those who don't mind slipshod productions.

The production of this loose re-telling of "The Virginian" (2014) is similar to that of "Stagecoach: The Texas Jack Story," but noticeably better. Like that movie, the landscapes are limited to coniferous backdrops, fenced cattle fields, a small town and a shack here or there. You never see wide-spanning cinematography (obviously to save money). In a couple of scenes there are looming magnificent mountains. The overall vibe is very sparse and desolate, but it looks more like British Columbia than Wyoming.

Like Bill Pullman's version of the tale (2000), the movie's talky with mumbling dialogue, not to mention this isn't a rollicking shoot-'em-up Western; it's more of a realistic drama in the Old West with flashes of Western staples, like the hanging of rustlers, saloon confrontations and a brief Indian sequence. Victoria Pratt sure is beautiful though, even in one of those unappealing Western dresses. Adkins is a quintessential Westerner, but I think Pullman's version is the better flick; its second half is more compelling. This one's kind of meh. If you're a fan of Adkins, check out "Traded" and "Hickok" first.

The film runs 1 hour, 35 minutes and was probably shot in British Columbia, like "Stagecoach: The Texas Jack Story" (I'm guessing because I can't find any info on the shooting locations and the landscapes look similar).

GRADE: C

If you rent this expecting to see the old Virginian forget it. This a realistic like simple movie of what it may have been like in some areas. The act was very good. As for Adkins I have heard of him, never heard him sing (no singing here) but he was convincing. All acting was quite good. Ron Pearlman gave his typically excellent performance.

The woman playing the teacher was adequate although her part was limited and the man that played the writer was excellent.

Eight may be a bit high but I don't usually like westerns. It's a simple movie with a simple style. I still don't like country/western music.

I guess I had my hopes and expectations up real high, but to me this was really disappointing thing to see.

Some scenes and acting feel really awkward at some points. Steve's whiskey burned voice saves some, but does not make this a great western.

I think that I love The Virginian series as much as I hate this.

This movie:

As just a western - below OK.

As a Virginian - awful.

Don't expect too much with this if you like westerns / The Virginian series.