Broke

First and foremost, not boring. The movie holds your interest from start to finish, and I for one find that the most important quality a film can have. I don't care how great a concept or idea is, if its deliverance has me bored while trying to get through it.

On the other hand, there's not a whole lot in this story, and certainly not much new. It's about a guy who never really found his place, but keeps trying. That's about it, so don't expect some huge mysteries, big revelations, gripping action scenes, haunting thoughts etc.

It is still interesting though, well made, well acted, so it's worth watching.

A little footnote: I personally loathe rodeos, and while stories involving rodeo people tend to be interesting, the sport itself feels vile to me. Watching human bodies flailing around violently on a bucking animal is almost physically painful to me. So if you're like me, expect lots of scenes showcasing slow motion bronc riding, and get ready to look away a lot.

Carlyle Eubank's "Broke" centers on True Brandywine (Wyatt Russell), a bareback bronc rider grappling with the twilight of his rodeo career. The film immediately immerses the viewer in True's solitary struggle against a sudden and brutal spring blizzard. Trapped by the unforgiving elements, True must confront not only the immediate threats to his physical well-being but also the underlying circumstances that have led him to this precarious and isolated existence. The narrative subtly suggests a deeper story of past choices and present consequences, hinting at an internal reckoning that unfolds alongside his desperate fight for survival.

Wyatt Russell delivers a compellingly physical and emotionally raw performance as True. He embodies the weathered resilience of a seasoned rodeo athlete pushed to his absolute limits by the harsh environment. His portrayal captures both the outward grit required to battle the storm and the inward vulnerability of a man facing his own mortality and regrets. While Dennis Quaid's presence adds a layer of seasoned gravitas to the film, the core of the narrative rests firmly on Russell's ability to convey the protagonist's isolation and his internal battle for survival and self-reflection.

Comparing Russell's acting style to the veteran Dennis Quaid reveals distinct approaches. Quaid often brings a certain confident energy and seasoned presence to his roles. Russell, particularly in this isolated survival scenario, leans into a more grounded and emotionally exposed portrayal, allowing the audience to witness the character's internal struggle and physical deterioration.

Considering Wyatt Russell's work in relation to his father, Kurt Russell, reveals both shared intensity and individual nuance. While Kurt often imbues his characters with a charismatic and sometimes larger-than-life quality, Wyatt frequently opts for a more introspective and emotionally vulnerable approach. In "Broke," this translates to a portrayal of True that emphasizes his quiet resilience and the internal battle he wages alongside the external one. This nuanced depiction of a man confronting his past while fighting for his life showcases Wyatt's distinct talent for conveying complex emotions through subtle yet powerful means.

Ultimately, "Broke" is a stark and intense character study set against the unforgiving backdrop of a natural disaster. Anchored by a compelling performance from Wyatt Russell, the film delves into themes of survival, resilience, and the arduous process of self-confrontation. It promises to be a raw and emotionally resonant cinematic experience, focusing on one man's desperate fight against the elements and the internal reckoning that accompanies such extreme isolation.

The story is simple, knowing its limits and never exceeding them. The actors are all great, the music is great, the scenery excellent. For a modern western, it fares much better than anything else I have watched.

Also, Russell proves himself to have calibre as an actor, knowing how to use his physique and looks, and even his eyes work perfectly to express emotion and thinking without having to overdo it. The female lead was great, as was the brother. The big stars of the film, Quaid and McDonald were fine, but nothing too much. What stands out though, even more than the beautiful scenery, is the script. A good, honest story. Will be looking for this director's next film.

Filmed in Anaconda, Deer Lodge, Butte, Drummond & Three Forks Montana it features some beautiful scenery. I noticed that Wyatt Russell and Vince Vaughan co-produced the movie. I think that even though it is classified as a Contemporary Western (meaning it is set in current times and not the 1800's) it could be classified as a Romance. The relationship between True and Ali is pretty central to the story and figures pretty prominently in True's thinking as he battles for survival and reflects on his past. Wyatt Russell I am not familiar with so I did a little research on him. He is the son of Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn. I really liked him in this and will look out for him in future movies. He did star in Thunderbolts which I have not seen yet, so I'll add that to the list. Dennis Quaid was good as always, nice to see him again, as well as Tom Skerritt who is 91 years old by the way and still working! Go Tom! Auden Thornton is also new to me, she has been acting in a lot of TV series and a couple of movies I have not seen. I really liked her in this as Ali, she might be one of my new favorites.

I loved this movie.... I loved the story, the characters, the scenery, the drama between True and his father, the romance and chemistry between True and Ali, True's battle to find himself amidst all the things life does to shake your tree. It is a contemporary Western in that it is a modern day Cowboy in the rodeo business, but the story, the relationship themes and the search and struggle of self are universal themes that could apply to any story and backdrop. Yes, this is a good one.......

This film is a grounded and realistic portrayal of a Rodeo athlete but still maintains that artistic and cinematic magic. This film proves to be both emotionally provoking as well as inspiring!

Furthermore this film honors the American culture of rodeo and ranching as well as free thinking and art. It brings back an older generation film feeling of telling a deep and intimate story that will resonate with anyone but it is set against a modern backdrop. It also indicates to the audience how alive and well western culture still is.

I truly believe this is an engaging must see film for anyone and everyone!