The Warrant: Breaker's Law

Our family (including 7 kids) has enjoyed both installments of The Warrant so far, despite some reviews which knock them as "cheesy." Sure they are low-budget productions compared to the biggest box-office hits, but they make up for it in many other ways.

The cinematography is great (many frames could stand alone as a print), the costuming is good enough that it looks nice from a distance or close-up shots, the score is not distracting, and the acting is delightful. The best part of BOTH these films is that they are so family-friendly that we don't have to run them through a filter. Much like the Production Code-era films, the script and actors provide a way to say something without using bad language. We LOVED that there was zero blasphemy, no OMG's, no four-letter words and no uncomfortable bedroom scenes. We don't know the values of the other actors or production , but suppose much of this is due to the influence of Mr. Neal McDonough, and if so we thank him heartily!!!

So few movies today are watchable with the whole family that sometimes we put up with sub-par production value films with a good story just so they are clean... fortunately, The Warrant films have good-looking production value despite the budget...AND they have a fun storyline. It also feels like the actors had a great time making the films.

We also enjoyed seeing Benson, Arizona's Mescal Movie Set back in action after many years of neglect. Seeing this town appear in many films over the years, it was a little shocking to see how bad of shape it is in for The Warrant: Breaker's Law. That was one point that did not make sense for the storyline: A town that could support a bank and has only recently been overtaken by a black hat thug and his cronies, looks like its been abandoned to the elements for more than half a century. Nevertheless, it was great to see the old town again, and we hope it is possible to restore it enough to continue filming there.

If you want a reality-escape western that involves a lot of (surprisingly clean) gunplay, avoids bad language and immodesty, has a little comic relief, and wraps it up with a good old-fashioned moral to the story...The Warrant films are a good choice. We certainly hope they make at least a 3rd installment to this series, and if so, our history-loving 5 girls and 2 boys would love to serve as extras!

Neal McDonough is back as John Breaker and better than ever in this 2nd Warrant movie. The action and saltiness, along with the occasional comic relief, creates a perfect classic western that eclipses the 1st installment. The story picks up with Breaker once again serving a warrant and arresting the bad guy, only this time as a Federal Marshal. He's accompanied by Bugle Bearclaw (played with aplomb by Gregory Cruz) who is a true friend and "brother" who provides not just trustworthy shooting in tight spots but also humor and accountability. Breaker's depth in this outing pushes his boundaries on law, order, and doing the right thing when it's easier not to, which all add to a well rounded and relatable struggle between his job and his feelings about those he's trying to bring to justice. Dermot Mulroney is well-suited as the villain and does a great job countering McDonough and Cruz while Bruce Boxleitner and Amy Hargreaves are far from the weak bullied townsfolk in more modern westerns. Nick Searcy also adds some layers with his Colonel Dredge, a cranky figure who thinks Breaker is headed into a worthless fight. The plot twists in this range from interesting to excellent with a firecracker ending that is both surprising and pleasing. If you're a fan of classic westerns that are clean and moral without being preachy then you should enjoy this movie. As someone raised on old westerns I greatly appreciated its dusty setting, great acting, and excellent portrayal of good vs. Bad guys.

A warrant brings Marshal John Breaker and Deputy Bugle Bearclaw, cross-country to deliver a dangerous criminal. But, when they make a stand on behalf of a judge, can they defend a small town from the most ruthless gang in the West?

The trick to enjoying this film is to not expect too much. It's a B movie western with typical cheese story, cheese dialogue and cheese acting.

It's the kind of film that we thought was cheesy even in the 70's. Neal McDonough and Dermot Mulroney can't lift this faded old relic of a film enough to make me want to pause while I take a telephone call. I was actually glad of the interruption.

If you are a big fan of any of the actors, or a big fan of westerns, you might enjoy it on some level anyway. I would only put it on as background noise if I was playing with the kids.

I'll just say it, while the script and direction were okay or maybe even above par for a modern, B picture western, the performances of McDonough and the whole cast elevated it to something far better than it had any right to be. In particular, Gregory Cruz really stood out. I've seen him in a lot of projects but he became the kind of guy who can carry a movie to me with this. He's a hell of an actor and clearly has some understated comedic chops. I don't mean that to slight the performances of anyone else in the picture though. Everyone seemed to bring their best game on this. McDonough is always solid and somehow sympathetic even when playing a heavy. Amy Hargeaves was someone I'm not sure I've seen before but she was so good that I'll definitely keep an eye out for. Would've been good to see Lou Beatty get more lines. And God it was great to see Bruce Boxleitner again.

It seems like Western movies are back, that doesn't mean that all are great? This one isn't! Really bad story, the acting wasn't any better - and it is so so boring. The music was kind of ok, old school western prarie style.

The plot of the movie is so weak, so full of holes, still didn't understand the story.

I don't know how many shots were fired in the movie, but 99% don't hit anything. Statistically they couldn't have been that bad, nit even the really good/bad can hit anything. Of course no reloading the revolvers and no word where they get bullets from.

I have watched so many western movies, spaghetti western especially. This movie is way down in the bottom of the category, this is really not worth watching.