The Redemption of Henry Myers

I didn't know beforehand that this was a Hallmark production, or I probably would have skipped it entirely. The main reason is because the Hallmark productions are sickeningly sweet and disgustingly prudish without any of the elements that make up the usual good Western, which would be, at least a little bit of minor swearing. I can do without the graphic violence in some westerns and other genres of movies, but I feel they should be at least realistic to the period. In those days, swearing would not be the usual swear words used today, but generally would be Bible related blasphemy. I like the cinematography. The little girl was probably the best part of this movie. As far as trivia goes, when he is shown shaving off his beard for the first time in who knows how long, he's shown looking in the mirror, and, he's using the blunt back side of the straight razor and not the edge! Anyway, despite being painfully slow, the sheriff gives Henry a second chance, so we get the obligatory happy ending of a Hallmark presentation.

So here we are in the faith based genre now in NM. As usual the same old favorite union actors for the region are once again in the cast. My Lord! Characters are weak, storyline lacks. But it's just the same faces which makes it just plain boring. Couldn't hold my interest for too long. Film quality is good, can't go wrong with NM cinematography. It's about time for some new faces. Some different locations in the US. Western era pertains to the entire us and not just Az, Tx, NM. Somebody did get the time period correct weapons, tack, wardrobe is close but too clean as usual. Especially liked the clean plucked eyebrows on the female lead.

The dialog is at times a little corny ("He drew down on that snake with his rifle, Ma!"), and the young girl's poor western folk accent and way of talking is a little too forced, but this is an earnest movie that faithfully represents the Christian message of redemption and forgiveness with a moving tale of love.

Henry helps rob a bank but doesn't want bloodshed, and of course it happens anyhow. He accidentally kills a preacher who gives him his miniature Bible before he dies and tells Henry that he can change.

After a year on the run, Henry's past catches up to him and he is wounded, and finds refuge with a widow and her two children. They turn out to be the family of the preacher that Henry killed, and the dilemma ensues. Torn between his great crime and growing love for the family, Henry is a tormented man and must decide if he accepts the gift of grace.

It is sad to note that at least one viewer has unleashed hatred of Christianity. Why one would bother to show such bigotry is beyond me, but it says much more about the reviewer than the movie. This is a rare movie in which not only is the name of Jesus invoked, but hymns naming Jesus are sung (and beautifully at that). You have to admire their bravery in the face of all the Hollywood and liberal hating, to produce such a movie and not back down from content that will draw the ire of the haters.

The movie moved me enough to rate 7 stars. With more polished actors and production it might have fared better. Great family movie that will leave you feeling good, especially if you are a person of faith.

One would think after his hideous flop, The Christmas Candle, that Rick Santorum would just return to obscurity. But no! Now he is back with a movie so shockingly bad that it cant even be considered camp. There is zero production value. Zero storyline. Zero plot and zero appeal. If this thing can even be considered a movie then we are all doomed.

These poor actors may have destroyed whatever D-list careers they were aspiring to by actually agreeing to star in this junk.

If you are try to make Christian values the core if your film genre it may be wise to remember that ripping off paying customers is not one of them.

'The Redemption of Henry Myers' had one of the most interesting and least formulaic sounding premises of Hallmark's 2014 films, it's not everyday Hallmark does Westerns and the theme of redemption. Was a little worried, with it containing some religious messaging, that it would be heavy handed. Something that was found with some other films with religious themes and messaging seen over the past four years or so. Hallmark have proven many times that they can do serious themed films well.

Which is obvious here in 'The Redemption of Henry Myers'. While not exactly loving it, so much is done right. Is it perfect? No, not to me. But a big part of me really couldn't help appreciate the film and what it had to say and its good intentions are present throughout. As said, its good things are a lot and the best of those good things are done extremely well indeed.

Shall start with the drawbacks. Some of the dialogue sounds very awkward and heavy on the corn. The supporting acting, or at least some of it, leaves much to be desired at times, with Jaden Robers especially trying a lot harder than necessary.

Also did find the film a little too preachy, good intentions here but the messaging is not all that subtle.

However, a lot is good. It looks good visually. The scenery is exquisite and the time and place is remarkably authentically evoked in the production and costume designs. The photography enhances all this beautifully and atmospherically. The quaintness and charm of the setting translates very well here while not making too picture perfect. Also a beauty is the music score, it brings a lump to the throat and often haunting without being too syrupy or over-emphasising the mood.

Despite the script not being perfect, it is well-meaning and doesn't sound like it doesn't have any substance to it. Again the story has imperfections, but it didn't come over as dull to me, it was coherently structured and it was moving. The messaging didn't come over as vague and, while subtlety would have been more welcome perhaps, it is hardly out of date and important in society today in a way if one is not too cynical. The characters engage and one admires and relates to their trials and tribulations and how they go about them. The two leads do a very good job, Drew Waters excelling in a tough role that has a lot of layers encompassed with intensity and heart.

Concluding, well done. 7/10.