Was Once a Hero

I saw a pre-screening of this movie. It is very special. It will resonate with those who have loved ones dealing with memory issues and/or PTSD, maybe even provide a better understanding of the issues. You will laugh. You will cry. You will pull for the good guys and boo the bad ones. You will see the best and the worst of humanity, and you will see the resilience of the human spirit. In short, you will be riveted to the screen. It's a beautiful story with a wonderful cast of characters portrayed by some gifted actors. The music is unforgettable. This is an experience you can share with the entire family proving that good movies can still be made without the constant bombardment of foul language.

Saw a screening of this fine film in Bethesda, MD.

A very original storyline carried within the tried and trusted period found in the untamed western frontier. I found the overall perspective unique, which isn't easy in today's day and age.

The writing was strong throughout, in terms of both dialogue and narrative. Moreover, I was extremely impressed with the performances. These players brought their A Game, one and all.

However, Julie Kashmanian did steal the show, executing an unwavering performance, advancing tirelessly upon a complex and multi-layered character arc.

John Carter Cash's role as the heavy; I can go on and on. He exhibited an almost boyish psychosis, complete with tics and a disquieted gaze that promised wickedness.

Eliza Kelley, a compass, demonstrated a storm of emotions never permitted to come to the surface, but nevertheless, were present in every single scene.

My only concern, and this is nitpicking, was the pace. I felt some scenes were sluggish, and that the tempo, the cadence, needed to pick up a bit. Otherwise a good story, well told.

I got an advance copy to review for the theater booking and instantly fell in love with this movie! It really highlights the immense burden PTSD and Dementia can have on not only your loved ones, but yourself. The way the film portrays not only the disease, but the character underneath is excellent writing that you can tell came from the heart.

The visuals are absolutely stunning, and the wild west town of Old Bedford Village really becomes a character of its own right.

I cannot recommend this movie enough, and I can't wait to see and hear everyone's reactions to the movie! See it on the big screen while you can because this is a special movie that deserves it!

Kudos to Michael Tuthill, Dan Searles, and all who have had a part in the production of Was Once A Hero. The challenging and timely topics of progressive cognitive loss and the long term effects of wartime violence are addressed in a compassionate film of the Old West. A bold undertaking masterfully done with all the drama, excitement, and suspense that you expect from a good old fashioned Western, but dealing at the same time with the very same problems we confront today. The cast carries out this task with remarkable skill and sensitivity. This is an extraordinary movie that you will remember for as long as there are movies, and great Westerns.

An eye opening story about a strong man with dementia dealing with friends and outlaws in the 1800's. I laughed and cried and really connected with the characters. Darby Hinton was the perfect "character" for his role. He made the hero completely believable, and delivered both humor and sentimentality when appropriate. Julie Kashmanian and John Carter Cash brought their characters to life as well. I enjoyed the action, the history, and the overall story very much. I also liked historical perspectives too. An excellent movie.

I met Darby and Dan Searles, the writer, at a film festival where the movie was shown.