The Real West

I loved this movie. It was romantic (which is the Hallmark standard), but it wasn't formula (you know, the tired old story about a boy meeting a girl, they hate each other then fall in love...yawn). We have a unique plot and a mom who loves her kids and whose kids love her back. Yes, she's a widow (but how can an older woman fall in love again if she isn't a widow and ex-husbands tend to be so messy). The young men who play their sons do a great job and the girl who plays the oldest son's girlfriend was absolutely adorable!

Without giving away the story line, I think I'll just say die hard Hallmark fans will love this movie.

P.s. I didn't give it a 10 because I reserve that for Oscar-worthy movies, but a 9 means I love, love, love it.

It is always nice to see Kimberley Sustad in something other than a Christmas movie because she is such an exceptional actress and, here, she delivers again. This is a multi-layered story dealing with several issues - accepting the death of a loved one, a mother coping with her teenage son growing up, sisters finding balance in their relationship, and a man realizing what is important in his aging life. It is nicely written and directed and the entire cast is very good and realistic. Sustad plays her character Rebecca with intelligence, emotion and sincerity as well as delightful humor - it's the full package, as always with her. The real surprise is Lucas Bryant as a steely-eyed cowboy - unlike anything he has ever done before and he's terrific, too. The rest of the performers excel with Marlie Collins as sister Cassidy and James Denton as the ranch owner of particular note. The on location scenery is quite attractive which only serves to make this film as believable as Sustad and the rest of the cast.

This is a really enjoyable production that keeps your interest throughout.

7.1 stars.

I love Sustad, she is like gold for me, although some of her latest stuff seems a bit on the edge. By edge, I mean outside of my usual preferences. Not sure what that's all about, but something isn't quite smooth about this film. Maybe the romance is a bit complicated, and don't get me wrong, complicated can be good. On the other hand, the mother's character is shallow and odd, the young son is really into ghosts for a specific reason, and that's fine, the older son likes a girl, but his character goes completely undeveloped. We also get to know the girl he likes and she's actually quite endearing.

Sustad's character has a younger sister who is somewhat flaky and too much into shallowness and fun, that's the best description. Maybe they make her that way so we can feel less sympathetic toward her because of what happens to her. I don't know, but what happens is really close to a betrayal. Maybe it's not a full betrayal as much as hesitation and reluctance on the part of Sustad's character.

In the end, I suppose all of them end up getting what they want, and I saw it coming, but was surprised by how the story arrives at the destination. That's fine, a little different, proven to be less effective than the usual formula in this case.

Anyways, I didn't quite feel the pure love, the gut wrenching yearning that some Hallmark films are able to convey until the very end. Therefore 'The Real West' is a bit above average (thanks to the ending).

The female actresses in this movie were believable. Kimberley is a favorite, with her down to earth, 'someone I could hang with' portrayals. She does not over act and that is one of the reasons I selected this movie. She, her movie sister and mom co-stars, were great. The 2 main male actors in this movie, I gotta say, pretty sexy and the acting was engaging. I've been a fan of Denton for some time and this Bryant ?!?!... I may want my own hand selected cowboy hat (sorry husband). Readers, you'll have to watch to get that. 🐎 This movie had substance and was not a chop off the predictable block. Very enjoyable.

Wow, had to pull out my phone and Shazam the song Cowboys Like Me. I hadn't heard of Coffey Anderson before, but his voice...and this song... are amazing! Went to YouTube to listen to the whole song, wow!

Darn-this character minimum.

Wow, had to pull out my phone and Shazam the song Cowboys Like Me. I hadn't heard of Coffey Anderson before, but his voice...and this song... are amazing! Went to YouTube to listen to the whole song, wow!

Wow, had to pull out my phone and Shazam the song Cowboys Like Me. I hadn't heard of Coffey Anderson before, but his voice...and this song... are amazing! Went to YouTube to listen to the whole song, wow!