Western Wednesday – Django

In this new feature to the website, Western Wednesday will aim to provide short and simple reviews for western films that have been released in recent times – all stemming from various different subgenres. In this first edition, three spaghetti western themed flicks will be under the microscope, all featuring the infamous Django character, ranging from 1966 to 1971 in terms of release, with some being far more iconic than others. As with every article and review on the website, this entire series will be spoiler-free.

The Django Edition

Moonfall (2022) – Review

A mysterious force knocks the moon from its intended orbit around Earth and directs it on a collision course to change life as we know it. With very little time to act before the impact will potentially annihilate the Earth’s population, Jocinda Fowler (Halle Berry), Brian Harper (Patrick Wilson) and KC Houseman (John Bradley) undertake a last-ditch mission into space to save civilisation. Overall, very watchable but not something that will need revisiting anytime soon. It’s worth noting that Moonfall is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Witness for the Prosecution (1957) – Review

When the determined but bitter and equally as stubborn barrister, Sir Wilfrid Robarts (Charles Laughton), returns to his office in London after recovering from a heart attack, he finds himself defending a new client, Leonard Vole (Tyrone Power), in his much-publicised murder trial that seemingly has twists and turns around almost every corner. To many people this is one of the finest courtroom drama’s to have been released and I’d not argue against that.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Killing Them Softly (2012) – Review

Jackie Cogan (Brad Pitt) is a hired enforcer that has been tasked with restoring order after a group of chancers decide to rob a highly protected poker game between local gangsters, causing the local criminal economy to collapse. Criticised by many critics as being long winded and slow in nature, Killing Them Softly is in my opinion, an underrated flick that is more than worthy of a watch. It’s worth noting that Killing Them Softly is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Last Train from Gun Hill (1959) – Review

A town marshal, Matt Morgan (Kirk Douglas) finds out about the rape and murder of his Native American wife and finds a distinctive horse saddle belonging to one of the killers, before beginning his quest for justice. One of the killers, however, turns out to be the son of Craig Belden (Anthony Quinn), the marshal’s friend and cattle baron in the town of Gun Hill. Last Train From Gun Hill is one of the finer western releases of the late 1950’s and more than worthy of a watch.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

True Grit (2010) – Review

Following the cold-blooded murder of her father by a hired hand named Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin), 14-year old Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld) seeks revenge and requests assistance from the toughest United States Marshal she can find, Reuben J. “Rooster” Cogburn (Jeff Bridges), a man with true grit and a fearless outlook on life. Things become a little complex when Mattie insists on accompanying the Marshal on the quest for the outlaw, while along the way, the pair are joined by a Texas Ranger that also wants Chaney for his own purposes. A modern-day western that stands up very well in a genre full of classic releases.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 4 out of 5.