Among the Willows

Interesting western genre independent movie. Very well made, very well acted. I have seen the last two movies from these guys, Lost Outlaw and Above Snakes, all at their respective premieres and this is by far the best of the three.

It has a good main story, but also has very interesting relationship sub plots. The relationships between Eli Kilpatrick (nicely played by Tyler Tuck) and his father (wonderfully played by Jim Tuck), between Mr. Kilpatrick and his grandson, between John Williams (David Novak) and Everett Stolls (Jeffrey Smith) and even the two saloon girls (Sparkle Soojian and. Akilah M.) are intertwined into the main plot.

Much of the cast has good to very good chemistry with each other but I felt Eli and his father, and Everett and Susie had the best parings. I could feel the tension leap off the screen when Eli and Mr. Kirkpatrick shared the screen. I also felt a true tenderness between Susie and Everett which was unique because there was an obvious age difference between the two actors. Nonetheless they pulled it off and made it believable.

The overall story is slightly predictable but it works in this situation. The music was on point especially at the end where a slight heartbeat can be heard during a touching scene.

It did have some (sometimes not so subtle) references to a higher deity but it's not shoved in your face and I didn't mind it.

Most of the acting was good but the standouts I've already mentioned. Overall it's was an enjoyable hour and a half spent watching a well made and acted independent movie.

Set in the 1800s, when men were men and women were chattels - in this movie by Trinity Creative, anyway, where women are indiscriminately killed, kidnapped, menaced, abused, exploited, bought, shamed, and for speaking out, killed (again). To be fair, men are killed, menaced, abused, and shamed, also. But the closing scene brings us all home to the love of the Lord, if only one will admit his Sin and accept Jesus as his only Lord and Savior. I didn't watch this alone, or would have stopped watching after a ten-minute toe-dip. As it was, I struggled to detect any character development, the acting ran the gamut from A to B, and the primary storyline trudged doggedly to its end, smothering any secondary stories. The movie is brutish, IMO, meaning to slip onto the viewer stealthily, like a choke chain, then yank tight to compel submission and obedience. There is no indication in the film description that it drives the message of Christianity. In fact, visit the Trinity Creative Partnership website and there is no mention that it is a Christian organization. Okay, the word "Trinity" is a bit of a giveaway. But why cloak what it is you stand for, especially if you believe it's a good thing? The old "bait and switch," eh? Like the snake oil salesmen of the time period? The film was not produced for quality entertainment (witness all the 1-star reviews), and it is sure not a "family movie." It seems to be, unabashedly, a blunt object for luring in, battering, and converting sinners. In this film, even if they've been wicked all their lives, if they use their last gasping breaths to be Saved, they are assured a place in Heaven. What the H-E-double-toothpicks?!

From the TrinityCreativePartnership.com website: "For over 20 years, Trinity has managed the commercial release of thousands of titles across the world." "Every year, Trinity works with its clients to develop and distribute their new content, as well as provide them with the ability to exploit their large libraries of content and material." (Their site content; not my words.)

This is a story about an unlikely partnership between two former friends who let a woman get between them.

With a common enemy they overcome their differences to work together on an impossible task with an undeniable spirit.

With time running out the past comes to the surface. This may be the last chance to restore their friendship, but the task at hand is more important.

The writing, directing, cinematography and musical score were well done making this an very enjoyable movie.

The casting did a great job putting together people that worked well together. It's obvious the cast enjoyed working on this project.

I recommend this movie for anyone who loves a great western.

The most laughably poorly written, directed and acted movie you'll ever see.

I watched the whole thing because I was trapped in a 15 hour plane ride.

At one point a car drove across the picture in the background and it wasn't even edited out.

The acting is so over the top it makes you wonder if they even did auditions or if they just walked into a church and grabbed a few random people out of the pews. I say church, because one of the main characters goes out of his way to lead a dying friend in the sinners prayer. I laughed out loud.

I don't know which part is worse - the story line - acting - or directing.

If you want a good laugh at a comically poor movie, give it a watch. Otherwise save yourself the time.

I created an account here for the sole purpose of reviewing this movie.

I've never been much of a western movie fan, but this inspiring movie changed my mind. The story was believable and in the fashion of old Hollywood westerns. The action scenes were exciting and well done. The cinematography is beautiful and the music greatly enhanced the plot line (especially in the ending scene). The characters were convincing and their dialogue was well written. The violence was moderate and well-presented. However, the best part was the telling of a longtime friendship that had been lost and was restored. The ending is truly inspirational and very touching. I would highly recommend this movie.