Black Creek

The reviews that state that this is great action movie, must have watched a different movie than I did! The script is so corny that a 5th grader could write better lines. The script is also so predictable I had the basics figured out about 10 minutes into the movie. The actors are so stiff they could have made this movie with mannequins and voice over work.

This is the best western made in recent years. It's great to see that Cynthia Rothrock can still fight after all these years. She goes into every scene with blazing guns and flying fists. My only criticism is that I wish there were more fists and less guns, but that's probably required by the genre. I can't wait to see "Black Creek 2".

I've been a life long fan of martial arts and martial art heroes were always an inspiration. Cynthia is part of that legendary history and made this movie against all odds. Without the backing of some huge studio, just passion and grit. I'm actually quite critical but this movie makes you really want to get behind the hero and hate the villain. Thats what a movie like this has to convince you of. Fantastic fight sequences aswell and with the sadly passed actor playing the villain its the ultimate sign off.

Get behind it and let's keep great entertaining martial arts movies going and inspire the next generation.

Normally, Western movies is not my go-to kind of genre for entertainment. But every now and again I do opt to sit down and watch one. And this particular movie's cover was interesting enough for me to pick it up and giving it a chance, without knowing what I was in for, nor knowing who was on the cast list.

Writers Cynthia Rothrock, Robert Clancy and Jeff Gress put together a pretty straightforward script and storyline. It wasn't exactly rocket science material, but the script provided adequate entertainment, and isn't that the sole purpose of a movie? I was adequately entertained throughout the course of the 116 minutes that the movie ran for.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a martial arts training montage put into a Western movie? Yes? Well, you're in luck. Just sit down to watch "Black Creek" and you will find out. I kid you not.

The cast ensemble in the movie is quite impressive, especially if you watched movies during the late 1980s and all throughout the 1990s. The cast list includes the likes of Cynthia Rothrock, Don Wilson, Richard Norton and Patrick Kilpatrick. The acting performances in "Black Creek" were good.

The movie could have benefitted tremendously from a more round-handed trim in editing, as a 116 minute runtime was sort of pushing it to the edge.

Certainly a watchable Western movie, but it certainly is not going to become a classic in the Western genre.

My rating of directors Shannon Lanier and Mike Möller's 2024 Western "Black Creek" lands on a five out of ten stars.

Black Creek is a gritty, genre-blending ride that throws martial arts into the dust and blood of a Western frontier-and it works very well.

I had the privilege of being part of this production, behind the scenes as a production assistant and on camera as a stunt fighter in two of the film's intense fight sequences-including one with the incredibly skilled Nathan Porter. Getting tossed around on set never felt like so much fun, and a learning experience.

Cynthia Rothrock is the gun slinging, ass-kicking, female lead character Rose Jennings, a woman driven by vengeance after her family is massacred. Watching her work up close was surreal-she's a powerhouse, both physically and emotionally. Her fight scenes are raw and grounded, thanks to Mike Möller's choreography, which I got to see unfold from both sides of the camera.

I am fairly certain that this is the first time for a female gunslinger lead. Some would say that this parallels Sharon Stone in 'The Quick and the Dead'; Sharon Stone was first in the credits order, yes, but not the main character. Some will counter I'm sure.

Richard Norton brings a chilling intensity to Damien Sinclair, and Don "The Dragon" Wilson and Keith Cooke round out a cast stacked with martial arts legends.

Eliza Kelley and Brandy Futch add emotional depth, making the Jennings family tragedy hit even harder.

The music deserves its own spotlight. The theme song, composed by Grammy-winning Jim Peterik, Marc Scherer, and Benjy Gaither, adds a haunting, heroic tone that elevates the film's emotional core. It's the kind of score that lingers long after the credits roll.

What truly made Black Creek special was the spirit of camaraderie behind the scenes. The cast and crew were like a United Nations of talent-people from all over the world came together to help bring Cynthia Rothrock's dream to life. That sense of unity and purpose was palpable on set, and it shines through in the final product.

From my vantage point on set, I saw how much care went into every detail-from the dusty, desolate Mescal Movie ranch set, to the practicality of making each fight scene feel visceral.

Do you mind if I share a personal memory? This related to the pickup, and drop off, of cast and crew to their respective accommodations. Mostly during the oh dark thirty time frame. And often, on the satellite radio, The Cars "Drive". Benjamin Orr's vocals are forever embedded in my memory, as a reminder of the life and times of Black Creek. Who's gonna drive you home indeed.

Final Verdict: Being part of Black Creek was an unforgettable experience. It's a film that doesn't just entertain-it honors the legacy of martial arts cinema while carving out something new and imposing.

Whether you're a fan of Westerns, action, or just want to see martial arts legends still kicking ass, this one's worth your time. And -watch parties are the best.