The Devil Wears Spurs

All of the characters vividly portray the lifestyle of the 1880's old west. Those cowboys knew who they were, and what they were doing. Sheriff Von Morely, Michael Wayne James, had a strong and yet subtle way of serving justice. The sheriff and his deputy kept a tight rain on the town's rough necks. Nothing would get past their suspicions. The women had you softly compelled as to what they thought was real in life and love. They worked hard to survive life and to always be prepared for the unknown. In every western there is always a bad villainous man. Max McCoy, Nick Sowell, takes you down an aggressive path of greed and hate. Max was truly a bad man intent on taking everything from everyone. Bill McKinney, the mysterious barkeeper, delivers an old folklore monologue that leaves you in suspense as to what really happens in the end. Charlton Thorp, writer and director, brings back the true grit of the old west with the ethics and morals intertwined into the story line. John Ford would be proud to see this type of production quality come from such a young team of filmmakers.

The acting and the scenery are all amazing. Nick Sowell as Max was as evil a man as Jack Palance's character in SHANE. The sets reminded me more of what it was like in the old west more rustic than what TV westerns would have had you believe. The lighting resembles HBO's DEADWOOD series in authenticity. For a probably low budget film, this has all the features you could want. You will be seeing more of Nick Sowell and hearing more about Charlton Thorp, director in the future. The only glaring weakness would be in that it needed a historical wardrobe person...too many large scarves for guys who did not work with cattle.

A solid movie all the way up and down. Thorpe's directing reminds me of a young John Ford or Sergio Leone. Personally it reminds me of Yojimbo or Fistful of Dollars. The lanky star, Nick Sowell, acts out his lines. His delivery never seems forced. A good movie and entertaining to say the least. The setting in Texas reminds one of the true locales of the old west. What lacks in length it makes up for in substance. Music was original. Cinematography was inspired. If you are a fan of the western genre, do yourself a favor, watch this, and see some of the most promising actors to do a western movie in a long long long time. A true treat for all western fans.

This movie was a real pleasure to work on from start to finish. The cast and crew were filled with talented individuals and full of great leadership. The film is a hallmark of scenic beauty giving the cinematography a very high rating. New, young, and very talented actor Nick Sowell commanded the screen throughout his entire performance giving the Director Charlton Thorp the ability to manipulate this Gothic western in the way he saw fit. The lush symphonic score covered all modern and folk genres giving the picture a wide scope of emotions and tension. This film should be ranked high in the new 2006-2007 festival and independent film markets. Great job.

Nick Sowell and Charlton Thorpe combined to make one heck of a film....and one heck of a awesome project to be part of. The entire cast and crew did such a good job that, frankly, I was disappointed when the fun was over and I had to go home. The location in Texas was exquisite. Wonderful rolling hills with Mesquite trees make this film a scenic splendor.

Charlton's brilliant writing abilities only mirror his method of directing with such a quiet, definitive style. His artistic ideas are easily discussed and you immediately know what he's looking for.

Nick Sowell's energy is contagious and he is excellent as "Max", expertly showing the range of the many emotions required for this character. Michael Wayne James, as the Sheriff, and the rest of the cast make this film truly entertaining.

This is the second film that I have been associated with Charlton and Nick. They certainly are the next up-and-coming film duo. Strap on your seat belts, people. This will be exciting to watch!