The Redemption of Henry Myers

One would think after his hideous flop, The Christmas Candle, that Rick Santorum would just return to obscurity. But no! Now he is back with a movie so shockingly bad that it cant even be considered camp. There is zero production value. Zero storyline. Zero plot and zero appeal. If this thing can even be considered a movie then we are all doomed.

These poor actors may have destroyed whatever D-list careers they were aspiring to by actually agreeing to star in this junk.

If you are try to make Christian values the core if your film genre it may be wise to remember that ripping off paying customers is not one of them.

The dialog is at times a little corny ("He drew down on that snake with his rifle, Ma!"), and the young girl's poor western folk accent and way of talking is a little too forced, but this is an earnest movie that faithfully represents the Christian message of redemption and forgiveness with a moving tale of love.

Henry helps rob a bank but doesn't want bloodshed, and of course it happens anyhow. He accidentally kills a preacher who gives him his miniature Bible before he dies and tells Henry that he can change.

After a year on the run, Henry's past catches up to him and he is wounded, and finds refuge with a widow and her two children. They turn out to be the family of the preacher that Henry killed, and the dilemma ensues. Torn between his great crime and growing love for the family, Henry is a tormented man and must decide if he accepts the gift of grace.

It is sad to note that at least one viewer has unleashed hatred of Christianity. Why one would bother to show such bigotry is beyond me, but it says much more about the reviewer than the movie. This is a rare movie in which not only is the name of Jesus invoked, but hymns naming Jesus are sung (and beautifully at that). You have to admire their bravery in the face of all the Hollywood and liberal hating, to produce such a movie and not back down from content that will draw the ire of the haters.

The movie moved me enough to rate 7 stars. With more polished actors and production it might have fared better. Great family movie that will leave you feeling good, especially if you are a person of faith.

I didn't know beforehand that this was a Hallmark production, or I probably would have skipped it entirely. The main reason is because the Hallmark productions are sickeningly sweet and disgustingly prudish without any of the elements that make up the usual good Western, which would be, at least a little bit of minor swearing. I can do without the graphic violence in some westerns and other genres of movies, but I feel they should be at least realistic to the period. In those days, swearing would not be the usual swear words used today, but generally would be Bible related blasphemy. I like the cinematography. The little girl was probably the best part of this movie. As far as trivia goes, when he is shown shaving off his beard for the first time in who knows how long, he's shown looking in the mirror, and, he's using the blunt back side of the straight razor and not the edge! Anyway, despite being painfully slow, the sheriff gives Henry a second chance, so we get the obligatory happy ending of a Hallmark presentation.

Westerns have faded somewhat in popularity in recent years, but I think when done well, they can really shine. The Redemption of Henry Myers is one such example of how it should be done.

Is it possible for men to change? To find hope after falling so far? That's what the movie explores, providing a very enjoyable movie experience. The sets look great, and the story keeps up a steady pace. Both Drew Waters and Erin Bethea rise to the occasion and turn in solid, heart-moving performances. I love the twists and turns the movie takes and it gives a very satisfying ending.

I also appreciate the way that the violence was handled. Modern-day Westerns can quickly spiral out of control, but director Clayton Miller exercises wise restraint in what is shown and not shown.

Well done Echolight! Please continue to make great movies that families can enjoy together!

So here we are in the faith based genre now in NM. As usual the same old favorite union actors for the region are once again in the cast. My Lord! Characters are weak, storyline lacks. But it's just the same faces which makes it just plain boring. Couldn't hold my interest for too long. Film quality is good, can't go wrong with NM cinematography. It's about time for some new faces. Some different locations in the US. Western era pertains to the entire us and not just Az, Tx, NM. Somebody did get the time period correct weapons, tack, wardrobe is close but too clean as usual. Especially liked the clean plucked eyebrows on the female lead.