Brock Harris gave a good performance as the strong silent cowboy type. There were some really terrific character actors that gave the story a western feel. The leading lady was young and pretty and, unlike some westerns, she didn't look like she just came out of a Beverly Hills salon. Her romance with the main character was sweet and restrained. The great Bruce Dern unfortunately has grown too old to seem dangerous as the bad guy. The story lacked a central seemingly unstoppable bad guy that is so essential to a western. I would have thought that Cam Gigandet, who is a fine actor, would have filled that role, but unfortunately he disappears after the start of the film and only reappears at the end and offers virtually no opposition to the main character. The final victory is too easy for the good guys and anti-climactic. We never feel the tension of their extreme jeopardy which eliminates much of the suspense. I don't think a single good guy was killed at the final shootout despite being outnumbered. The locations, buildings, and structures had a rugged authentic look but the film was shot in virtually the same location throughout, with little variety as to exterior or interior shots. The younger brother played by Michael Welch had a terrible part written for him, spending the entire film whining about getting his wayward bride back, again and again and again. In virtually every one of his scenes. I love westerns. I found this watchable but a little below average.
Review of Last Shoot Out
