The Last Rites of Ransom Pride

Thanks to my father, I have grown up watching old western shows and movies and have an appreciation for the cultural influence it had on his generation and continues to inspire others today. I've watched episodes of Bonanza, The Rifle Man and countless other films I couldn't even begin to name, many starring the legendary John Wayne, so when I saw this 2010 western starring "Game of Thrones" actor Peter Dinklage, I knew I had to add it to the blog.

In this modern western, a woman named Juliette Flowers is on a journey to make good on a promise that she made to her late lover Ransom Pride to bring his body back home to be buried beside his mother, however there are those out for blood with other ideas. A voodoo woman by the name of Bruja has taken claim of his body because he shot her brother before he died and demands a trade. Offering to bring his brother, Juliette sets out to bring Champ Pride, but his father Reverend Early Pride, a high and mighty preacher wants nothing to do with her and when Champ agrees to go with her, the Reverend is out for blood and will do anything to make sure Juliette fails at all cost.

Unlike the classic straight forward westerns, this was a little hard to follow with it's flashbacks and flashes of character's memories that were in and out before you could make out what was happening. Yet despite having to keep myself from blinking and missing a moment and becoming lost, the characters were colorful and the wardrobe and make-up were unique and made the story one you wanted to keep up with to find out who they were and what they would do. It's fair to say that a story with as many twist and turns might not be up your alley, however cinema is an art and is not always understood by everyone. In that spirit, I give this two and a half G.M.Stars for its out of the box take on a classic theme.

⭐⭐½