Very few films manage to capture the audience’s sympathies so thoroughly that they can end with their protagonist duos dying heroically at the end, but every now and then we find one in the likes of a Bonnie and Clyde, Thelma and Louise, or Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. The latter has long since become a film classic thanks to Paul Newman and Robert Redford’s fantastic performances under Director George Roy Hill, but what if the duo didn’t have to die at the end? What if Butch Cassidy managed to fake his death and escape to further adventures down the long dusty road? Blackthorn posits just such a story follows an aged Butch Cassidy working his way through a world with the hope of one day seeing his home again as his only motivation. Sadly, it seems that Cassidy is destined for adventure whether he likes or not, and he once again sets off in league with a young gunslinger in a brilliantly shot but poorly written and paced piece that will find fans in Western enthusiasts.
The memory of home for James Blackthorn, aka Butch Cassidy, is just that: a memory. He’s been out on the trail for so long now that it seems he’ll never get back. When his journey crosses his path with that of a young thief looking to make a name for himself, the days he thought he’d put behind him come roaring back to the horizon. Once again, Butch will ride and shoot against the best guns on both sides of the law. After having survived his days with the Sundance Kid, Butch is understandably weary to go back to the life, but whether he likes it or not, it clearly runs in his blood, and before long he’s back in and proving he’s still got what it takes to play the outlaw game.
The spot on casting of Sam Shepard as Cassidy has been wasted on a script that is at times unbearably hokey and direction and editing that leave a lot to be desired. Beyond Shepard, the only true appeal of the film is its beautifully shot landscapes that make the film far more atmospheric than it would have been on the merits of the direction or script. If you’re a diehard fan of westerns and you’re always eager to consume new ventures into the genre, then many of Blackthorn's faults are forgivable for the overall quality of the production. But if you’re looking for a well-constructed film on all fronts, Blackthorn will be mightily disappointing.
Blu-ray Bonus Features
A basic behind-the-scenes piece, deleted scenes, and a selection of short films by Blackthorn’s director Mateo Gil are the primary extras on the set besides the trailer and promo piece.
"Blackthorn" is on sale December 20, 2011 and is rated R. Action, Western. Directed by Mateo Gil. Written by Miguel Barros. Starring Eduardo Noriega, Sam Shepard.
