Review: Hell or High Water

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Blood always follows money. 

Toby (Chris Pine) and his brother Tanner (Ben Foster) have been robbing a small chain of banks in Texas in order to save their family's ranch. Tanner is fresh out of prison, Toby is a divorcee who just wants a better life for his sons. They eventually catch the eyes of ranger, Hamilton (Jeff Bridges) and his reluctant partner Parker. (Gil Birmingham)  Hamilton thinks he has them all figured out, and Toby just wants to get this all over with.

I hadn't planned on seeing this on the big screen, despite loving Ben Foster, but after hearing how unexpectedly great it was, I made it a point to see it before my theater loses it this week. It's a very simple story but performance by Foster and Pine completely enhance it. This was an interesting double matinee I saw with Don't Breathe (review will go up on Sunday) as both involved characters robbing others. There's a lot less grey with this one.

Foster is so underrated. This guy has been long over due for an Oscar. I'd love if he got some supporting love for this piece. This is also the best I've ever seen Pine.

The score is lovely and the film paced well. My only complaint was when a group of bystanders all whip out their guns and attempt to take justice into their own hands. (And no, they don't save everybody by shooting at people with guns, they kind of made it worse) It just made me cringe. I'm sure it wasn't meant to be any kind of political statement but that's all I could think about when watching it. 

Recommended: Yes

Grade: B

Memorable Quote: "Only assholes drink Mr. Pibb." - Tanner (Ben Foster)

Comments

  1. MyerlaSeptember 14, 2016 at 7:06 AM

    I'm keen to see this, planning on doing so next week.

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownSeptember 14, 2016 at 7:38 AM

    I was so underwhelmed by the trailer for this, but every review I've read has sang its praises. Hoping to watch this myself very soon now!
    - Allie

    ReplyDelete
  3. Kevin PowersSeptember 14, 2016 at 9:35 AM

    Yeah. The men with the guns. For me, this movie was making a statement against the men with the guns, not for them. The little guy (Pine) wins in this movie. He beats the rednecks with all the guns just as he beats the banking industry on a small scale, then the largest scale possible. I'm fine with those things as political statements.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamSeptember 14, 2016 at 9:40 AM

      That makes it sound better, but it just felt kind of gross while I was watching that scene.

      Delete
  4. DellSeptember 14, 2016 at 5:28 PM

    Somehow I haven't heard about this one, till now. I like Foster and Pine, so I'll check it out at some point.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamSeptember 15, 2016 at 6:40 AM

      It's a lot better than any trailer lets on, that's for sure.

      Delete
  5. Candice FrederickSeptember 14, 2016 at 9:15 PM

    I need to see this!

    ReplyDelete
  6. BirgitSeptember 15, 2016 at 11:59 AM

    I do want to see this film because I love Jeff Bridges. Sounds like a good film

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamSeptember 15, 2016 at 12:04 PM

      He's pretty good in it. Typical Bridges, but interesting enough.

      Delete
  7. s.September 16, 2016 at 5:34 PM

    I here there is Oscar Buzz for Bridges for this....must be weak year for supporting actor :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamSeptember 17, 2016 at 6:40 AM

      Bridges basically plays the same character over and over, Foster is the real stand out here. If anyone should be getting supporting chatter, it should be him.

      Delete
  8. KatySeptember 18, 2016 at 9:49 PM

    Nice review! My sister really wanted to see this for Pine, so I'll have to let her know. :D

    ReplyDelete

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