7 Reasons Hell Or High Water Is The Best Film Of 2016 (So Far)
Bank robberies, shoot-outs, car chases and so much more.
The year 2016 will go down in history as one of the most disappointing Summer blockbuster seasons of all time. From bad reviews to under-performing major tent-pole releases to some, quite frankly, disasters masquerading as movies it can be difficult during these times to hold on to any faith in mainstream Hollywood.
Cinema goers certainly do not enjoy paying for sub-par experiences or crushing disappointments but unfortunately this is one of the down sides to being a fan of the silver screen.
Thankfully, one of the upsides is getting to buy a ticket to a film like Hell Or High Water.
Directed by David Mackenzie and written by Taylor Sheridan of last years' Sicario fame, Hell Or High Water tells the story of brothers Tanner and Toby Howard, played by Ben Foster and Chris Pine respectively. One's an ex-con, the other a divorcee father in debt, the Howard bros hatch a plan to travel through the desolate towns strewn across West Texas, robbing banks, and doing everything they can to hold onto what's theirs.
Here are seven reasons why it is absolutely the film of the year so far...
7. It Is An Understated Affair...And That's A Great Thing
Before we begin, please do not misunderstand. Loud, brash, action-packed blockbusters absolutely have their place in movie entertainment. Hell, in the case of this Summer's Captain America: Civil War they can be downright glorious.
But, just sometimes, it can be very refreshing to watch something that isn't going for wide-eyed gasps and fist pumping action beats. Sometimes it's much more satisfying to watch a movie that walks a more subtle path. Or in this case, dirt road. Despite the bank robbing, shoot out subject matter, Hell Or High Water is not a crash, bang, wallop kind of affair. In fact it is a very simple story, but one inhabited by complex characters.
Sure there are a few shoot outs and car chases, it's a film full of bank robberies after all, but it is in the quieter, melancholic moments that the film's true beauty and quality shine through.
Whether it be the two brothers play fighting in a corn field accompanied by the incredible score, or the reflective lingering shots of desolate, working class towns these sombre moments are a refreshing break from the overzealous nature of blockbusters and an oddly peaceful reminder of how effective cinema can be when everything isn't just zooming around and exploding.
Admittedly perhaps not to everyone's particular taste, the understated nature is one of Hell or High Water's greatest strengths and deftly separates it from the Summer blockbuster bilge.