The Highwaymen (2019) - USA
Reviewed by Andrew Chan (Film Critics Circle of Australia)
Director John Lee Hancock crafted the famed and controversial “Bonnie and Clyde” tale by depicting the story from the two former highwaymen “Texas Rangers” on the hunt for the famed young iconic killers. One of the delightful aspect of the film is the inspired pairing of Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson as the highwaymen. The result is a road trip going across American countryside as we witness the two men changes their perspective on the proceeding. In most parts, it’s pretty much no-nonsense approach as the film drags for its 132 minutes duration without a single moment that strikes a cord with the audience.
Costner is steady-fast and stoic in his approach as the former Texas Ranger with a point to prove. Paring with Harrelson particularly well in old Hollywood buddies style, the premises remain interesting whenever the duo is on-screen. Harrelson is more personalise of the two, but manages to be just as menacing when the situation calls for it.
Released worldwide on Netflix Originals, this film manages to just be decent enough for a Friday night movies at home, but falls short of creating something special and memorable. Instead, the audience get a flat and highly adequate effort from Hancock and steady and expected performances from Costner and Harrelson. The result in an average affair that is nicely depicted, but not quite the level we were all expecting.
I rated it 6/10
DirectorJohn Lee Hancock
WriterJohn Fusco
StarsKevin Costner, Woody Harrelson, Kim Dickens, Emily Brobst, Kathy Bates