Last Shoot Out is a low-budget western directed by Michael Feifer. Unfortunately, the movie treads a lot of familiar ground and lacks originality and imagination. While the cast is well-known, it feels listless and has no sense of urgency. The dialogue adds an air of passiveness that takes us nowhere. There is no sense of suspense or excitement, but the film does offer some action.
The script, by Lee Martin, is a classic Western that deals with a recurring problem. A wronged woman, an inexperienced gunman, a crooked old-timer, and an evil family led by patriarch Blair, are all involved in a shootout. The plot centers on a stagecoach station, with the main characters, Jocelyn and her husband, Jody, finding out that their father has been murdered. When they find out that they are innocent, Jocelyn steals a horse from Jody while he is drunk.
The script by Lee Martin, who also wrote Catch the Bullet and Here Kills the Bride, is solid. However, the film's most notable flaw is the overuse of flashbacks. Too many of them feel forced and unnecessary. While the western genre is still alive and well, the movie's plot suffers from a lack of originality. Thankfully, Feifer and his talented cast deliver an enjoyable, satisfying western.
Last Shoot Out is a well-made western directed by Michael Feifer. The plot is a classic one with a young gunman and an old-timer. A powerful family of bad guys led by patriarch Blair, all set against an isolated stagecoach station. A couple is reunited, but Jocelyn learns that her husband Jody is responsible for the death of her father. She steals the horse to get away from her abusive husband and save herself from the danger he poses to her. The story moves smoothly until the end, when the couple is finally united again.
As a western, Last Shoot Out is a fun and absorbing watch. It features a flawed plot, but the underlying themes are worth the price. The plot of the movie isn't particularly complex, and the characters are often likable and sympathetic. Its screenplay and acting are solid, but the film isn't a perfect one. In fact, the film's weakest point is the romantic subplot, which feels forced and strained.
While the director shows a deep appreciation for the Western genre, he fails to make it work. While the film's characters are recognizable, the script and direction isn't. There's no spark, and the story feels rather listless. The film's two-thirds are taken up by dialogue and have a passive quality. The movie's main character is a haphazardly acted hunk.
While the film's plot is predictable, the actors are well-cast. The director is a great choice for the role of Jocelyn Callahan, who learns that her husband is guilty of killing her father. While Jody is a great actor, the romance subplot is forced and ultimately does not make the movie interesting. The story ends on a whim, which is not surprising for the film's genre.
Despite its limited budget, the film is a definite success for the director. While Feifer's direction is solid, the movie's script is weak. It's not very funny and lacks depth. The writing is fine, but the film has no substance. It's a very good spoof. The plotline is a little confusing, but the director tries to make it as realistic as possible.
The movie isn't as interesting as its plot would suggest. The cast is a bit too bloated and too cliched. Its main characters, however, aren't much different from the rest of the genre. The film's central mystery is a murder, but the film's main focus is the two men's marriage. Although this may seem like a small flaw, it is a compelling story, and one worth watching.