The Highwaymen
The Highwaymen is a respectable tribute to the men who brought notorious criminals to justice, though it’s not always the most engaging watch.
Crime dramaThe Highwaymen , which chronicle Frank Hamer and Maney Gault ’s quest of Bonnie and Clyde , was in maturation for a identification number of yr and was at one point envisioned as a possible vehicle for Robert Redford and Paul Newman . finally , Netflix got their hands on the project and Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson signed on as the leads , finally giving the film momentum after lingering for more than a decennium . There was certainly a good deal of potential here for a gripping and captivating entry into this prove and true writing style , but music director John Lee Hancock and party don’tquitehit all the gull . The Highwaymenis a honorable protection to the men who brought ill-famed criminal to DoJ , though it ’s not always the most engaging spotter .
With Hancock at the helm , The Highwaymentakes a classical dramatic approach to its subject issue , which is fitting given Hamer and Gault ’s status as aging jurisprudence hatchet man wondering if they still have what it takes to get the job done . The end consequence is a handsome - look period slice , complement by the efforts of output decorator Michael Corenblith and costume architect Daniel Orlandi . The Highwaymencaptures a number of thirties details , enthrall viewers back to that geological era with style and edification . The motion-picture photography by John Schwartzman is also a courteous touch , impart the film the aspect and finger of something from past .
Unfortunately , this also act upon againstThe Highwaymenin some deference . While some viewers will apprise its old school sensitivity , Hancock does n’t necessarily bring anything new to the mesa , handling the fiber building moments and episodic curing piece with workmanlike proficiency . Despite the high stake of quest for Bonnie and Clyde permeating throughout the picture , The Highwaymenisn’t always fascinating , which at time can hurt the pacing during the 132 - second runtime . This is n’t to say Hancock does a misfortunate chore directing the film - he more than make the job done - but there is n’t anything all that memorable that ’ll bind once the credits roll .
Some of the payoff here can be recognize to John Fusco ’s script , which is a little odd . The writer deserve points for attempting to explore the effects of violence on a seasoned Texas Ranger , but struggle when it number to painting a compelling portrait of Bonnie and Clyde . The Highwaymendoes touch on on the couple ’s celebrity position within the eyes of the general public , but still takes a generally pitch-black - and - white coming to the meat battle . Hamer and Gault are definitely the " good guy cable " here , attempt to bring in down evil fuzz killers . In some ways , this does work for the purposes of the movie ( cutaways to some of Bonnie and Clyde ’s vicious deeds emphasize the menace they represent ) , but the ill-famed duo are largely presented as faceless villains rather than intriguing role in their own right .
In regards to the performance , Costner and Harrelson ably carry the picture on their shoulders , delivering the type of turns viewer should occur to expect . The former is a gruff and tough lawman who firmly believes in Justice Department , while the latter is a bit more personable - but still has a no - nonsensicality streak when the prison term call for it . Costner and Harrelson have easygoing chemistry with each other , convincingly feel like two old friends banding back together for one last adventure . There ’s a sense of veridical story between the two that comes through via their mannerisms , interactions , and extend dialogue transit . Sadly , many of the supporting player here ( let in Hamer and Gault ’s respective families ) draw the short pale yellow and are n’t given much to work with . None of the execution here are bad , but outside of the two protagonists , nobody leaves a real impression and are just there to serve specific roles in the story .
All in all , Netflix seems like the right platform for a mid - budget photographic film likeThe Highwaymen , which easily would have gotten lost in the shuffle if it had go bad against major studio tentpoles or even the incoming awards fare that ’ll hit theaters later this year . It ’s a fine , if for the most part mundane , film that will hopefully find its butt audience on cyclosis . For viewers of a sealed eld , The Highwaymenwill plausibly be deserving a watch , but it ’s far from the best original Netflix flick to arrive out in recent months . Unless one is a serious fan of the genre , meter full stop , or chief genius involved , there candidly is n’t too much to extremely recommend .
Trailer
The Highwaymenis now streaming through Netflix . It runs 132 minutes and is rated universal gas constant for some strong fury and blooming image .
Former Texas Rangers Frank Hamer and Maney Gault end their respective retirements to join forces to test and take down notorious outlaw Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow . Stuck in evolution hell for years , this Netflix original stars Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson as the real life story peace officer .
Woody Harrelson, Kevin Costner, and Thomas Mann in The Highwaymen
Kevin Costner and Kim Dickens in The Highwaymen
