Name: The Old Way
Genre: Action, Drama, Western
Released: 2023-01-06T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Nicolas Cage, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, Noah Le Gros, Clint Howard, Shiloh Fernandez

The opening shot of The Old Way is a dusty, sunbaked landscape, Nicolas Cage’s grizzled face filling the frame, his fake mustache twitching with every word. It’s an image that should pulse with gravitas, but instead, it’s undercut by the unmistakable whiff of artificiality—Cage’s facial hair looks like it was glued on five minutes before the cameras rolled. This moment sets the tone for Brett Donowho’s 2023 Western, a film that wears its influences on its sleeve but struggles to carve out its own identity.

The story is a familiar one: Colton Briggs (Cage), an aging gunslinger turned shopkeeper, must confront his violent past when the son of a man he killed years ago seeks revenge. The premise is straightforward, almost archetypal, which puts extra pressure on the performances and direction to elevate it beyond the realm of cliché.

Nicolas Cage delivers a performance that swings between quiet introspection and explosive rage, reminding us why he remains one of Hollywood’s most compelling actors. His portrayal of Colton Briggs is layered with nuance; there’s a palpable sense of weariness in his eyes, a man haunted by his past but unwilling to let it define him. Cage’s physicality—his stooped shoulders, the way he moves with a mix of caution and purpose—adds depth to the character, making Colton feel like more than just another grizzled old gunfighter.

Ryan Kiera Armstrong, who plays Colton’s daughter Brooke, holds her own alongside Cage. Their chemistry is genuine and touching, particularly in scenes where their shared grief and resilience shine through. Armstrong brings a quiet strength to her role, embodying the toughness and vulnerability of a young girl forced to grow up too quickly. Her performance is one of the film’s standout elements, providing an emotional anchor amidst the chaos.

The supporting cast is a mix of familiar faces and lesser-known talents, each bringing something unique to the table. Clint Howard as Eustice, a member of the McCallister gang, delivers a memorable performance with his trademark eccentricity. Nick Searcy as Marshal Jarret adds a layer of complexity to the story, serving as both an ally and an obstacle for Colton.

However, The Old Way stumbles in its storytelling and direction. The script, written by Carl W. Lucas, is riddled with clichés and predictable plot points. The dialogue often feels stiff and unnatural, robbing the film of the authenticity it so desperately craves. Donowho’s direction is similarly uneven; while there are moments of genuine tension and emotional weight, they are overshadowed by scenes that drag or feel overly contrived.

The film’s pacing is another issue. At times, The Old Way moves with the deliberateness of a slow-burn drama, only to abruptly shift into high-gear action sequences that lack the build-up needed to feel truly impactful. The final showdown, while visually impressive, suffers from this inconsistency, leaving the audience more confused than thrilled.

Visually, the film has its moments. The cinematography captures the rugged beauty of the American West, with sweeping landscapes and sun-drenched vistas that evoke the classic Westerns of old. However, these visual strengths are undermined by a reliance on tired tropes and clichéd set pieces. The action sequences, while competently executed, lack the innovation and creativity needed to stand out in a genre saturated with similar films.

Thematically, The Old Way explores familiar ground: redemption, legacy, and the cost of violence. Colton’s journey is one of atonement, as he struggles to reconcile his past actions with the man he wants to be. The film also delves into the complexities of fatherhood, particularly in the dynamic between Colton and Brooke. Their relationship is the heart of the story, providing an emotional core that grounds the more fantastical elements of the plot.

But despite these thematic strengths, The Old Way often feels like a retread of better films. It lacks the depth and nuance of Unforgiven, the emotional resonance of True Grit, or the raw intensity of No Country for Old Men. Instead, it settles for a series of familiar beats and predictable outcomes, leaving little room for surprise or innovation.

The film’s target audience is clear: fans of classic Westerns looking for a nostalgic fix. However, even for this demographic, The Old Way offers little that hasn’t been seen before. The pacing issues, clichéd dialogue, and uneven direction make it a frustrating watch, particularly when compared to the genre’s standout entries.

Ultimately, The Old Way is a film that aspires to greatness but falls short due to its reliance on tired tropes and uneven execution. While Cage and Armstrong deliver strong performances, and the cinematography has its moments, the film struggles to rise above its limitations.