Director David Mackenzie’s “Hell or High Water” may be the sleeper hit of the summer and one of the best movies of the year. A tour de force performance by Jeff Bridges and wonderful work by Chris Pine and Ben Foster make this film a must see.
Set in West Texas it’s the story of two brothers, one divorced and the other an ex con, whose family ranch is about to be taken by the Midland Texas Bank. The brothers concoct a very clever albeit dangerous scheme to raise enough cash to save the ranch. In close pursuit are Texas Ranger Marcus Hamilton (Bridges) and his partner Alberto Parker played beautifully by Gil Birmingham.
The dialogue between the Marcus and Alberto is smart, funny and very entertaining. Marcus is weeks from retirement and he is unmerciful in his politically incorrect ragging of Parker and his Indian and Mexican heritage. Parker dishes it back in good order and the interplay between them is a highlight. Taylor Sheridan’s screenplay makes it all possible. He also wrote the screenplay for “Sicario”.
Pine and Foster are wonderful as two down on their luck brothers trying to make things right. Again, the dialogue is crisp and natural and delivered brilliantly.
This film has it all. Terrific cinematography, action galore, solid storyline and a soundtrack that is a home run.
This may be Jeff Bridges best work. He has delivered so many solid performances from “Starman” to “The Fabulous Baker Boys” to the classic “Big Lebowski”. This one stands apart for me. He is Marcus Hamilton and you believe it.
Don’t let this movie slip by. See it soon.
