The Highwaymen - Disappointingly dull

You may recall that last year I dedicated an entire month to reviewing Netflix original films. Mostly because circumstances caused me to put my theater time on hold, but also because I find that Netflix, as well as many other online platforms, are becoming wonderful alternatives for distribution of high-quality cinema. While I still hope that movie theaters won't go away, I am glad to see that filmmakers and producers are taking advantage of the freedom that services like Netflix have to offer. Because they are technically a premium network, they are usually comfortable with letting creators do pretty much whatever they see fit to make the best possible product. This can lead to the dilution that Netflix, and by extension any other internet-based distribution platforms, are automatically immune to the repetitive and boring practices of most major studios. Who, as of late, spend too much time playing everything safe and refuses to take any risks. The sad truth is, as much as we would like to believe otherwise, the internet is not immune to producing dull, lifeless, and dreary slogs of products masquerading as high-quality entertainment. Look no further than The Highwaymen, which is, regrettably, the most disappointing Netflix film I have seen so far. 

The story revolves around the efforts to find and apprehend or kill the notorious crime duo of the 1930s known as Bonnie & Clyde. As the two criminals go about committing horrific acts of murder, and the then newly formed FBI failing to find or capture the dangerous duo, the Govoner of Texas Ma Ferguson (Kathy Bates) is forced to consider an alternative option. At the suggestion of a colleague, she reluctantly assigns former Texas Ranger Frank Hamer (Kevin Costner) and his old partner Maney Gault (Woddy Harrelson) to track down the murderous couple before any more blood is spilled. Now, the two older men must dust off their skills, and deal with their personal baggage with each other, to bring in or bring down Bonnie & Clyde. 

This is an excellent idea for a movie. From what I understand, this is the first time that the antics of Bonnie & Clyde have been told from the perspective of the ones who brought them down. We have a new take on an old story, a classic buddy-cop set up with two older Cowboys upstaging the younger FBI agents, and tons of opportunity for action, humor when applicable, and commentary on violence and the various methods of law enforcement. Sadly, The Highwaymen didn't take it upon itself to deliver such a film. What we have here instead is yet another case of bleakness mistaken for greatness, an unbearable lack of levity, and commentary that fails to make the mark. Not from lack of trying on the writers part. 

While the film does sport an impressive script that technically succeeds in providing potentially dynamic characters, as well as delivering commentary on the strange fascination with celebrating killers and the moral grey area of justice, it is not handled with the delicate balance and delivery that it deserves. This problem in particular I personally blame on the director. The film was directed by John Lee Hancock, late of The Rookie, The Blind Side, and Saving Mr. Banks. All of which are decent films but also share a similar tone and style. That of a brightly toned world and a family friendly mindset of storytelling. Because of this, I strongly suspect that Mr. Hancock was attempting to step out of his comfort zone to try something different. While I applaud his efforts, if that was indeed the case, I don't think he's really cut out for movies like The Highwaymen. The script is really much more suited for someone like Michael Mann or even Christopher Nolan, people who have experience in these kinds of darker stories. Sadly, we are left with a director out of his league. 

Kevin Costner is not much help either. To be honest, there are very few movies with Mr. Costner that I actually like, and that has to do with his style of "acting" being best suited to the tone and story of said movies. Kevin Costner seems incapable of putting any amount of believable conviction into his performances preferring to go with the overused tough & stoic man approach. Usually, that kind of thing would be appropriate for a story like this, but his version of it, in particular, drags the movie down more. The good news is that his lackluster performance is mostly saved by the ever-reliable Woody Harrelson who is always entertaining in whatever he's in. Even when the quality of the movie isn't all that great, Mr. Harrelson manages to elevate it with enthusiasm, charm, and conviction. I could watch this man read the Phonebook on stage and be completely entertained. 

I was genuinely looking forward to this movie. I liked most of the cast, the general idea, and the exciting parts that were showcased in the trailers. Sadly, it seems that all of the best moments were reserved for the advertisements. The films lack of levity, lackluster performance from the leading man, and misguided direction have all cultivated into an overly long slog of a film that I'm pretty sure put me to sleep once or twice. If you have a Netflix account, you would be wise to stear clear of this one. Just watch Zombieland instead. It makes much better use of Woody Harrelson's talent. 

Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm, thank you for reading.