Ambush at Dark Canyon (2012)

Boring

Admirable film.

A story that's too fascinating to pass by...

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

(There is a small spoiler at end of article as the only part I personally felt was something that would not be done given the circumstances. It will be clearly noted in case readers want to skip that part) Initially I was wondering how they were going to tie the opening in with the rest of the movie, however it transitioned remarkably well, so well in fact when it transitioned back briefly it caught me off guard but once again smoothly back into the story. I found with 1 exception (the spoiler to come later) that the entire story and sequencing was credible enough to actually have some basis in facts. It was an enjoyable watch from start to finish and if you like Western music, some really great soundtracks are worked into the movie. The acting was excellent and you caught up in the characters to the point that if it had been presented as a retro documentary you would have no issue in following it or believing the story/event lines. The movie is clearly defined and you are never left scratching your head (again with the exception of the single spoiler issue). There was no unnecessary gore and even the violence was tastefully done and actually made sense in character portrayal. This is a movie I have watch several times but some scenes though not highly graphic are suggestive and probably best not shown to small children. SPOILER ALERT: The single issue I had with credibility the exiting from a tunnel at night with a lighted lantern, which obviously could have been seen from a long distance off and especially where the exit was located and as the scene unfolds there are obviously people nearby.

Ambush at Dark Canyon is a movie that kept my interest due to the story telling concept. Set in the Southwest , Duke Donovan seeks revenge and brings us into the Canyon with authentic depictions of how it was to live in the time period. It was also entertaining in the sense that it brought me back to the classic westerns with horseback riding, gun fights in mountain side boulders along with very well place thought provoking music. I thought the movie was very well written and it made me to feel like I was among the characters riding in the southwest desert. Whether your into western movies or not; I definitely recommend to watch Ambush at Dark Canyon!

"Some say the legend of Duke Donovan began to eclipse the man." After Marshall Duke Donovan (Brooks) is thrown in jail as an accomplice in a bank robbery he learns that his former partner is plotting to kill his wife. After getting help he escapes and begins the trail of saving his wife and clearing his name. This movie continues the western tradition of "the other side of the story" that every one is told. Movies like Blackthorn, Young Guns 2 and (the one that did it best) The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance are examples of this. When the entire country seems to know what happened but when someone who was involved tells what they know everything changes. Since the plot of the movie involves a tried and true western idea and because it was R rated and didn't hold back the grit this is one of the better westerns in the last few years. Of course most of the recent westerns were Hallmark Channel westerns but even taking those away this was a good western. Even the bad acting didn't affect the way I felt about it. Overall, one of the better westerns that have come out lately. I give it a B-.

So I saw this movie last fall at the Austin Film Festival when it was called "To Kill A Memory". They had a special showing. Kix Brooks was there with the Director and some of the Actors. In short, the film really surprised me. Not so much because they pulled off a cool movie on a small budget, but because the film wasn't your typical western. It was told as a flashback and really took you on a journey. After the festival, I wondered what had happened to it and was happy to see that it will be out as a limited theatrical in January. Their website also says it'll be out on DVD as a 2 disk set with the soundtrack CD included. The music in the film was awesome!! Kix Brooks talked about doing the music for the film at the festival. If you're a fan of country music, or great music in general.. you'll love this. Coincidentally, I reviewed another film the director did a few years ago called the Gundown. I liked it because they dared to try and make a movie on a shoestring, but this movie is a cut-a-bove it. Give it a shot, you won't be disappointed. Great Cast, cool locations. The indi-film spirit is alive and well with this film.