Lone Hero (2002)

Best movie ever!

The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

A clunky actioner with a handful of cool moments.

For those living in the Ivory Tower who think that "Citizen Kane" is the movie by which all others should be judged, this movie is complete trash. For the rest of us who remember that movies are ENTERTAINMENT before ART, this movie certainly has the capacity to be entertaining.It's a modern western: A small town in the west, a gang of bandits, and a nobody who has to save the day thanks to an older, tougher mentor. The action is fast-paced, yet refreshingly simple, and the movie deserves bonus points for not taking itself too seriously...in fact, the general pace of the movie switches fluidly between action and comic relief. The direction is effective, with a few inventive shots, and the score has the perfect "modern western" feel to it. The acting, however, is a bit weak. Sean Patrick Flanery acts like he's about to fall asleep, and most of the rest of the cast is completely forgettable. Two exceptions however, are Robert Forster (who is for the post part solid) and Lou Diamond Phillips, who actually overplays to the point of being likable (it's an over-the-top character, thus requiring an over-the-top performance).Anyone looking for a meaningful cinematic experience will surely be disappointed, but if you're looking for an entertaining shoot 'em up, you can do a lot worse.7/10

This is a pretty silly movie, but it is viewable. My main interest is in Hugh Rush Dillon, who happens to be in a Toronto rock band called The Headstones, who also contributed some music for the film. It's unusual and a bit out of character for the tough guy front man, but he is what makes the film OK. I doubt an academy award is in store, but it shows his versatility.

I caught this on HBO late-night. The scenario is pretty interesting. A guy in a wild west show who is a slacker and was just dumped by his girlfriend is forced to take action when some bad dudes cruise into town and start messing things up. There are some good shoot-outs and fights and some funny lines. The best actor in it is Robert Forster. He plays a cranky old tough guy who is good with a gun.

Lone hero succeeds in being more than just a fun, hard hitting action movie in two ways:Firstly, the basic plot achieves a campy send up to the classic western, here with the action transported to a contemporary wild western town.Secondly, Mr. Sanzel has jeweled well formed characters with exceptional dialogue. The intelligence, and humor of the character's lines really heightened the effect of the pounding action scenes, as well as electrifying the dramatic scenes. Often I found myself just waiting to hear what this or that person was going to say next. The verbal chess matches between the hero and his nemesis were as charged as the excellent battle scenes. The overall effect was dynamic, energized and palpable characters in extraordinary circumstances.Many great performances by lead and minor actors. Of particular noteworthiness is Robert Forster.This movie is a hard hitting, pulsating treat for the eye and the brain.