The Virginian (2014)

Talky, sparse, lethargic reimagining of the classic tale with Trace Adkins

Trace Adkins plays the title character who prefers the name ‘South.’ He was raised by an authoritative cattle baron (Ron Perlman) in Wyoming where he works as a ranch enforcer. When a writer from the Big City (Brendan Penny) questions the inhumane treatment of rustlers, South defends the fierce realities of the “Code of the West.” South’s code is further probed by a newly arrived schoolmarm from Vermont (Victoria Pratt) and he begins to wonder about his upbringing and the Judge’s motives.

Adkins makes for an iconic Westerner, as witnessed in "Traded" (2016) and "Hickok" (2017), where he played side characters. In "Stagecoach: The Texas Jack Story" (2016) he plays the main protagonist, but that movie’s noticeably inferior in overall filmmaking, even though it cost approximately the same amount to make. In other words, as low-budget as "Traded" and "Hickok" are, they worked quite well as made-for-TV/direct-to-video Westerns, all things considered. "Stagecoach: The Texas Jack Story" is almost amateurish by comparison. Yet it still has some points of interest for those who don't mind slipshod productions.

The production of this loose re-telling of “The Virginian” (2014) is similar to that of “Stagecoach: The Texas Jack Story,” but noticeably better. Like that movie, the landscapes are limited to coniferous backdrops, fenced cattle fields, a small town and a shack here or there. You never see wide-spanning cinematography (obviously to save money). In a couple of scenes there are looming magnificent mountains. The overall vibe is very sparse and desolate, but it looks more like British Columbia than Wyoming.

Like Bill Pullman’s version of the tale (2000), the movie’s talky with mumbling dialogue, not to mention this isn't a rollicking shoot-'em-up Western; it's more of a realistic drama in the Old West with flashes of Western staples, like the hanging of rustlers, saloon confrontations and a brief Indian sequence. Victoria Pratt sure is beautiful though, even in one of those unappealing Western dresses. Adkins is a quintessential Westerner, but I think Pullman’s version is the better flick; its second half is more compelling. This one’s kind of meh. If you’re a fan of Adkins, check out “Traded” and “Hickok” first.

The film runs 1 hour, 35 minutes and was probably shot in British Columbia, like “Stagecoach: The Texas Jack Story” (I’m guessing because I can’t find any info on the shooting locations and the landscapes look similar).

GRADE: C