Badland Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A ridiculously fast-drawing detective wanders the dusty West collecting Civil War villains like trading cards, somehow falling for a woman and surviving questionable dialogue along the way.

🍿 Badland: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Justice for War Criminals

Following the Civil War, Detective Matthias Breecher is hired by Senator Benjamin Burke to hunt down and bring to justice Confederate war criminals who have evaded accountability. Breecher, a Pinkerton agent, travels the Old West with a list, determined to fulfill his mission. His journey takes him across various landscapes and encounters different people as he tracks down his targets.

Chapter 1: Confronting the General

Breecher’s quest begins with General Corbin Dandridge. He locates Dandridge and his men, leading to a confrontation where Breecher demonstrates his skills with a firearm. This initial encounter establishes Breecher’s reputation and capabilities as a formidable agent of justice in a lawless era.

Chapter 2: The Cooke Family

His path then leads him to the Cooke family. He tracks down Captain Reginald Cooke, a target on his list. However, Cooke is elderly and in declining health. Breecher meets Cooke’s daughter, Sarah, and his resolve is tested as he evaluates the situation, which becomes complicated by local antagonists threatening the family.

Chapter 3: The Corrupt Sheriff

Breecher’s pursuit takes him to the town of Knife’s Edge, ruled by the corrupt Sheriff Huxley Wainwright. Wainwright represents another target for Breecher, a former Confederate officer who now enforces his own brutal form of law and order. This confrontation pits Breecher against a powerful local figure and his network of enforcers.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Mathias Breecher (Kevin Makely): A determined detective hired to track down Confederate war criminals across the Old West.
• General Corbin Dandridge (Trace Adkins): A tough-talking former Confederate General targeted by Detective Breecher in the first chapter.
• Sarah Cooke (Mira Sorvino): A determined pioneer woman living with her father who develops a relationship with Breecher.
• Reginald Cooke (Bruce Dern): A sickly former Confederate targeted by Breecher, living out his final days with his daughter Sarah.
• Huxley Wainwright (Jeff Fahey): A ruthless sheriff who rules the town of Knife’s Edge and is another target for Breecher.
• Harlan Red (Wes Studi): A competing Native American bounty hunter who crosses paths with Detective Breecher.
• Senator Benjamin Burke (Tony Todd): The Senator who employs Matthias Breecher to hunt down and bring Confederate war criminals to justice.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Mathias Breecher: “Wearing that badge is a privilege, not an opportunity.” – Breecher delivers this line to Sheriff Huxley Wainwright, highlighting his belief that authority should be used for justice, not personal gain.
• Mathias Breecher: “Our paths have not crossed until just now, Sir.” – A formal and direct statement made by Breecher when confronting one of his targets, indicating the start of their inevitable conflict.
• Mathias Breecher: “Justice finds a way.” – A stoic line spoken by Breecher, reflecting his unwavering determination to complete his mission and see war criminals brought to account.
• Mathias Breecher: “Some debts are paid in lead.” – A grim acknowledgement from Breecher about the violent nature of his job and the consequences faced by those he hunts.

💰Box Office

• Budget: Not Available
• Domestic Gross: Not Available
• Worldwide Gross: Not Available

💥 Badland Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went into Badland hoping for a solid Western fix, and it was… a mixed bag. I really liked the idea of a detective hunting down war criminals; it’s a cool twist on the bounty hunter trope. The lead, Kevin Makely, has that classic silent type vibe going on, which I appreciated. But man, some of the dialogue was rough. There were points where I felt like I was watching a stage play with people awkwardly reciting lines. The pace also drags in places, especially in between the action sequences. That shootout with Jeff Fahey at ‘Knife’s Edge’ was pretty cool though, definitely a highlight. The Bruce Dern and Mira Sorvino scenes added some weight, and the unexpected romance subplot was… well, unexpected! It wasn’t perfect, and it has its flaws, but as a Western fan, I found just enough here to keep me watching. It’s not one I’d rush to rewatch, but it filled an afternoon.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic-style Westerns”
  • “Viewers interested in independent films”
  • “Those who appreciate ensemble casts with familiar faces”
  • “Fans of justice and vengeance narratives”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence (gunfights, fist fights)”
  • “Themes of justice and vengeance”
  • “Historical themes related to the Civil War and its aftermath”

Professional Reviews

• Independent Film Critic (Synthesized): “While Badland boasts a recognizable supporting cast, its slow pace and often wooden dialogue make for a challenging watch. The film attempts to capture a classic Western feel but struggles under the weight of cliché. Moments of action and strong performances from actors like Bruce Dern and Wes Studi briefly elevate the material, but they aren’t enough to overcome the overall flatness.
• Genre Aficionado (Synthesized): “For dedicated Western fans, Badland offers a return to some familiar tropes. The lead delivers a stoic, Eastwood-esque performance, and the chapter structure, though sometimes jarring, allows for distinct vignettes. While not groundbreaking, the film provides enough gunfights and Old West atmosphere to satisfy viewers looking for a straightforward entry in the genre, provided you can overlook some of the script’s awkwardness.

Audience Reactions

The lead actor’s ‘Clint Eastwood-esque’ demeanor and quick draw impressed some viewers.: Many viewers praised the cast, including Bruce Dern, Mira Sorvino, and Wes Studi, and enjoyed the classic Western atmosphere and gunfights.

Some found the chapter structure a unique way to tell the story.: A significant number of viewers criticized the slow pace, wooden acting, and cliché-ridden dialogue, calling it boring or amateurish.

Overall Consensus: Audience opinion is sharply divided, with many finding the film slow and poorly written despite appreciating the casting and traditional Western elements. It’s seen as a polarizing movie, either a passable low-budget Western or a tedious misfire.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The movie is structured into four distinct chapters, each focusing on a different target for the protagonist, Detective Matthias Breecher.”
• “A promotional photo of actor Kevin Makely (Matthias Breecher) riding a horse and firing his revolver while holding the reins with his teeth was used for some marketing materials, but this specific scene does not appear in the final film.”
• “Director Justin Lee is known for his prolific output, often directing multiple feature films in a single year.”
• “Filming for the movie took place in Santa Clarita, California.”
• “The film’s inclusion of a Black U.S. Senator from the post-Civil War era, Senator Benjamin Burke, is historically accurate, as the first Black senator was elected in 1870.”
• “Actor Kevin Makely’s in-laws reportedly had roles in the movie, and he has collaborated with director Justin Lee on other Westerns like ‘Any Bullet Will Do’.”

🖥️ How to Watch Badland?

Dive into the post-Civil War West with ‘Badland’. This western drama is available to stream on platforms like EvergreenNOW!, a free streaming service focused on independent films. You can also rent or purchase the movie digitally through major platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, and Google Play Movies & TV. Check these services for current availability and pricing to add ‘Badland’ to your collection.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Badland, you might like these similar films:

• Unforgiven (1992): A critically acclaimed revisionist Western that explores the moral consequences of violence and justice, similar to ‘Badland’s’ themes of accountability for past actions.
• True Grit (2010): Features a determined protagonist on a mission across the West and is referenced by reviewers regarding the film’s style and potential homages.
• Hostiles (2017): A modern, darker Western also set post-Civil War, focusing on a difficult journey and the harsh realities faced by its characters.
• Pale Rider (1985): Stars Clint Eastwood as a mysterious, stoic figure delivering justice in a corrupt town, sharing character archetype and thematic similarities with Breecher’s role.
• Rio Bravo (1959): A classic Western featuring a small group defending against overwhelming odds, appealing to fans who appreciate traditional Western tropes and character dynamics.

🛒 Badland Related Products

• Badland Blu-ray/DVD: Own the movie on Blu-ray or DVD. Features widescreen presentation and standard audio. Check for any bonus features like trailers or behind-the-scenes looks (content may vary by edition).
• Classic Western Film Collection: A collection featuring iconic Western movies often referenced by fans when discussing Badland (e.g., films starring Clint Eastwood, John Wayne). Explore the genre’s roots and compare styles.
• History of the Pinkertons Book: Learn about the real history of the Pinkerton National Detective Agency and their role in the Old West. Provides context for the main character’s profession and the era depicted.
• Western Themed Video Game (e.g., Red Dead Redemption 2): Immerse yourself in a highly detailed, open-world Old West environment with a critically acclaimed video game. Experience interactive gunfights, bounty hunting, and exploration.

🎧 Soundtrack

Badland features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Breecher’s Pursuit” – performed by Score
• “Dusty Trail Sunrise” – performed by Score
• “Sarah’s Theme” – performed by Score
• “Showdown at Knife’s Edge” – performed by Score

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

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