The Last Days of Billy the Kid (2017) is a Western film directed by Christopher Forbes. It attempts to chronicle the final days of the infamous outlaw Billy the Kid, offering a unique take on his life and legacy. However, the film has received largely negative reviews for its execution and production quality.
Plot Overview
The story follows Billy the Kid (Jason Cash) as he tries to evade bounty hunters and lawmen in the desolate landscape of the Old West. With a high price on his head, Billy faces constant danger and paranoia. The film introduces various characters, including Pat Garrett (Cody McCarver), who warns Billy to flee to Mexico, and a saloon girl named Emma (Minxy Monroe), with whom Billy shares a romantic connection. The narrative explores Billy’s attempts to find sanctuary while grappling with the inevitability of his fate.
Performances
Jason Cash portrays Billy the Kid, but his performance has been criticized for lacking depth and charisma. Cody McCarver as Pat Garrett and Minxy Monroe as Emma provide supporting roles, though the overall acting quality has been described as inconsistent. The large ensemble cast includes characters such as One-Eyed Lily (Jezibell Anat) and Marshal Ben Stanley (Stan Fink), but many performances fail to leave a lasting impression.
Cinematic Elements
The film’s cinematography and production design have been widely criticized. The visuals lack polish, and the settings fail to convincingly depict the Old West. The dialogue and pacing are also points of contention, with many scenes feeling disjointed or overly drawn out. The low-budget nature of the production is evident throughout, detracting from the overall experience.
Themes and Impact
While the film aims to capture the paranoia and heartbreak of Billy the Kid’s final days, its execution undermines its thematic ambitions. The inclusion of supernatural elements and anachronistic characters, such as an 1880s Italian mob boss, further detracts from the narrative’s authenticity and coherence.
Flaws
The Last Days of Billy the Kid suffers from poor production quality, weak performances, and a lack of narrative focus. The film’s attempt to reimagine Billy the Kid’s story is overshadowed by its execution, making it a challenging watch even for Western enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Overall, The Last Days of Billy the Kid (2017) is a low-budget Western that struggles to deliver a compelling or cohesive narrative. While it may appeal to viewers seeking a different take on Billy the Kid’s story, its flaws make it difficult to recommend. Fans of the genre might find more satisfaction revisiting classic Westerns.
