The Long Kill
1999
Drama / Western

The Long Kill
1999
Drama / Western
Plot summary
In the tradition of THE WILD BUNCH and THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN comes this fast paced, action filled western with unforgettable performances by an all star cast: Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Travis Tritt and Waylon Jennings. All hell breaks loose in this riveting story when a group of former outlaws with bad attitudes teams up to catch a killer with murder and revenge on his mind. After Tobey(Jennings), a retired member of the group, is brutally gunned down by a former member and killer, Clinton Reese, our band of reformed gunslingers, Lee (Nelson, Tarence (Kristofferson), and Dalton (Tritt), sets out on Clinton's Trail. They are joined by Tobeys reluctatant young son Bryce (Willett).
Director
Top cast
Tech specs
720p.WEB 1080p.WEBMovie Reviews
Paella/US Western about some gunslingers who seek avenge against heinous killers
TV Western with Kristofferson and Country Music stars
Released to TV in 1999, "Outlaw Justice" (aka "The Long Kill") is a low-budget Western featuring Kris Kristofferson and Country & Western stars Willie Nelson, Travis Tritt and Waylon Jennings, the latter in a cameo at the beginning who narrates through the rest. These guys play noble outlaw-types who team-up with the son of Jennings' character (Chad Willett) to apprehend -- or, more likely, kill -- the murderer of a former gang member (Sancho Gracia).
The plot is reminiscent of "The Wild Bunch," but with likable protagonists rather than the contemptible dirtbags of that classic Western. Unfortunately, "Outlaw Justice" doesn't have the budget of that major release and this is readily apparent in the opening scene. The style of the movie also takes the mythical approach of Spaghetti Westerns and throws in some humor. As such, the tone is part-serious and part-joke, which was hard for me to embrace. In fact, the first couple of times I tried to watch "Outlaw Justice" I quit before reaching the 30 minute mark. However, once you catch a grip it's entertaining enough; the Western sets are good (although the effects are weak) and the stars are charismatic. Nelson may not be the best actor, but he's amiable. Kristofferson stands out with that "cool" Eastwood vibe and the fact that he's intimidating without even saying a word. Unfortunately, with the exception of a cameo by Leonor Watling, this is strictly an all-dude flick.
If you're a fan of the stars and their music this is a must. If not, it's a mediocre, but likable, modern TV Western.
The film runs 96 minutes and was shot in Almeria, Andalucia, Spain.
GRADE: C+