Latest news with #Westerns
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Guns & Moses' Review: Rabbi Meets Revolver in an Offbeat and Occasionally Awkward Thriller
The pistol-packin' padre is not an unknown figure in Westerns — particularly 1960s European 'spaghetti' Westerns — but you'd be hard-pressed to name movies which cast their rabbinical brethren in a similar action-figure mode. 'Guns & Moses' exploits just that novelty as its primary hook, complete with an advertising image of the bearded, fedora-topped hero brandishing firepower over the slogan 'May God and Your Glock Protect You.' Punning title aside, Salvador Litvak's film promises a serious look at antisemitic violence, inspired by the 2019 shooting (which killed one person and injured three more) at Chabad of Poway Synagogue in San Diego County. Alas, the convoluted screenplay written by the director and spouse Nina Litvak bears little resemblance to that real-world incident, locates the criminal motivation well outside the realm of antisemitism, and somewhat awkwardly attempts to balance straight suspense with a persistent comedic streak. More from Variety 'The Last Rodeo' Review: Neal McDonough Anchors a Familiar but Affecting Drama About a Bull Rider's Risky Comeback 'Homestead' Trailer: 'Tulsa King's' Neal McDonough Stars in a Survivalist Drama About America Under Attack 'Tulsa King' Adds Neal McDonough as Season 2 Series Regular (EXCLUSIVE) The enterprising indie production entertains even as it sends some very mixed messages, not least in a parting direct-camera address during the closing credits, where the Chilean-born writer-director-producer manages to tie together gun advocacy, the October 7 Hamas attacks and a pitch for viewers to promote his project. 'Guns & Moses' can be accused of implausibility, tonal missteps and sporadic heavy-handedness — but you can't say it lacks chutzpah. Outside a fictitious Southern California town, the High Desert Jewish Center is hosting its annual gala, a deluxe affair gathering leaders of the substantial local Orthodox Jewish population. With Mayor Kirk (Neal McDonough) in attendance, Center founder Rabbi Mo Zaltzman (Mark Feuerstein) introduces the evening's principal honoree: Alan Rosner (Dermot Mulroney), whose vast solar energy farm is the area's biggest industry. He's also this community's biggest benefactor and uses his podium moment to announce a further gift that might give the Center (currently housed in a strip mall) a permanent home. But just then gunshots ring out, throwing the tent-full of high-ticket dinner patrons diving for cover. Amidst general mayhem, only one life is claimed, which raises the question of whether this was an act of indiscriminate antisemitic terrorism or a targeted assassination. Local law enforcement (notably police detectives played by Zach Villa and Ed Quinn) show no doubt on the matter. They promptly arrest 19-year-old Clay Gibbons (Jackson A. Dunn), whose car was seen speeding from the scene, and who'd previously spewed Holocaust-denying bigotry at community members. Still, he and his father (Jake Busey) claim they were at home together when the shooting occurred. And Rabbi Mo, having already had a tense yet tentatively bridge-building interaction with Clay, thinks the kid is merely a 'troubled teen' whose flirtation with local white power groups wouldn't have led to murder. That doubt prompts Mo to do some investigating on his own. He soon uncovers no end of complicating intel: of Alan's more ruthless, enemy-generating business practices, which estranged his brother (Michael B. Silver) and ruined the career of an academic ecologist (Paulo Costanzo); his Israeli second wife's (Mercedes Mason) past espionage ties; plus 'Chinatown'-like skullduggery involving government contracts and lucrative land rights. Other major figures in play include Mo's supportive wife (Alona Tal), the security hire (Gabrielle Ruiz) who convinces them both to spend time at the rifle range, Alan's erstwhile investment partner (Craig Sheffer) and everybody's many children and step-children. Some of these figures find themselves on the wrong end of a bullet's trajectory long before the rabbi, his entire family and a few remaining allies must barricade themselves against a climactic siege — one orchestrated by those they'd assumed could be trusted to uphold the law. By then, it's all too clear that this whole morass is 'not about Jew hatred, it's about money,' as Mo puts it. That twist might be more shocking if Litvak's script wasn't quite so overloaded with intrigue, or if both dialogue and direction didn't land quite so cumbersomely on lessons to be learned. The single most on-the-nose sequence — though there are many — has an unrestrained Christopher Lloyd as a Holocaust survivor conveniently situated to lecture young Clay about the genocidal reality of his experience. 'Guns & Moses' is technically proficient, with solid contributions from cinematographer Ricardo Jacques Gale and editor Peter Marshall Smithy maintaining a brisk overall pace, as well as reasonable excitement during the few action setpieces. But those sequences are compromised to an extent by Feuerstein's amiable if tension-dispelling insistence on his character's shambling, humorous demeanor. And the climax gets a bit ridick, as it requires we believe an assembly of mostly rank amateurs might successfully overpower pitiless, heavily armed invading paramilitary types. Such contradictions don't make 'Moses' less enjoyable as a hybrid genre effort selling familiar tropes to an audience that rarely sees itself represented in violent thriller narratives. But they do make it hard to take seriously in the end. The material's comingled yoks and moralizing, family values and flying bullets, melodramatic contrivance and vague ripped-from-headlines relevancy never coalesce into a coherent statement. It's already asking a lot for viewers to ignore the very knotty political reality the film (which premiered on the festival circuit more than a year ago) is now being released into. That context encompasses all Gaza bloodshed, as well as the way claims of antisemitism have come to be weaponized. Those are matters beyond this movie's purview. But its often oil-and-water-like mix of the sincere and cartoonish nonetheless makes their absence felt. One factor that does serve to lend a veneer of playful irony to the film's contrary elements is Aaron Gilhuis' original score. Alongside some like-minded tracks by Calexico and other bands, it provides a quasi-old school, rocked-up 'Western' flavor to proceedings before eventually heading toward more conventional thriller terrain. 'God & Moses' opens in limited release on July 18. Best of Variety The Best Albums of the Decade Solve the daily Crossword
Scottish Sun
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I went to one of Europe's biggest theme parks with more than 40 attractions and record-breaking rollercoasters
Hurtling through darkness on rollercoasters adds an electrifying twist IN FOR A RIDE I went to one of Europe's biggest theme parks with more than 40 attractions and record-breaking rollercoasters Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WITH my eyes screwed tightly shut, I brace myself for the plummet. Suddenly, I'm being hurled an agonising 76 metres down a sheer drop, approaching terrifying speeds of 83mph before being thrown through a helix loop. 4 Go head over heels on the Dragon Khan ride which has eight loops Credit: Supplied 4 The park has the tallest coaster in Europe Credit: Supplied When it's all over, I can barely recall what had just happened. This is Shambhala, one of Europe's best hypercoasters, found at PortAventura World on Spain's sizzling Costa Dorada. The theme park is celebrating its 30th birthday this year but, judging from the spine-tingling ride I'd just been on, the park is far from slowing down. In fact, it is positively thirty and thriving. Boasting some of Europe's fastest and most exciting thrill rides, top-class waterpark Caribe Aquatic, Ferrari Land, and five on-site 4H and 5H hotels, this was a birthday party invite I couldn't turn down. With GCSEs done and dusted and school out for summer, teens Poppy and Charlie were raring to let their hair down. Armed with our Unlimited Express Passes (an essential extra if you want to hit every one of the park's biggest rides, among more than 40 attractions), we literally hit the ground running. And it was the best £54(ish) we could have spent. In under an hour we had been left rattled racing each other on wooden coaster Stampida, cooled off in the Grand Canyon Rapids and been blown away by multi-dimensional dark ride Uncharted and eight-loop coaster Dragon Khan. Luckily the park is not just bold, it's also beautiful, with lush landscaping across the six themed lands of Mexico, Polynesia, China, Far West, Mediterranea and SesamoAventura, where we could recover from the adrenaline rush and soaring temperatures. Martin Lewis warns about strict passport rule that could see you board your flight - only to get sent home on arrival My favourite was the Far West, where I could live out some of the Westerns I spent my childhood watching with my dad, moseying like outlaws through town and shooting targets, before picking out costumes in the Saloon Bar for a hilarious photo memento. Even the teens threw themselves into the dressing-up box, donning petticoats as saloon girls. Their adrenaline highlights were Shambhala and Red Force. After happily watching them ride the former three times in succession, they finally persuaded me to strap my creaky, menopausal bones in. I think I was actually transported out of my body and into the mythical kingdom of Shambhala for the duration of the ride. So when it came to visiting Ferrari Land, a must-see for petrolheads and F1 fans, I decided to get my kicks on terra firma by speeding round the Maranello Grand Race track in a mini toy race car, while the girls tackled the legendary Red Force alone. 4 The Red Force roller coaster Credit: Supplied 4 Have fun in Ferrari Land Credit: Supplied As the tallest and fastest rollercoaster in Europe, it did not disappoint. Carts climb 112 metres before plummeting at a 90- degree angle, with an incredible launch system that reaches 111mph. For the first time in two days, my hyper-excited giggling girls were left absolutely speechless. All this adrenaline-fuelled fun can build up quite the appetite, and thankfully — unlike many UK theme parks — the dining options are varied and excellent. We enjoyed a leisurely lunch overlooking the Mediterranean harbour at Raco de Mar — feasting on melon and parma ham, burrata, truffle cannelloni, crispy calamari and mussels served in a delicious sauce. Electrifying twist The park has plenty of quality fast food, too, if you're keen to maximise ride time, but we were more than happy to have a break from the heat and adrenaline. Another great lunch and dinner spot can be found in the Far West, at The Iron Horse restaurant. There's a special 30th Anniversary burger on the menu that completely steals the show. The excellent grub wasn't limited to the theme park either. We'd opted for half-board at the 4H Wild West-themed Gold River Hotel and took full advantage of the vast buffet breakfast each morning. Dinner was also excellent, with fresh seafood and grill options. The dining hall can get quite busy, but we managed to find a lovely, quiet spot to eat outside each night. Aside from the food, the hotel itself is a non-stop Wild West adventure from the breathtaking atrium to the surrounding cabin accommodation brilliantly disguised as a frontier town. Anyone staying at one of the theme park hotels also gets private early access to the park and tickets to the main park and Ferrari Land are included in the price of your stay. You may not need early access, though, thanks to PortAventura's extended opening hours for the anniversary, which means the park remains accessible until 11.30pm. I'd barely finished my dinner before the girls were dragging me back to hit the rides again. The park is totally transformed after dark, with each world glowing against the night sky. Hurtling through darkness on rollercoasters adds an electrifying twist. Of course, it wouldn't be a 30th birthday bash without fireworks, either. And the nightly spectacular Fiesta Aventura is guaranteed to wow, featuring a fabulous illuminated parade, a spectacular drone display and fireworks extravaganza. It was the perfect end to one hell of a wild ride.
Newsweek
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
10 Best Western Shows to Watch If You Love 'Yellowstone'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors Westerns offer some of the most compelling TV around. In this list we're counting down the 10 best Western shows you need to watch, and importantly, where to watch them. You'll almost certainly love the following series if you're into "Yellowstone," but watching Paramount+'s drama isn't a requirement. Whether you're addicted to the Dutton's dilemmas, looking for more shows like "Ransom Canyon," or crave an extra hit of "Godless," you'll love these top ranch dramas that are all streaming right now. Kevin Costner stars in Yellowstone Season 5 Kevin Costner stars in Yellowstone Season 5 Paramount+ If you'd prefer to live like a cowboy though, check out our inside look at Westgate River Ranch Resort and Rodeo. 10 Best Western Shows to Watch If You Love Yellowstone 1883 Where to Watch: Paramount+, Netflix This "Yellowstone" prequel traces the Dutton lineage back to the American frontier. Here, former Confederate army captain James Dillard Dutton (Tim McGraw) leads wife Margaret (Faith Hill) and family out West in search of a fresh start. It's an epic odyssey involving encounters with native Americans, poisonous snakes, and at one point a twister. And don't skip its sequel 1923, also on Paramount+, which stars Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren. Godless Where to Watch: Netflix First off, "Godless" is a seven-episode miniseries, so don't worry about needing to be in it for the long haul. Set in 1884, it centers on a young outlaw (Jack O'Connell) on the run from his deranged former boss and mentor. He ends up, bizarrely, in a small New Mexico town populated almost entirely by women, giving this innovative Western a feminist gaze. Longmire Where to Watch: Netflix, Prime Video This neo-Western crime drama television premiered in June 3 2012 on the A&E network, making it the oldest show on this list. It follows Walt Longmire, a sheriff in - where else? - Wyoming. His whole deal is solving crimes, which means Longmire is pretty much a Western police procedural, only a lot more rural than the likes of "CSI" or "NCIS", and with several more horses. Justified Where to Watch: Hulu, FX Not a ranch drama per se, but no list of modern Westerns is complete without Raylan Givens. Played to perfection by Timothy Olyphant, this U.S. Marshal brings Old West justice to modern-day Kentucky with a fast draw and a faster wit. Razor-sharp dialogue, memorable villains, and Western swagger in a new setting. Outer Range Where to Watch: Prime Video If you fancy throwing a little sci-fi in your Western, check out "Outer Range." It's Prime Video's prestige Western series, starring Josh Brolin, Imogen Poots, and Lewis Pullman. Brolin plays a Wyoming rancher who, after discovering a mysterious black void on his land, deals with the increasingly cosmic fallout. Imagine "Lost" meets "Yellowstone" and you're along the right lines. Hell on Wheels Where to Watch: AMC+ / Paramount+ "Hell on Wheels" chronicles the historic construction of the Union Pacific Railroad in 1865, and gets its name from the colourful mobile encampment that followed its laborers. Throwing together an uneasy collection of mercenaries, prostitutes, and saloon-owners, the show is packed with plenty of rough Frontier drama and rich characters more than happy to keep on delivering it. Joe Pickett Where to Watch: Paramount+ Based on the popular novels by author C.J. Box, "Joe Pickett" follows a Wyoming game warden (Michael Dorman) fighting for justice in a small town. That often involves putting a stop to rural crime, political corruption, and land-grabbing deals. Geographically it's the closest series to Yellowstone: this takes place in the wilderness surrounding Yellowstone National Park. Ransom Canyon Where to watch: Netflix "Ransom Canyon" is Netflix's answer to "Yellowstone." Starring Josh Duhamel as the stoic West Texas rancher tackling disputes in both land and love, it's a slightly gentler watch than Paramount+'s often explosive series, but just as gritty, and dripping with drama. Walker: Independence Where to watch: CW, Max This is to "Walker" what "1883" is to "Yellowstone." A prequel set way back in the late 1800s, it's the origin story of Cordell Walker, the legendary Texas ranger of the show's title. "Walker: Independence" follows the protagonist's ancestor Abby Walker as she journeys out West in search of love and liberty. A great entry point if you've never seen Walker before, offering a light, frothy dose of frontier adventuring. American Primeval Where to watch: Netflix One of the more recent entries on this list, "American Primeval" released January 2025 on Netflix. It's set set in 1857 during the Utah War, and revolves around violent clashes between the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and competing organizations in the turbulent region. The story centers on a mother (Betty Gilpin) and her son who are escorted on their violent journey by mysterious mountain man Isaac (Taylor Kitsch).
Epoch Times
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Epoch Times
‘The Unholy Trinity': Better Than a B-film but Not by Much
R | 1h 35m | Drama, Action, Western | 2025 Dating back to 1894, the Western is among the oldest of all movie genres. A mainstay through the 1950s, Westerns fell out of favor at the end of the Golden Age of Hollywood in the mid-1960s, but never completely disappeared. Thanks to the efforts of filmmakers like Sergio Leone, Clint Eastwood, Sam Peckinpah, Kevin Costner, Quentin Tarantino, and Taylor Sheridan, Westerns hold on, even if only by a thread.
News18
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Jack Betts AKA Henry Balkan Of Spider-Man Dies At 96 In LA
Last Updated: Veteran actor Jack Betts, known for spaghetti Westerns and Spider-Man, passed away at 96 in Los Osos, California. Hollywood veteran Jack Betts, remembered for his iconic roles in spaghetti Westerns and as Henry Balkan in Spider-Man (2002), has died at the age of 96. According to People, his nephew Dean Sullivan confirmed that the actor passed away in his sleep on June 19 at his home in Los Osos, California. Following news of his passing, the Beverly Hills Playhouse honoured him in an emotional tribute on Instagram: 'Our beloved Jack Betts passed away peacefully at home." The heartfelt post added, 'There was only ever one like this, and we are the richer for having his presence in our theatre. Rest in peace, Jack." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Beverly Hills Playhouse (@beverlyhillsplayhouse) Fans of Everybody Loves Raymond also expressed their grief online, and several admirers praised Betts' depth and versatilitym particularly in his Western roles. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Everybody Loves Raymond 360 (@everybodylovesraymond360) Betts, who began his journey in the world of acting after being inspired by Laurence Olivier's Wuthering Heights performance in 1939, had a career that spanned stage, film, and television. He was just 10 when his family relocated from New Jersey to Miami, where his love for theatre took root. He later pursued acting at the University of Miami before making his Broadway debut in Richard III. The 1960s saw Betts transition into international fame, particularly in Italy, where he featured in several spaghetti Westerns. Among them was Sugar Coat (1966), directed by Franco Giraldi. His theatre streak continued with a memorable three-year stint as the lead in Broadway's Dracula from 1977 onward. While many remember him from television hits like Frasier, Friends, Seinfeld, and Everybody Loves Raymond, Betts gained a new generation of fans through his brief but notable appearance alongside Willem Dafoe in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man, where he played Henry Balkan, a board member of Oscorp. Later in his career, Betts appeared in shows like My Name Is Earl, Recovery Road, and Good Trouble in 2019. But off-screen, his friendships were just as memorable — especially with Everybody Loves Raymond star Doris Roberts. The two shared a home until Roberts' passing in 2016. She also directed Screen Test: Take One, a play written by Betts that was inspired by the world of soap operas. Betts is survived by his sister Joan, who is set to celebrate her 100th birthday in November, as well as his nephew Dean and nieces Lynee and Gail. First Published:
