The Highwaymen
(Netflix)
By Lucas Allen
The legendary exploits of Bonnie and Clyde left an indelible mark on pop culture with the 1967 Arthur Penn film starring Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway. This year, we finally get to see their story from the perspective of the men who gunned them down.
The new drama “The Highwaymen” shows a different side to this part of American history that not many people may know about.
It’s 1934, and Bonnie Parker (Emily Brobst) and Clyde Barrow (Edward Bossert) are already at the peak of their infamy during The Great Depression. Suggested by U.S. Marshal Lee (John Carroll Lynch), Gov. Ferguson (Kathy Bates) brings in retired Texas Ranger Frank Hamer (Kevin Costner) to lead a private investigation to search for the criminal duo, much to the chagrin of Hamer’s wife, Gladys (Kim Dickens).
While prepping for the statewide drive, Hamer runs into his former partner, Maney Gault (Woody Harrelson), who wants to join him on the mission in spite of his financial and health difficulties. Together, they follow the trail of dead bodies through the state, hoping to pick up their scent. Their old-fashioned instincts are undermined when they’re forced to work alongside younger G-men with newer investigative technology. As the case goes on, the two men have to face their past as they defy age and experience to solve the case. Eventually, they’ll use any means to track the dangerous couple and catch them in the act.
With a plot like that, you may think that the movie would be an action-packed drama about two old men using their wits and skills from the past to take down a notorious gang. However, while a good quarter of the film has some action bits and scenes of rapid gunfire, the rest of its 130-minute runtime is devoted to long conversations about the two characters’ lives and troubles, meant to create more character development. Bonnie and Clyde’s exploits take a major backseat to these two men talking with suspects, police and each other. Whether or not it has any bearing to the plot is up to the viewer to decide. If anything, you can splice in scenes from 1967’s “Bonnie & Clyde” and maybe it’ll have a greater effect.
Granted, the movie tries to be as engaging as the classic film by having lead characters viewers can connect with through the journey. You may end up rooting for them to overcome their personal obstacles to deliver some fierce justice. But because of its long running time and slow talking scenes, it may wear out your patience around the halfway point. Several minutes of trimming and some more action moments probably would’ve helped make it a more entertaining film.
The lead two actors manage to deliver high quality acting that helps elevate the experience. Costner brings that gruff personality and likable charm that became his trademark in recent years, while Harrelson has that mix of serious and humorous elements to his performance that’s on generous display. The rest of the acting is solid though you’ll likely be disappointed by the lack of Bonnie and Clyde being present in most of the movie.
You may enjoy this movie for the acting, but “The Highwaymen” has enough pacing issues that could make it almost a chore to watch. It’s still well-made enough to make it a decent film, but a good shaving of its runtime could’ve helped it a little more. At least it’s on Netflix, so you’re not missing much.
THE MOVIE’S RATING: R (for some strong violence and bloody images)
THE CRITIC’S RATING: 2.75 Stars (Out of Four)
