In this last year or so, Westerns have seen a resurgence in popularity. From new releases like Hell on the Border and Righteous Blood to upcoming titles Apache Junction, and even western/horror crossovers like The Pale Door and Skinwalker, it seems the Old West is back in style! Riding this trend is Catch the Bullet, written by Jerry Robbins and Michael Feifer. Best known for Ed Gein: The Butcher of Plainfield and 16 and Missing, Michael Feifer has quite an interesting portfolio. So does it live up to the excitement? Or is it one flick you should dodge a bullet for?

After a long absence, he finally returns home only to discover his father wounded and his son missing due to Jed Miller and his gang. Now he must set out with Tucker, a novice deputy who despises Injuns with a passion, along with Chaska ,a Pawnee hunter. This time, it’s personal.In less than five minutes, it became pretty clear to me that Catch the Bullet was going to be disappointing. The standoff between MacMaster and the trio of outlaws is baffling: one outlaw guns fires first, then another seconds him. Essentially, instead of a coordinated attack from both parties, we are met with a delayed solo from armed third leg who resorts to hiding behind walls set during “the dive”. That was not an exciting start at all.

Another poorly done element is how there are stereotypes about all sorts of individuals put together as we have The Marshal who is extremely rough around the edges, a novice “hero” wanting to prove something or gain validation of some kind, blended with a Native American tracker for good measure. One of the antagonists named Miller is the prime example as he brutally murders Chad’s friend and shows no emotion after doing so. Just prior this scene, he and his henchmen had managed to flee through the window jailbreak MacMaster decided upon dispensing them into drone stuck . In addition ,now Sioux natives have lost their minds and focus solely on slaughtering settlers savagely. They surpass Apaches at least.

Like the characters, the story of Catch the Bullet is equally boring, which isn’t bad. The plot lacks interesting twists or turns to keep you engaged and is ultimately predictable. The scenes lack suspense or any sort of impending doom, and one can almost always foresee what will happen next.

ожиданиеChad’s escape followed by the Sioux’s conveniently timed arrival captures this dullness perfectly.

Catch the Bullet is a full-fledged disaster. It is extremely tedious, but that’s not even the worst part. There are no moments of genuine suspense or focus in the battle sequences that reflects forethought and planning. The entire film seems to borrow the aesthetic of 1950s Westerns that were mindlessly played on loop for viewers imagining they were watching something wonderful on television. The same tired plot was repackaged in a different setting, and this time it has been butchered due to budget constraints and an overzealous need to check off boxes from some arbitrary list a director had in mind.

Michael Feifer does not come to my mind as a household movie name, albeit for the right reasons. Based on his filmography and reputation, he appears to be someone who delivers quantity over quality with little care for craftsmanship.

Unfortunately, Catching the Bullet can only be “appreciated” for its cover art featuring famous actors. In this case Tom Skerritt who only provided us about 10 minutes worth out of his busy schedule. He also fills out the role of sheriff played by Peter Facinelli (Twilight, Supergirl) who gives us a generous 5 minutes at best edges of screen time too.Catch the Bullet serves only as an enjoyable Western film. For anything deeper or different than what is offered, you are better off looking elsewhere. Even lesser-known Spaghetti Westerns like Fulci’s Massacre Time or My Name is Pecos offer more value.

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