Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
An Seemingly Earnest, Yet Ultimately Inept, Attempt, May 26, 2009
My initial thoughts upon seeing the DVD cover, which is clearly titled DEAN TEASTER'S GHOST TOWN, was to think "Who on earth is Dean Teaster?" I'm an ardent fan of film (big-budget and independent) and I'd never heard of him. But if this is the best work he can produce, it's small wonder! It was my mistake, really, the scant plot description on the back of the DVD case should've been a red flag.
The case simply declares "Love, hate, family, forgiveness, redemption and sacrifice rock this small Western town. Family honor is defended while the gold rush surges forward." You might have noticed that it's simply a mash of random terms that all vaguely apply to the film along with another sentence that succinctly outlines the story (which is as insipid as it sounds).
Oh, where to begin? The opening credits elicited a chuckle at the hackneyed Native American imagery, replete with a woman cooly staring at the camera with the fog machine on overdrive. The old man's western accent is hilarious, as it seems he's affecting his best Walter Brennan impersonation. The opening jailbreak scene is about as exciting as watching a loved one being autopsied. This is because any intensity is derailed by wooden acting and bloody awful fight choreography (watch the jailer being assaulted on the ground, doesn't it seem like the gang is simply dancing a jig around him?). Mind you, these are moments from just the first ten minutes of this movie.
As for the characters, this film hits every cliche firmly on the head, I have to give it points for not missing a single one. The kid being broken out of jail is the archetypal immature violent misfit, a hallmark of westerns since the genre began. The sheriff guy dies a predictably noble and violent end, though the gang very kindly helped him into a coffin before shooting him to death. How sweet of them!
Did I mention the old man's accent is hilarious? Oh well, it bears another mention, I had to rewind a few times to hear his lines again. By the way, I could swear one of those indians at the final shootout has facepaint that resembled a clown. Comedy gold!
If a film can deliver at least half of what's promised, I can meet it halfway, I can forgive quite a bit. With DEAN TEASTER'S GHOST TOWN, you'll only end up asking forgiveness from whomever you asked to watch it with you. Unless you're like me, in which case my friends and I got more (unintentional) laughs out of this film than most Hollywood comedies. So that's something, I guess.
The bottom line is that the best reason to watch this film is to remind yourself just how great a well-crafted western such as UNFORGIVEN can be (which this film desperately wishes it could be).
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2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Ghost Town - The Movie, January 30, 2009
** It isn't a great movie. Not bad, but not great. On first viewing, it was kind of confusing at the beginning, but as I got into the story and the characters, I forgot about that. Some of the dialog could have been smoother, and more realistic, but the story itself was interesting. Most of the characters had enough depth that I was interested enough to wonder how they would end up.
** I admit the only reason I bought the DVD was because Reneé O'Connor (Gabrielle in "Xena: Warrior Princess") was in the movie. I would have liked for her to have had a larger part, but what little she had to do was well done, even the ending, which I won't reveal for those people who hate to read the Spoilers.
** Would I recommend that you buy it? Yes, if you like movies; western movies; movies that aren't your typical shoot 'em up; and if you are a fan of, and want to see more of, the infrequently seen Reneé O'Connor.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
ghost town, November 20, 2009
Loved this movie! My family and I have been to ghost town many times, and it was really neat and exciting to see the stores and shops that we visited in person while we were there.If you have ever been to ghost town, you will want to own this movie.
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