Gallowwalkers (2012) – Movie Review
Introduction
“Gallowwalkers” is a 2012 horror-western film starring Wesley Snipes, directed by Andrew Goth. The movie presents an intriguing blend of genres, combining elements of supernatural horror with the dusty, rugged backdrop of the Old West. Despite its star power and unique premise, “Gallowwalkers” faced a tumultuous production process and mixed reviews upon release. In this review, we will delve into the film’s plot, performances, visual style, and where to watch it in the United States.
Plot Summary
The story follows Aman (Wesley Snipes), a mysterious gunslinger cursed with immortality. This curse was the result of his mother making a pact with a deity to save him when he was mortally wounded. The consequence of this curse is that everyone Aman kills returns from the dead as a “Gallowwalker” — undead creatures thirsting for revenge.
Aman is on a relentless quest to eliminate these undead foes, with a particular focus on his arch-nemesis, Kansa (Kevin Howarth), who leads a gang of ruthless Gallowwalkers. Along his journey, Aman is joined by a young warrior named Fabulos (Riley Smith) and together they face numerous challenges and supernatural threats.
Performances
Wesley Snipes brings his trademark intensity to the role of Aman. His performance is stoic and brooding, fitting the archetype of a lone, haunted gunslinger. Despite the film’s shortcomings, Snipes’ screen presence helps anchor the narrative.
Kevin Howarth as Kansa delivers a suitably menacing performance, embodying the malicious leader of the undead gang. His portrayal of the primary antagonist is chilling, adding a sense of danger and urgency to Aman’s quest.
Riley Smith’s character, Fabulos, serves as a youthful counterbalance to Aman’s hardened demeanor. While Smith’s performance is earnest, the character’s development feels somewhat underwritten, limiting his impact on the overall story.
Visual Style and Cinematography
“Gallowwalkers” boasts a distinctive visual style, blending the gritty aesthetic of classic westerns with eerie, supernatural elements. The cinematography by Henner Hofmann captures the desolate beauty of the desert landscape, creating a fitting backdrop for the film’s dark themes.
The costume and set design contribute to the movie’s unique atmosphere, with striking visuals that highlight the blend of horror and western genres. However, some of the special effects and makeup work, particularly for the undead characters, can appear inconsistent and detract from the overall impact.
Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, “Gallowwalkers” received mixed to negative reviews from critics and audiences. While some praised its ambitious genre-blending and Wesley Snipes’ performance, others criticized its convoluted plot, uneven pacing, and lack of character development.
The film’s troubled production history, including delays and budget issues, likely contributed to its uneven execution. Despite these challenges, “Gallowwalkers” has developed a niche following among fans of cult horror and western films.
Streaming and Purchase Options in the U.S.
For those interested in watching “Gallowwalkers,” several streaming and purchase options are available in the United States:
- Amazon Prime Video: Available for rental or purchase.
- Apple iTunes: Available for rental or purchase.
- Google Play Movies: Available for rental or purchase.
- Vudu: Available for rental or purchase.
- YouTube Movies: Available for rental or purchase.
- Tubi: Occasionally available for free streaming with ads (check availability).
Conclusion
“Gallowwalkers” offers a unique cinematic experience by merging the horror and western genres, featuring a compelling performance by Wesley Snipes. While the film struggles with narrative coherence and production inconsistencies, it stands out for its ambitious premise and striking visual style. Fans of genre hybrids and cult cinema may find “Gallowwalkers” a worthwhile watch, despite its flaws.
