directed by:
Tom Wheeler written by: Tom Wheeler genre: Western |
I had a good time watching this flick. Of that, there is no question. Now, it may be true that I have a soft spot for spaghetti westerns, but I most definitely don't need to use that as an excuse to like this movie - by any standard, Wheeler's film is pretty damn good. The fact that it's a low-budget movie only makes this project all the sweeter. Independent film done right? Check.
"The Legend of McCarthy and Little Bill" allows viewers to follow along with the not quite so famous namesakes of the movie as they bumble their way from one situation to the next. McCarthy is the more collected partner in this dynamic duo leaving "Little" Bill to handle the comic relief elements of the film. Truth be told, McCarthy mostly seems along for the ride as most of his "wanted" status is not for any actions taken by himself, instead just from partnering with Bill. As the two bicker from one situation to the next, things naturally get worse and worse. After hooking up with Bobbie Tucker, who is a Jill of all trades, McCarthy and Bill embark on a journey to find a coffin full of gold which in turn brings them face to face with a dangerous red shirt (a racist outlaw) and a new friend. I'm not going to completely spoil the story for anyone who happens to be reading, but I will say this. "The Legend of McCarthy and Little Bill" plays out almost exactly like you hope it will. Tom Wheeler's film relishes its overly cliche nature, adding some good old-fashioned comedy along the way. As I said at the start of this write-up, I had a good time watching this flick. Now, reader, I generally write about the technical elements of a production right about now, but honestly? This was a pretty impressive technical achievement once you consider it really is a micro-budget movie. The locations, props, and wardrobe all looked pretty great but more importantly? The visuals in their entirety played out pretty darn well - as did the audio. The dialog was easy to hear, the background scoring felt totally "spaghetti western," and the dialogue was just corny enough at times to really lean into the source genre. The performances themselves are appropriately cheesy for the type of movie this is, and it really looks like everyone was having a good time. I have no doubt that a lot of work went into this production, and it doesn't show. That, reader, is a compliment, by the way.
Come because it's a classic-styled western and stay for the laughs, adventure, and crack of the pistols. "The Legend of McCarthy and Little Bill" delivers on its promise of a good time, not a long time. Tom Wheeler and his troupe have reminded me that anything is possible with some work and a love for film. You don't always need a one hundred-million-dollar budget to make a good movie—four stars and highly recommended. |
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