Film Review: Eminence Hill

Director Robert Conway brings to us a new take on the western film genre. He saddles up an amazing cast of familiar actors, some of whom have starred in well-established westerns of the past. I love a good western. From Bonanza, The Quick and the Dead, even Cowboys and Aliens. Yes, you name it. Eminence Hill is a western to learn something new in western action dramas.

The audaciously bold cast of Eminence Hill includes film veteran Lance Henrickson, Dominique Swan, Barry Corbin, Anna Harr, Clint James, Owen Conway, Charlie Motley, Brinke Stevens, Augie Duke, Cameron Kotecki, Louie Laccarino, Jeff Yazzie and Victorio Pope.

Saddle up for a long and vicious dusty road of twists and turns. The story begins with an extremely mean gang of outlaws, terrorizing their way through the Old West. That includes them looting and killing on a whim. The leader Royce (Clint James) and his gang, Gretchen (Dominique Swain), she has a stony heart with a soft spot, Samson (Cameron Kotecki) and Cyrus (Louie Laccarino) are all on a mission! No spoilers here. The gang has murdered an innocent couple, while on their terror ride adventure. Their only daughter Ruth (Anna Harr) is spared the same fate of death by Gretchen. But, the gang has plans to sell her to a brothel.

Hang on to your ten-gallon hats! The story gets even more intense. It will make the “old shootout at the “OK Corral” look like a church picnic. No expense was wasted with the maiming, bloodshed, and killing in this film. The gang rides the beautiful countryside with their captive Ruth, who has no intention of staying captive with the gang for long. She runs for it.

Fast forward to a Settlement called Eminence Hill. Where Ruth thinks she’s running to “safety.” It’s here, you will find a collection of “unusual” homesteaders.  They are not who they pretend to be. This settlement is full of a fanatical religious cult who will stop at nothing to make unsuspecting Ruth, part of their unscrupulous flock. They believe in “an eye for an eye.” Plus, a few limbs.

In the meantime, everyone is en route onto this settlement. The gangs, marshal and don’t forget about the Indians. The film is a wild ride. The director approaches this action western differently. I get it and you will too. If you’re not squeamish.

Indeed, if you’re looking for a new story told of a good old western, then Eminence Hill is the film for you. It’s intensely entertaining and bloodshed throughout. Yet, the story doesn’t get lost in this western melee of shootouts, horror, fistfights, and chases. The cast performance was great. You’ll be entertained.

Eminence Hill is in theaters November 1, followed by a VOD and DVD release on November 5.