Cast
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Crew
Director
- Terry Miles
Writer
- Matt Williams
- Dan Benamor
Producer
- Jack Nasser
Reviews
Wuchak
Trace Adkins is a kick-axx Westerner, but this low-budget Western is substandard
RELEASED IN 2016 and directed by Terry Miles, “Stagecoach: The Texas Jack Story” stars Trace Adkins as a former stagecoach robber who turns over a new leaf and marries, but feels forced to turn back to outlawry when a one-eyed marshal tries to apprehend him (Judd Nelson). Kim Coates and Claude Duhamel are on hand as his gang members.
Adkins makes for an iconic Westerner, as witnessed in “Traded” (2016) and “Hickok” (2017). The difference between “Stagecoach: The Texas Jack Story” and those two is (1.) Adkins plays the main protagonist and (2.) it’s noticeably inferior in overall filmmaking, even though it cost approximately the same amount to make. In other words, as low-budget as “Traded” and “Hickok” were, they worked quite well as made-for-TV (or direct-to-video) Westerns, all things considered. “Stagecoach: The Texas Jack Story” is almost amateurish by comparison.
Nevertheless, it has some points of interest for those who don’t mind slipshod productions: Adkins is a likable protagonist; the one-eyed marshal was the dope-smoking rebel in “The Breakfast Club” (1985); Michelle Harrison is stunning as the protagonist’s redheaded wife, Laura Lee; Helena Marie plays Bonnie, a striking tall blonde deputy with a penchant for killing; the British Columbia locations are effective; and there’s a quality moral about not trusting people of dubious character, particularly LIARS.
THE FILM RUNS 1 hour, 30 minutes and was shot in British Columbia (Mission and Maple Ridge). WRITERS: Dan Benamor and Matt Williams.
GRADE: C/C-
Jun 14, 2018
Thematic Analysis
Stagecoach: The Texas Jack Story represents a fascinating example of Western cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Terry Miles brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2016, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Stagecoach: The Texas Jack Story took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $2.2 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 118 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 137 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2016, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: November 4, 2016
- Runtime: 1h 30m
- Budget: $2,200,000
Where to Watch
