“Outlaw Posse” feels like Mario Van Peebles compiled a list of his favorite Westerns and then incorporated elements from them into his screenplay. Throughout the film, there are numerous nods and references to classic Westerns like “The Wild Bunch,” “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” “Blazing Saddles,” “Django Unchained,” and even blaxploitation Westerns by Fred Williamson. While Van Peebles clearly appreciates the genre, his film doesn’t quite achieve the status of a classic Western. It’s an occasionally interesting but often cumbersome work that is unlikely to be remembered as one of the greats in the genre.
The opening scene of “Outlaw Posse” is outstanding, almost like a short film on its own. It features a group of rugged men arriving in a deserted New Mexico town in 1908. In a saloon, tensions rise when one of them harasses a Native American customer. Then, Chief, played by Mario Van Peebles, steps in and confronts the troublemaker, delivering both verbal and physical justice. It’s a captivating sequence that pays homage to classic Westerns while introducing refreshing ideas uncommon in the genre.
After the Civil War, Chief and Angel were entrusted with transporting Southern gold out west to pay reparations. However, they had a falling out, leading Chief to take the gold and Angel’s hand, burying it on tribal land. Now, Chief assembles a small gang to retrieve the gold, including Carson, Southpaw, Queenie, and Spooky.
Angel and his gang, including Chief’s estranged son Decker, also seek the gold. They pressure Decker to join them, threatening his wife Malindy when he refuses. Along the way, Chief and Decker reconnect amidst encounters with various characters, leading to the inevitable discovery of the treasure and a shootout.
This movie isn’t Mario Van Peebles’s first venture into the Western genre, having previously starred in and directed the 1993 film “Posse.” While “Posse” aimed to highlight the presence of Black cowboys in history, it lacked a compelling story. In his latest film, Van Peebles presents historical lessons more subtly but still struggles with crafting an engaging narrative. The themes are familiar, including the idea of marginalized groups uniting against a common enemy. However, attempts to modernize the narrative with contemporary viewpoints often feel forced. Additionally, Van Peebles’s frantic visual style, featuring constant camera movement and quick edits, proves to be more distracting than enhancing.
Despite its flaws, “Outlaw Posse” remains engaging with several standout elements. The opening sequence is particularly brilliant, followed by memorable scenes such as a unique bank robbery and the discovery of a diverse community led by an old associate of Chief’s. While some cameos are distracting, the main cast, especially John Carroll Lynch and Amber Reign Smith, deliver strong performances. Mario Van Peebles impresses both as a director and actor, reminiscent of Fred Williamson, adding to the film’s authenticity in a genre not often explored by contemporary actors.
“Outlaw Posse” falls short of its potential, lacking the impact of the classic Westerns it pays homage to. It’s overshadowed by recent genre entries like Walter Hill’s “Dead for a Dollar.” However, given the scarcity of Westerns in theaters, fans of the genre might find moments to enjoy, especially if they temper their expectations.
| Aspect | Summary |
|---|---|
| Premise and Homages | “Outlaw Posse” pays homage to classic Westerns like “The Wild Bunch,” “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” and blaxploitation Westerns by Fred Williamson. |
| Opening Scene | The film’s opening scene is outstanding, featuring a confrontation in a saloon where Chief delivers justice. |
| Plot | Chief and Angel had a falling out after the Civil War over Southern gold, leading to a quest to retrieve it. |
| Characters and Conflict | Angel and his gang, including Chief’s estranged son Decker, also seek the gold, creating tension and conflict. |
| Director’s Previous Work | Mario Van Peebles previously explored Black cowboys in “Posse,” but “Outlaw Posse” struggles to craft an engaging narrative. |
| Performances and Visual Style | Despite flaws, standout elements include memorable scenes and strong performances, but the visual style may be distracting. |
| Overall Assessment and Comparison | “Outlaw Posse” falls short of becoming a classic Western and is overshadowed by recent entries in the genre like “Dead for a Dollar.” |
| Potential Audience Enjoyment and Caveats | While not reaching its full potential, fans of the Western genre may still find enjoyment in “Outlaw Posse,” especially if they adjust their expectations. |
