Jesse James: Lawman

Jesse James: Lawman is a lively western film from 2015, starring the popular actor Kevin Sorbo, seasoned veteran Peter Fonda, and the emerging talent, Andrew Galligan. This film, directed by Brett Kelly, offers an unexpected twist on the classic story of Jesse James, the notorious American outlaw.

Set in the dramatic landscape of the Old West, the stage is set for a heart-pounding narrative that defies the traditional tales of Jesse James. In this story, Jesse doesn't play the role of the infamous outlaw, but rather, a hero who is needed to save his town, which is under a reign of terror.

Peter Fonda gives a captivating performance as Mayor Turner, the ageing head of a small western town struggling with lawlessness. Under his rule, the town has been taken over by a gang of ruthless outlaws, lead by the fearsome William 'Wild Bill' Barlow (played by Galligan). Law enforcement is helpless against the onslaught, and the town's inhabitants live in constant fear.

This is where Kevin Sorbo as Jesse James enters the picture. Unlike the historical portrayal of Jesse as a notorious outlaw, Sorbo's reprisal sees him as a retired gunslinger living in relative anonymity under the name of Tom, hidden from his past life. Living a quiet, peaceful life, he is utterly disinterested in his old ways, trying to escape from his past. This depiction of Jesse James offers a unique perspective and depth to a character often portrayed as a one-dimensional villain.

As unrest continues to grow in town, Mayor Turner has an encounter with Jesse, in which he gauges his pistol prowess and intuition. Despite Jesse's obvious distaste for his old way of life, Turner recognizes his skill and enlists him to bring the law back to their town. Jesse is hesitant, but Turner's plea finally persuades him to take up the mantle of Lawman to save their township from the clutches of the outlaws, leading to a series of high-stakes confrontations.

The character development of Jesse James forms the crux of the narrative, his internal struggle, and ultimate acceptance of his role as the town's savior, uses familiar themes of redemption and responsibility. Galligan is also impressive as Wild Bill, a criminally chaotic figure that successfully brings an intimidation factor adding more layers to the story.

What makes Jesse James: Lawman stand out, is how it blends elements of a classic western with a fresh spin on familiar characters. The beautiful cinematography captures the raw and rugged beauty of the western landscape, and the carefully orchestrated gunfights blend well with the suspenseful storyline.

The movie also does a good job of weaving in subtler themes of morality, regret, and the possibility of personal change amidst an action-heavy plot. It explores the possibility of a notorious outlaw having a change of heart and wanting a completely different life, raising questions of whether society allows such legendary figures to redefine themselves. The struggle of Jesse James to acclimate into this newfound role forms a riveting aspect of the storyline.

Overall, Jesse James: Lawman is a film that manages to capture the essence of the wild west while showcasing a depth in characterization and storytelling that often remains overlooked in the genre. The performances of the leading cast, especially Sorbo, are strong, and they successfully pull off this reimagined depiction of Jesse James. This might not be the Jesse James you're used to, but he's a version that might just win your heart and keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the film. Whether you're a fan of the westerns or someone interested in an intriguing tale of an outlaw's redemption, Jesse James: Lawman is a gem.