Western Series
"1883"
Visually stunning, this series is the first of 2 prequels to "Yellowstone". Following the Dutton family and starring Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, it captures a poignant exploration of love, loss and the human spirit, making it a must-watch for those drawn to heartfelt storytelling and historical drama.
"1923"
This is the second prequel to "Yellowstone" and continues to follow the Dutton family's challenging journey westward. Starring Helen Mirren, Harrison Ford and Brandon Sklenar it's a must see series that has 2 seasons and hopefully more to come. 1923 offers a look into the trials and tribulations of a family striving to maintain their heritage amidst a rapidly changing world.
"Yellowstone"
This series was so good I purchased my own pair of cowgirl boots. The series centers on the Dutton family, led by patriarch John Dutton (Kevin Costner), who owns the largest contiguous cattle ranch in the United States. Their struggle to maintain control of their land amidst encroaching forces — be it land developers, political adversaries or neighboring Native American reservations — forms the crux of the narrative. It has some incredible performances by actress Kelly Reilly who plays Beth Dutton bringing a layer of depth to the series that no one could've seen coming.
"American Primeval"
I loved this show! It 's about a gripping and intense journey through the brutal realities of the American frontier. The series, set in 1857, follows Sara Rowell (Betty Gilpin) and her son Devin as they navigate a treacherous landscape filled with danger and uncertainty. Their path crosses with Isaac Reed (Taylor Kitsch who btw is a total hottie), a stoic mountain man with a haunted past, who becomes an unexpected ally in their quest for survival.
Western Movies
"True Grit"
As a 30-year-old woman watching True Grit (2010), I found it to be a compelling and emotionally resonant Western that stands out for its strong performances and richly textured storytelling. Directed by the Coen brothers, the film follows 14-year-old Mattie Ross, portrayed by a young 13-year-old Hailee Steinfeld in her theatrical film debut, as she seeks justice for her father's murder. I love this movie for the dynamic relationships between Mattie and U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn, played by Jeff Bridges, as well as Texas Ranger LaBoeuf, portrayed by Matt Damon.
"Brokeback Mountain"
Winning three Academy Awards, including Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Original Score, this film is a MUST-SEE. It's a 2005 romantic western following the story of Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal). Their bond evolves into a complex relationship that spans two decades, challenging societal norms and personal boundaries
"The Hateful Eight"
Set in post-Civil War Wyoming, the film brings together eight strangers seeking refuge from a blizzard in a remote stagecoach stopover. "The Hateful Eight" offers a gripping narrative, stunning snow landscapes and powerful performances that keep you guessing until the very end, making it a must-watch for fans of character-driven thrillers.
"Django Unchained"
Blending action, romance and drama "Django Unchained" follows Django (Jamie Foxx), a freed slave who partners with the charismatic bounty hunter Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz) to rescue his wife, Broomhilda (Kerry Washington), from the clutches of the ruthless plantation owner Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio). Tarantino's signature style is evident in the sharp dialogue and intense action sequences, which are balanced by moments of genuine emotion and tenderness. My favorite part of this film is its striking cinemetography, capturing the stark beauty and brutality of the antebellum South.
"The Revenant"
Leonardo DiCaprio’s performance as Hugh Glass is intense and filled with emotional depth, conveying the will to survive in the harshest of circumstances. The cinematography is breathtaking, capturing the unforgiving wilderness in such a visceral way that it almost becomes a character itself. While the violence and brutality are tough to stomach, they serve as a harsh reflection of the lengths people will go to when pushed to the edge.
"Holes"
A classic Disney channel movie with a fire soundtrack. The film weaves together multiple layers of storytelling, blending adventure, mystery and important life lessons. Shia LaBeouf’s portrayal of Stanley Yelnats is both heartfelt and compelling. Stanley is a misunderstood, unlucky teenager who finds himself sentenced to a desert camp, Camp Green Lake, where he and other boys are forced to dig holes all day as part of a mysterious, seemingly pointless punishment.
"Tremors"
This is my all time favorite movie. "Tremors" is a thrilling and fun sci-fi horror-comedy that follows the residents of a small desert town called Perfection, Nevada, as they fight for survival against giant, deadly underground creatures known as Graboids. Kevin Bacon as Valentine "Val" McKee brings charm and wit, making him a hero you can’t help but root for, while Fred Ward as Earl Bassett offers a perfect balance of gruffness and humor.
The movie series includes the following:
- "Tremors" (1990)
- "Tremors 2: Aftershocks" (1996)
- "Tremors 3: Back to Perfection" (2001)
- "Tremors 4: The Legend Begins" (2004)
- "Tremors 5: Bloodlines" (2015)
- "Tremors: A Cold Day in Hell" (2018)
- "Tremors: Shrieker Island" (2020)