The Way of the West (2011)
"The Mountie" (original title)

A lone Mountie has come to town to clean up the crime and corruption after finding an innocent man dead. As he sets up home, in town, he discovers endless amounts of illegal activity taking... See full summary »

Director:

Wyeth Clarkson

Writers:

Wyeth Clarkson, Charles Johnston,

Stars:

Andrew W. Walker, Jessica Paré, Earl Pastko

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Andrew W. Walker	...	Wade Grayling (as Andrew Walker)
Jessica Paré	...	Amethyst
Earl Pastko	...	Olaf
John Wildman	...	Robert Johnson
George Buza	...	Kleus
Tony Munch	...	Cobb
Matthew G. Taylor	...	Nikolai
Andrey Ivchenko	...	Pachek
Kestrel Martin	...	Cleora
Maria Williams	...	Mirdsa
Lawrence Dublenko	...	Oatchko
Veronica Watt	...	Anifsa
Joe Zucchiatti	...	Mikhail
Dean Williams	...	Damoslav
Zvonko Jovanovic	...	Uri

Storyline

A lone Mountie has come to town to clean up the crime and corruption after finding an innocent man dead. As he sets up home, in town, he discovers endless amounts of illegal activity taking place behind closed doors. Once he uncovers the men behind the crimes he prepares to take them down one by one in the most vicious showdown this town has ever seen.

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Plot Keywords:

police shoot out

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Taglines:

Justice Wears Red

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Genres:

Drama | Western

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some violence

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

1 July 2011 (Canada)

Also Known As:

The Way of the West

Filming Locations:

Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada

Company Credits

Production Co:

Travesty Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

81 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

User Reviews

The way of the Yukon

I have to admit that the alternate (USA DVD) title "The way of the west" doesn't speak to the movies content. I am certain the only reason they created an alternate title for USA distribution is because "The Mountie" or "Way of the Yukon" or some similarly Canadian title would have little meaning or frame of reference for American viewers. Having said that, I can see how it being in IMDb's category Westerns could be a bit misleading and probably why other reviewers were disappointed. I wouldn't really drop it into the drama category either.

The cinematography is predictably well done, and given the raw nature of the Canadian Territories there are some great backgrounds. I agree that the lead actor (Walker) really does lay on the Clint Eastwood a bit thick. And unnecessarily so. he could have pulled off the role just as easily and likely more believably in a less strained manner.

As for continuity, I had no problems following the story line. I might question the historical accuracy of opium cultivation (which seems to be implied) in the Yukon, but there definitely was an opium trade. One also has to take into account that the story basically takes place in the middle of nowhere so character interaction is limited to the few people in the camp (its not a town).

I found the writing competent and the story engaging. I often shy away from Canadian movies due to their track record in terms of quality, but I didn't find The Mountie disappointing. It not a masterpiece either, but it is entertaining. The cast was well placed and the performances believable. Some familiar faces with Jessica Pare (who was awesome in "Suck"), Pastko and Buza.

All in all its worth the rental fee, I won't be adding it to my DVD collection, but it was enjoyable enough for me. I give it a 6/10. Just don't expect "Hang "em high".