Review by realfandangoforever

I endeavour to be kind but uncertain how to do that with these common, more often than not poor, B Westerns. Or, is this film a low budget horror? Usually I find efforts like these, creating a western hybrid, rarely work. The opening credits of BlackWood start well with long shots of beautiful scenery. This trick might entice one into believing that, perhaps, there will be something to anticipate here? There is not. Even if an attempt at humor, placing an outhouse over the Wendigo's layer only proves this film is for...poop. Luckily, cool firearms appear quickly. Both an 1875 Remington, and an 1875 Schofield, clear leather in an early saloon scene. Unfortunately, these revolvers do not a film make as revealed by the acting on display in that same scene. I have nothing to say for Kara Raynor or Glenn Morshower in their attempts to be menacing as Sally Pickerton and her "escort" Wallace. This is a western, so how could the great Wallace not carry a firearm in "these lawless lands"; as Sally sees them? In no way does either of these actors come across as convincing and that makes us wonder why Dutch, the allegedly bad-ass gang leader, would agree to the terms of their offer, rather than putting a bullet into them? Are we to believe Dutch liked the idea of harder work and a longer, more dangerous endeavour? Shooting Sally & Wallace would've saved us from a couple true horrors, Glen Morshower's acting and costume. For reasons unknown, or my unwillingness to express them, I found Tanajsia Slaughter awkward in portraying Dowanhowee, a member of the First Nations. I will give her credit for use of an indigenous language, being Lakota, a great touch often found in modern westerns. I have no problem with subtitles in exchange for realism. And, the feral guy eating a rotten deer on the plains? Was that an attempt at ramping up tension or another failed comedic endeavour? Nearing summation, all gunfighters should reload their single actions revolvers before holstering them. No shootist would do otherwise as it would only result in their death. In attempting to end on a positive note, two actors deserve mentioning. George Mansel as Lester and Casey Birdinground as Two Feathers. Mansel does a reasonable job being the gang's psychopath while Birdinground is pretty cool as all First Nations characters should be; their dress, war paint and ferocity in battle, unquestionable.