The Redemption of Henry Myers (2014)
Remember all of those wholesome Janette Oke movies – you know the ones based on her popular ‘Love Comes Softly’ saga? If you are a fan, relive some of that in this family driven drama.
The Redemption of Henry Myers (2014) Hallmark TV Film Review
Running from his former outlaw partners isn’t something Henry Myers (Drew Waters) plans on. His hiding place is uncovered, which forces him to flee. He lives a lifeless existence haunted by a past that he cannot outrun but desperately wants peace from.
Barely escaping his fate and with a gunshot wound in the back, he is taken in by a widow, Marilyn (Erin Bethea, Fireproof) and her two children. Brought back to full health by the kind family, Henry isn’t sure what to make of their resilient lifestyle. Through it all, Marilyn holds her family together with faith and forgiveness, something Henry begins to believe in until his life is upset by a secret that will shake him.
When I was a kid, I binge watched westerns. Think John Wayne, Little House on the Prairie, Janette Oke, you name it and it’s movie night. These days, I’m not as keen for a rip roarin’ old-fashion western but that doesn’t mean I don’t like one on occasion. This movie is a more pleasant journey to the old West in the tradition of ‘Little House’ or Bonanza. It’s full of wholesome, moral values that any family looking for an adventures journey back in time will be sorry to miss.
TV FILM REVIEW | ‘TACKLING THE PAST’(2011)
The one flaw, or personal gripe, that I often see in modern television westerns is the dialogue. It seems a mix of modern versus old phrases and because of the contemporary word choices, it doesn’t fit. Second to that, in this film specifically, is how and who finds out some of Henry’s secrets; I understand why the story reveals what it does to characters but because of the hostility of this character, it’s difficult to accept that in one harrowing experience he’d accept such a future. Driving this script is its themes of redemption and forgiveness. Learning to let go of what holds us in the past and realizing that just because mistakes may rule our life, it doesn’t mean that, in repentance, we cannot earn God’s forgiveness. Because of how wonderfully this film strives to be a breath-catching western that families can view together!
In the end, this isn’t a normal film in its category. It’s something that slows down focus on exciting sequences to show an alternative on how we usually watch this genre.
Content: there are some minor gunfights. A man is accidentally shot in a bank robbery gone wrong; there is little or no blood.
I must admit, I've seen all the Love Comes Softly saga. hehe. I guess I'm a sucker for westerns. At least modernly made ones (I can't get into the old black and white ones. They're just too slow.) The movie sounds intriguing. I may have to put this on my eventually-to-watch-in-the-future-list, ;)
As have I, Faith. The first was my very favorite. :)
I used to love watching old westerns and in fact went through a John Wayne phase though now I'm not as interested. Still, every now and again, this genre is nice to watch.
This looks interesting! I love historical and period films and other than BBC/PBS miniseries' there's not much selection. I'm glad that Hallmark is going for it with this and the Love Comes Softly series. Thanks for sharing, Rissi! I always enjoy your reviews. :-)
It was, Renee. Its message was its best asset and that is what made it so great. I agree, it is fun to discover American productions beyond that of BBC or PBS (though really there is a reason those are so loved ;D). Happy watching if/when you watch it – I think it would entertain a lot of Love Comes Softly fans.
Thanks for visiting, Renee! You are always welcome and I'm glad to "see" you here again. :)
I'll start by saying I am a big fan of westerns: John Wayne, Bonanza, Little House, and even modern ones like this. I grew up watching them – and I still do :) Blame it on my parents.
I really liked The Redemption of Henry Myers. I agree with you, Rissi, that some of the modern dialogue thrown in to newer westerns can throw you off. Part of the "charm" of westerns comes with old-timey words and phrases. But, I think the sets and costumes were nicely authentic. And the faith-centered story was really refreshing and a welcome addition to that genre.
I used to be right there with you, Courtney but I think I sort of "grew out" of the western genre. Nonetheless there are a select few I could watch anytime and of course, Little House on the Prairie is a classic. Does that ever get old!? :)
For some reason mixing modern language in an old-time western-esque movie is a pet peeve, and I think because of their budget, oftentimes BBC/PBS series don't fall into this trap. (I love what you say about the charm of this genre – exactly how I feel.) That being said, there was a lot of good about this film and best of all, it offered an alternative to how we usually think of the genre (gunfights, etc.) and has a message many need to hear. Glad you liked this one! And that you shared your impressions.