Poor acting and direction is what putting me off. Not sure why the first review had it as 10? Perhaps their relative who enjoyed the family show. There are plenty of actions and kilings just like typical western movies. I suggest the old western movies had alot better actors then this film has. It is like watching C Grade western movie with students from drama school. They definitely need a far better director who can able to see what the audience can see. Nah, it was a waste of time for me. If you don't mind poor acting and enjoy watching them like on stage, then this will be you. I give a three.
13 Reviews
Not even the Arrow can save this disaster.
markferriby-059746 February 2024
Warning: Spoilers
In the annals of cinematic disasters, "Calamity Jane" stands as a testament to everything that can go wrong in filmmaking. With a promising premise of vengeance and the Wild West, this movie manages to squander every opportunity for excitement, coherence, and entertainment.
The film opens with the death of Wild Bill in a poker game, a moment that should set the stage for gripping drama and intense action. Instead, it serves as the first indicator of the narrative train wreck that lies ahead. Calamity Jane, supposedly our protagonist, is more a caricature than a character. Her motivations are as thin as the paper-thin plot that tries to hold this mess together.
Breaking out of prison to seek revenge could have been a thrilling premise if executed with any semblance of skill. However, Calamity Jane's escape is more laughable than suspenseful, involving a series of contrived conveniences and improbable feats that strain even the most generous suspension of disbelief.
Enter Sheriff Mason, Deadwood's supposed lawman, whose pursuit of Calamity Jane should add tension and conflict. Instead, he comes across as a bumbling buffoon, stumbling through scenes with all the grace of a drunken cowboy. Any potential for a compelling antagonist is squandered as Sheriff Mason becomes little more than a nuisance, hindering Calamity Jane's quest in the most uninspired of ways.
As the film trudges on, it becomes apparent that the only thing more lacking than the plot is the character development. Calamity Jane remains as two-dimensional as the scenery, her actions and emotions as predictable as the setting sun. There's no depth, no complexity, not even a hint of the compelling backstory that might have salvaged this sinking ship.
And let's not even get started on the dialogue. It's as if the writers took every cliché from every cowboy movie ever made and threw them into a blender without bothering to add a single original thought. The result is a hodgepodge of cringe-worthy one-liners and wooden exchanges that would make even the most seasoned actor weep.
By the time the credits roll, it's hard to pinpoint what exactly went wrong with "Calamity Jane" because, frankly, everything did. From its lackluster performances to its nonsensical plot to its abysmal dialogue, this film is a disaster of epic proportions. Save yourself the agony and steer clear of this calamity of a movie.
The film opens with the death of Wild Bill in a poker game, a moment that should set the stage for gripping drama and intense action. Instead, it serves as the first indicator of the narrative train wreck that lies ahead. Calamity Jane, supposedly our protagonist, is more a caricature than a character. Her motivations are as thin as the paper-thin plot that tries to hold this mess together.
Breaking out of prison to seek revenge could have been a thrilling premise if executed with any semblance of skill. However, Calamity Jane's escape is more laughable than suspenseful, involving a series of contrived conveniences and improbable feats that strain even the most generous suspension of disbelief.
Enter Sheriff Mason, Deadwood's supposed lawman, whose pursuit of Calamity Jane should add tension and conflict. Instead, he comes across as a bumbling buffoon, stumbling through scenes with all the grace of a drunken cowboy. Any potential for a compelling antagonist is squandered as Sheriff Mason becomes little more than a nuisance, hindering Calamity Jane's quest in the most uninspired of ways.
As the film trudges on, it becomes apparent that the only thing more lacking than the plot is the character development. Calamity Jane remains as two-dimensional as the scenery, her actions and emotions as predictable as the setting sun. There's no depth, no complexity, not even a hint of the compelling backstory that might have salvaged this sinking ship.
And let's not even get started on the dialogue. It's as if the writers took every cliché from every cowboy movie ever made and threw them into a blender without bothering to add a single original thought. The result is a hodgepodge of cringe-worthy one-liners and wooden exchanges that would make even the most seasoned actor weep.
By the time the credits roll, it's hard to pinpoint what exactly went wrong with "Calamity Jane" because, frankly, everything did. From its lackluster performances to its nonsensical plot to its abysmal dialogue, this film is a disaster of epic proportions. Save yourself the agony and steer clear of this calamity of a movie.
Believe me, you've seen better!
alfredschut-2831610 February 2024
In 2024 I expected that they would be able to produce a movie far better than in 1953. It's far from that! Bad amaturish acting with an overexaggerated played accent. The sets and clothing are not authentic enough. Most scenes are predictable. The jail scene, the poker scene, the scene at the mine. With more creativity this could have been a better movie.
The good part? I have to think! Maybe it's the part with the undertaker. It comes pretty close to some exitement. But as said, I had to think about it.
I had to do my best to keep watching. All in all very a very dissapointing western for me.
The good part? I have to think! Maybe it's the part with the undertaker. It comes pretty close to some exitement. But as said, I had to think about it.
I had to do my best to keep watching. All in all very a very dissapointing western for me.
Skip this mess...
acertainblue-853347 February 2024
...and settle in for a re-watch of Deadwood, the brilliant TV series that features far better acttors & depictions of Jane & Bill. This thing is a train wreck that dares to take these names in vain. Muddled and incoherent from the start, with ill-placed soundtrack music that just adds to the irritation.
Now, for the rest of the required word count - my favorite westerns, among which I count the above-mentioned TV series - The Unforgiven, The Good, The Bad & the Ugly, Hell Or High Water, The Long Riders, a whole bunch more Eastwood films, Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid, Lone Star, McCabe & Mrs. Miller. Lonesome Dove TV series...
Now, for the rest of the required word count - my favorite westerns, among which I count the above-mentioned TV series - The Unforgiven, The Good, The Bad & the Ugly, Hell Or High Water, The Long Riders, a whole bunch more Eastwood films, Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid, Lone Star, McCabe & Mrs. Miller. Lonesome Dove TV series...
Watched for the cast, left for the director.
petru-6415510 February 2024
Warning: Spoilers
As most viewers, I watched this because I loved the cast, both Emily and Steven played great characters in Arrow, so I'm confident that the poor acting isn't a result of either of them (or the other cast). Unfortunately I was not able to go past the first 15 minutes of the movie because it was just too low grade for me.
There's a scene where Calamity is fighting off the guy on top of the horse carage, and the guy takes a knife out to kill her. You can clearly see that the actor with the knife is waiting for Calamity to hold his arm so they can do the typical "struggle with the knife" scene.
Another moment was when Calamity went up to the lady next to her in the jail cell and grabbed her by the throat. There was just not enough force in that scene, it looked more like she was seducing her than threatening her.
The director should've asked for more from the actors, and now we're left with this waste of a good story.
There's a scene where Calamity is fighting off the guy on top of the horse carage, and the guy takes a knife out to kill her. You can clearly see that the actor with the knife is waiting for Calamity to hold his arm so they can do the typical "struggle with the knife" scene.
Another moment was when Calamity went up to the lady next to her in the jail cell and grabbed her by the throat. There was just not enough force in that scene, it looked more like she was seducing her than threatening her.
The director should've asked for more from the actors, and now we're left with this waste of a good story.
Really quite cliché and boring....
NullUnit15 February 2024
Overall, this film just "feels" sort of odd.... like it's unpolished. There are just minor nuances that work against any "suspension of disbelief". Things like someone speaking one sentence in *too* perfect English. I.e. ".. that is how things are meant to be" as opposed to "...that's how things're meant ta be". Or one person looks sparkling clean when everyone else looks dusty and worn. Or.. the long hair wigs on the male actors just look unrealistic (if not reused between actors - seriously looks like the same long hair wig on several different actors).
There's FAR too much attempt at some sort of emotional pull for Jane.. but there's ZERO character development for her. This is NOT a story about how Jane got her nickname. Not even close. It STARTS with Jane already having her nickname and apparently some sort of reputation. It's not even a story about Jane really.... it's a story that *happens* to have Jane, Buffalo Bill, etc. In it - that's all. There's no reason all the character names couldn't have been changed to completely unrecognizable names, the film would have been the same.
Honestly, I didn't care about any of the characters - but it was CLEAR that was the intent of some scenes. It was clearly striving to be some sort of "emotional western". But came across as just formulaic and cliché.
Overall, this film has an air of a "made for TV" film.. that same melodramatic acting and soundtrack.. and storyline. LITTERED with clichés in scenes, characters, settings, and dialog.
This film is not really horrible, but it is exceptionally unremarkable and forgettable.
Some foul language, western violence. (shooting, etc). No sex or nudity or adult content (might have been a kiss at most).
There's FAR too much attempt at some sort of emotional pull for Jane.. but there's ZERO character development for her. This is NOT a story about how Jane got her nickname. Not even close. It STARTS with Jane already having her nickname and apparently some sort of reputation. It's not even a story about Jane really.... it's a story that *happens* to have Jane, Buffalo Bill, etc. In it - that's all. There's no reason all the character names couldn't have been changed to completely unrecognizable names, the film would have been the same.
Honestly, I didn't care about any of the characters - but it was CLEAR that was the intent of some scenes. It was clearly striving to be some sort of "emotional western". But came across as just formulaic and cliché.
Overall, this film has an air of a "made for TV" film.. that same melodramatic acting and soundtrack.. and storyline. LITTERED with clichés in scenes, characters, settings, and dialog.
This film is not really horrible, but it is exceptionally unremarkable and forgettable.
Some foul language, western violence. (shooting, etc). No sex or nudity or adult content (might have been a kiss at most).
Feels like a feminised attempt at a Western that fails to deliver much other than novelty
charlesr-814 February 2024
The push from the studios for diversity and equality delivers us movies like this. Half rate action, changing accents, characters treated with reverence/respect/caution without any backstory to justify it, and an underwhelming end product.
I *get* that people want representation and variety, but this felt forced and contrived. Maybe we've been spoilt for choice with the range of modern westerns (Deadwood, No Country For Old Men, 1883) but this is not even close to the same league. It felt like it delivered WNBA level excitement. Acting is sub par, accents weren't consistent, and even the set/cinematography felt too CGI to be believable.
Watched on a whim - don't necessarily regret it, but won't be recommending it to anyone.
I *get* that people want representation and variety, but this felt forced and contrived. Maybe we've been spoilt for choice with the range of modern westerns (Deadwood, No Country For Old Men, 1883) but this is not even close to the same league. It felt like it delivered WNBA level excitement. Acting is sub par, accents weren't consistent, and even the set/cinematography felt too CGI to be believable.
Watched on a whim - don't necessarily regret it, but won't be recommending it to anyone.
[4.5] Nice frowny face!
cjonesas2 April 2024
A nice mumbo jumbo of a "Western" , having unlikely and unrealistic characters, spearheaded by Calamity Jane, though ironically and convincingly played by the multifaceted actress that Emily Bett Rickards is. It is mindlessly enjoyable and believe me or not, would have made a nice 6 to 8 parts mini-series.
Hope Stephen Amell does more quality productions, series and movies alike, clean-shaves more and would make a nice operative. If Henry Cavill can do it, he sure as hell can too.
Hope Stephen Amell does more quality productions, series and movies alike, clean-shaves more and would make a nice operative. If Henry Cavill can do it, he sure as hell can too.
- Screenplay/storyline/plots: 4
- Production value/impact: 2
- Development: 6
- Realism: 2.5
- Entertainment: 4.5
- Acting/self: 5.5
- Filming/photography/cinematography: 7
- VFX: 7.5
- Music/score/sound: 6
- Depth: 3
- Logic: 3
- Flow: 5.5
- Western: 4
- Ending: 2.5.
Ruined By Dismal Acting and a Bad Script
arfdawg-127 February 2024
I was in the mood for a good western. Something new and different. My mistake turning this on. It's downright horrible.
First the good -- the scenery is beautiful. That's it.
The script is really dumb. Just doesn't make a shred of sense. But the worst part of all is that the acting is really really really bad. Like almost laughable.
I have no idea who the woman that plays Calamity is, but she cannot act herself out of a paper bag.
She spends her time on screen mugging for the camera and putting on an obviously phony accent that she can't keep straight.
I was bored out of my mind 8 minutes into this fiasco.
First the good -- the scenery is beautiful. That's it.
The script is really dumb. Just doesn't make a shred of sense. But the worst part of all is that the acting is really really really bad. Like almost laughable.
I have no idea who the woman that plays Calamity is, but she cannot act herself out of a paper bag.
She spends her time on screen mugging for the camera and putting on an obviously phony accent that she can't keep straight.
I was bored out of my mind 8 minutes into this fiasco.
Old School Western Style - Well Done.
puddintane3 February 2024
It goes without saying that Emily Bett Rickards absolutely gets into character no matter who she plays. I can't imagine having to do this movie being so opposite of who she usually is. And that's just one of her many superpowers.
It's nice to see her reunited with her good friend Steven Amell. I was pleasantly surprised as to how they worked him into the story.
I did see a little bit of cynical comment about how it's almost good but not good enough, but I can tell you if you watch it without knowing too much about it before, you can enjoy this one. It's pretty darn realistic and true to the story. Don't let naysayers keep you from giving this one a try. Do understand that it's geared towards adults, so you should review it before you let kids see it. Just balance that with the idea that this shows a little bit more realistic view of just how rough and tough the Wild West was.
It's nice to see her reunited with her good friend Steven Amell. I was pleasantly surprised as to how they worked him into the story.
I did see a little bit of cynical comment about how it's almost good but not good enough, but I can tell you if you watch it without knowing too much about it before, you can enjoy this one. It's pretty darn realistic and true to the story. Don't let naysayers keep you from giving this one a try. Do understand that it's geared towards adults, so you should review it before you let kids see it. Just balance that with the idea that this shows a little bit more realistic view of just how rough and tough the Wild West was.
Love's Swift Embrace!
hotcmsr7 February 2024
Calamity Jane, portrayed by Emily Bett Rickards, showcases an astonishing portrayal in this thrilling love and adventure short tale set in the Wild West. With her energetic performance, she brings life to both the intense action scenes and compelling dialogue. Equally noteworthy is the portrayal of Wild Bill Hickok by Stephen Amell. The most memorable aspect of this scene was the captivating chemistry between the two characters. Undoubtedly, witnessing their future partnering in romantic, comedic, action spy thrillers will be an absolute joy.
The director, writer, and the entire cast, particularly Priscilla Gaia in the role of Abigail, delivered outstanding performance. Faia's acting was truly exceptional.
The director, writer, and the entire cast, particularly Priscilla Gaia in the role of Abigail, delivered outstanding performance. Faia's acting was truly exceptional.
Such an amazing film Southern Girl
nhatfield-6003131 March 2024
I love Emily Bett Rickards and Stephen Amell, they are two wonderful actors who have proven themselves time and time again. I think their chemistry and the ability to work together are phenomenal. I also thought that the other actors in this film were wonderful as well. I loved the action and mirth of the crazy lady, the actor that portrayed her was amazing and proved herself as well. Everyone connected with this film should be very proud of their accomplishment. This movie is worth seeing. I like how this director put a new spin to Calamity Jane and how she lived. Things were really tough for women in the old west and it is wonderful through film to get a glimpse of what life would have been like.
Amusing
gord_muir10 February 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Man this movie sure got blasted, and doesn't deserve it.
I thought it was an amusing way to spend some time. The leads are attractive and work well together.
It is not Academy Award material, but it is at least amusing.
Calamity herself is very likeable and I found myself rooting for her. She's very pretty too, which I do not think is an accurate representation of the real person.
But then I did not go into this movie for a history lesson.
Oh and BTW, I've been to Deadwood and the Badlands area many times. It's great for a holiday break.
But I kept remarking on the landscape, "There's no mountains in the badlands!"
It was apparently filmed near Tucson, AZ and although not representative of the Deadwood area, it is very much how Hollywood likes to represent the Old West.
Pretty good movie overall. If you're looking for something lightweight.
I thought it was an amusing way to spend some time. The leads are attractive and work well together.
It is not Academy Award material, but it is at least amusing.
Calamity herself is very likeable and I found myself rooting for her. She's very pretty too, which I do not think is an accurate representation of the real person.
But then I did not go into this movie for a history lesson.
Oh and BTW, I've been to Deadwood and the Badlands area many times. It's great for a holiday break.
But I kept remarking on the landscape, "There's no mountains in the badlands!"
It was apparently filmed near Tucson, AZ and although not representative of the Deadwood area, it is very much how Hollywood likes to represent the Old West.
Pretty good movie overall. If you're looking for something lightweight.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
