– Kevin Costner’s *Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2* made its big debut at the Venice Film Festival and the reviews are a mixed bag of “Yeehaw!” and “What just happened?”
– Critics point out that while Chapter 2 aims higher than its predecessor, it still stumbles over old issues—think awkward editing and storytelling that feels a bit more like a wild horse ride gone wrong.
– The film’s got some bright spots, especially for female characters, but it seriously could use a better look at Indigenous perspectives. So if you like Westerns, maybe grab some popcorn, but don’t expect a flawless ride.
—
Alright, buckle up, folks! We’re talking about the latest installment of Kevin Costner’s epic Western saga, *Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2*, which just rolled out at the Venice Film Festival, and let’s just say, the reactions are all over the place. Picture a cowboy trying to ride a bull at a rodeo—exciting, a little chaotic, and definitely prone to getting tossed off.
So, the first chapter, which I think we can all agree was kind of like a long, drawn-out stroll through tumbleweed, got a lukewarm reception when it bowed at Cannes. Critics called it a love letter to the Wild West, but honestly, it felt like someone forgot to add the stamp. With a runtime long enough for a double feature—over three hours—people were left scratching their heads instead of whooping in excitement. After its less-than-stellar theater run, New Line/WB went all “let’s just throw it online” as if hoping their digital magic could sprinkle some revival dust on it.
Now, you’d think after such a rocky start, Costner would get a little nervous about churning out another chapter. Instead, he’s strapping on his boots and doubling down—talk about dedication! But, spoiler alert, the latest chapter isn’t exactly getting everyone ready to gallop into the sunset.
Leslie Felperin over at *The Hollywood Reporter* took a swing at the sequel and, boy, it sounds like she’s still recovering from Chapter 1. She didn’t hold back, pointing out that Chapter 2 falls prey to many of the same facepalm-inducing pitfalls the first one did. We’re talking about a world where the setup feels endless but the payoff is like your WiFi signal during a storm—frustratingly weak. Her words echo like a lawman’s shout: “There’s too much setup and not enough payoff.” Plus, she mentioned the editing is as jagged as a cactus you accidentally lean against. Ouch.
But here’s the kicker: Felperin does give a nod that this chapter might actually be a touch more entertaining than the first. Who knows, it might be thanks to some weird movie hangover she caught from binge-watching the first one right before the screening—cue the dramatic music! She praised the female characters in this round, which is cool because Sienna Miller and Georgia MacPhail are apparently shining like the morning sun in their roles. “Yasssss, queens!”
But hold your horses! It looks like Costner’s serious oversight with Indigenous representation is raising more than a few eyebrows. Felperin points out that we barely get a glance at the Indigenous folks whose lives are basically upended by the settlers. For a tale rooted in the gritty reality of the American frontier, that’s like telling a story about pizza without mentioning the cheese. Major bummer.
Then we have Jessica Kiang from *Variety* chiming in, and she’s got some spicy takes too. On one hand, she recognizes that Costner’s a Western wizard with an eye for detail that could make even the dust on a cowboy boot look glorious. But then the other hand drops a bomb, calling Chapter 2 “unwieldy and bewilderingly scattershot.” Oof.
Kiang points out the film has its dramatic moments, like a wagon ablaze or a barn dance gunfight that would make any cowboy’s heart race. Thanks to J. Michael Muro’s cinematography, we get epic visuals, from the sprawling plains to a settlement popping up from the dirt like a surprise cactus. But here comes the twist: these epic scenes often feel like they come out of nowhere, and suddenly it’s like you missed a scene or five. That rhythm—oh boy, it’s got more jerks than a jackrabbit on a hot summer day.
And, just when you think you’re heading for a proper climax, it blazes through to an ending that’s more of a “let’s fast-forward to the next chapter” montage. Like, excuse me, can we get some closure here?
At the end of the day, *Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2* isn’t likely to woo a bunch of new fans, or even impress the folks who were already disappointed by the first. But hey, if you’ve got three hours and ten minutes to spare, you might just find something that tickles your fancy. Sure, there are arguably better ways to spend your movie-watching hours, but if Westerns are your jam, it may offer that special something.
So what do you all think? Is *Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2* on your watchlist, or are you going to save those hours for something a little less… confusing? Let’s hear from you in the comments—don’t keep us hanging! And if you found this ride entertaining, share the love with your friends!
