This
is a strange one, and won’t be to everyone’s taste. I enjoyed it.
Ace actor Sam
Elliott plays a weathered and grizzled old man, living a quiet and lonely life in
his suburban home. He’s also the man who, near the end of World War II, killed
Hitler in an Allied plot quickly covered up by the Germans. I’d add a spoiler
warning, but, hey, it’s right there in the title! Through the years, Elliott’s
character, Calvin Barr, has become disillusioned with life. The war led to a
dim view of human nature, killing other humans, and cost him his best girl. Now
he lives a settled and decent life, treating others kindly and not reliving
his “glory” days.
Until
the government comes to him and tries to recruit him to kill the Bigfoot. There
are legitimate reasons why, as well as why Calvin is the best and only man for
the job. Initially declining, after a talk with the younger brother who
idolizes him (beautifully played by comedian Larry Miller), Calvin decides to
strap on the rifle once again and go hunting.
Elliott
does such a wonderful job portraying a man who is tired of killing, tired of
taking the world’s problems on his shoulders. But as an honorable and practical
man, he knows he must do what’s right. So he does it, efficiently and without
question.
This
quirky gem has a tone which varies from humor to soap opera drama, with a
hightened sense of spectacle added for good measure. It’s silly and absurd
while also being dramatic and moving. The film is cast perfectly, from Elliott
himself to Aidan Turner (Poldark) as
young Calvin and Caitlin FitzGerald (Masters
of Sex) as the girl-next-door teacher who is the love of his life. Like any
man, Calvin’s life holds great achievements—certainly more than most men—and great
disappointments. It’s how he handles these events that show what kind of man he truly is. And that man is both honorable and worth watching.
Grade:
B+
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