'The Magnificent Seven (2016)' - Revisited

Written by Scott Edwards

The quest for more money is something that many of us are on during our lifetime, whether it be from playing the lotto, being foolish and going gold mining, or just getting that next promotion. While some of these ventures can wind up costing you more than you bargain for, the security that comes with having plenty of money is something that cannot be ignored. But there are others that have decided to make their fortunes by taking advantage of the weak and that is just sad to see. With all of the phishing scams going around and hacking jobs that can shut down the Stock Exchange, it is a wonder that anyone has any money left to live on. Just make your living the right way and do it for yourself and your family and while there might be some easy ways to get some fast cash, just know that karma is a bitch, so you might need to watch your back if you don’t play fair. 
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After collecting on his latest warrant, peace officer Sam Chisolm is approached by a couple of strangers that he knows nothing about and wants to keep it that way. But Emma Cullen is not going to take no for an answer and after watching her husband get gunned down in the middle of town she wants blood. Listening to the offer, Chisolm is willing to walk away, but after hearing the name Bogue, his interest is piqued. Seeing an on looker from the bar having problems getting his horse back, Chisolm gets his first recruit for a job that will probably get them all killed. With nothing better to do and the promise of a payday, the card playing drunk Josh Faraday will surely come along for the ride.

Needing to get more people to join this fight, Chisolm heads to the last known location of Mexican gunslinger Vasquez and gets him to join while Faraday has been sent out to recruit another old lawman. Meeting with Goodnight Robicheaux and finding out he has a partner of his own, the Oriental Billy Rocks, the group is starting to come together. Locating the old legend’s home in the mountains, the group is shocked to hear that old Jack Horne has been killed before their arrival yet coming out of the bush and killing his attackers, Horne is still as spry as ever. Not giving an answer as of yet if he will join the fight against Bogue, the group is shocked to see him come out of the shadows as they are approached by the Comanche warrior Red Harvest. Getting the warrior to join their crusade, Chisolm knows that they are going to need everyone at the top of their game, or no one will make it out alive.

Arriving in Rose Creek and dispensing of Bogue’s hired help, the group is shocked to see that the town looks deserted. Riding in and yelling for her neighbors to come out and meet their salvation, Emma sees that there is a spark of hope when it comes to taking their town back from Bogue. But Chisolm is a little more realistic when it comes to the fight that will be coming their way. Telling those who do not want to fight for their homes to leave as they will be outnumbered, Chisolm and his group take the townsfolk under their wings and prepare them for battle. Getting the town set up with different kill points all around the town square, the only target is Bogue and if he does not fall, this attempt to free the town will fail as well.

More of an action remake than anything else, but I must admit that I was blown away by Emma throughout the movie. With her own story, I really wish they gave her a little more screen time, but I can understand why not with a star-studded cast on the screen. With plenty of action, we also got introduced to all of the characters and while some of the storylines were cut short, you at least get the gist of where they are coming from. With fun banter between the characters, a story of revenge, problems within the group, guns, bullets, dynamite and a Gatling gun, it’s just a fun movie to get into. While this movie may not take my love away from my favorite western, Tombstone, it has created one of my favorite characters on screen for a long while and when you get to meet Jack Horne, you will understand why.  

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