Reviving the Van Peebles Legacy: A Witty Western Adventure with Outlaw Posse
Experience Van Peeble's humorous cowboy challenging racial divides in this entertaining cinematic journey.
Mario Van Peebles' revisionist western, Posse, concluded with a message highlighting the absence of 8,000 black cowboys and their narratives in Hollywood. Three decades later, Outlaw Posse endeavors to shed light on the diverse history of the Old West, although with mixed outcomes. This film is not a direct sequel to the 1993 western, and the director is no longer solely reacting to Hollywood's skewed portrayal of America's past. Instead, Van Peebles responds to the current polarized era by presenting a western that embraces diversity and its crucial role in shaping the prosperous nation initially envisioned by the early Wild West pioneers.
Despite its noble intentions, Outlaw Posse also aims to deliver the quintessential elements of a classic cowboy movie, sometimes at the expense of its overall impact. The film incorporates all the familiar story elements, from bank heists to hidden treasures leading up to the climactic gunfights. While following in the footsteps of renowned filmmakers like Sergio Leone and John Huston, Van Peebles also weaves in his family's cinematic heritage. Notably, the character Chief dons a black attire reminiscent of the one worn by the filmmaker's father in Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song.
Outlaw Posse's Father-Son Relationship Lifts It Above Wild West Clichés
Chief and Decker ride horses through the fields in Outlaw Posse - Outlaw Posse's Father-Son Relationship Lifts It Above Wild West Clichés
In Outlaw Posse, Mandela Van Peebles joins his father Mario Van Peebles as they portray Chief and Decker, respectively. The authenticity of their performances is heightened by their real-life father-son dynamic. Initially, Decker is portrayed as a solemn character, but as he spends more time with Chief, he becomes more charismatic and engaging. Towards the end of the movie, Chief also reveals a more vulnerable side during a heart-to-heart with his son.
Van Peebles' films often explore the complexities of father and son relationships, as seen in his 2003 movie Baadasssss, which delves into the making of his father's iconic Blaxploitation film. Outlaw Posse continues this theme by reconciling the strained relationship between Chief and Decker, offering a hopeful future despite their past conflicts. This storyline not only grounds the film's more outrageous moments but also serves as a heartfelt tribute to Mario Van Peebles' late father, the esteemed Black filmmaker Melvin Van Peebles, to whom the movie is dedicated.
Outlaw Posse Fumbles An Important Political Message
"When the laws are unjust, the just are outlaws!"
Native Americans listen to someone talking in Outlaw Posse - "When the laws are unjust, the just are outlaws!" - Outlaw Posse Fumbles An Important Political Message
The Chief and his crew are on a mission to find gold that was meant for freed slaves, not their former owners. This idea sets the stage for an interesting Robin Hood-style Western, but Outlaw Posse falls short due to the many competing subplots. The story of slavery reparations clashes with the mistreatment of Native Americans, and the movie fails to give either storyline the attention it deserves. While there is a message of unity among different cultures, it is not effectively highlighted in the film.
Outlaw Posse's attempts at historical and political commentary are admirable, but unfortunately, they are overshadowed by the B-movie feel of the script.
Chief's multicultural crew in Outlaw Posse serves mainly to help him battle against the real antagonist of the story, Angel (played by Brian Mapother). Angel, a flamboyant character, is portrayed with gusto by Mapother. His eccentricities, such as his small brass hand and his desire to have a biographer document his every move, draw parallels to the social media-loving former President, Donald Trump. This connection appears to be intentional.
Whoopi Goldberg & The Supporting Cast Are Lots Of Fun
A starry supporting cast includes Edward James Olmos and Neal McDonough.
Whoopi Goldberg holds a gun she's ready to shoot in Outlaw Posse - A starry supporting cast includes Edward James Olmos and Neal McDonough. - Whoopi Goldberg & The Supporting Cast Are Lots Of Fun
Outlaw Posse boasts a fantastic supporting cast that complements Van Peebles' captivating lead performance. Whoopi Goldberg shines as the real-life Wild West figure "Stagecoach" Mary Fields, bringing charm to every scene. Edward James Olmos delivers a standout portrayal as the grumpy shopkeeper aiding Chief and his posse, while Cedric the Entertainer leaves a lasting impression as the Mayor of Lil' Heaven, a diverse town where everyone is embraced. Each actor's contribution aligns with the film's unique spin on the Old West, adding to its charm and appeal.
Outlaw Posse may have its flaws in terms of political messaging, but it is saved by the captivating performance of Mario Van Peebles. Whether he is intimidating Neal McDonough in a sombrero or delivering a powerful speech about the nation's future, Van Peebles steals the show. While the film doesn't bring anything groundbreaking to the table, its strong characters and the nods to the Van Peebles cinematic legacy create a lasting impression.
Editor's P/S:
Outlaw Posse is a well-intentioned film that attempts to tackle important themes of diversity, historical marginalization, and the current political climate. However, it struggles to balance its political message with the conventions of a classic cowboy movie, leading to a disjointed and somewhat underwhelming experience. Despite its noble intentions, the film's execution leaves much to be desired, with a convoluted plot and underdeveloped characters that fail to fully engage the audience.
While the film boasts a talented cast, including Mario Van Peebles, Whoopi Goldberg, and Edward James Olmos, their performances are not enough to save the film from its shortcomings. The political message, while admirable, is clumsily handled and fails to resonate with the audience. Ultimately, Outlaw Posse is a missed opportunity that fails to live up to its potential as a revisionist western with a powerful message.
