Can you explain why?I saw it today it was so confusing and the editing was all over the place with all the subpots constantly changing it was very jarring
I felt as you did. Saw it last night. I was REALLY pulling for it. It's an amateurish mess. It's very badly shot and edited. It's often very cheesy (and not in a good way). A disaster.
This is a sprawling, old fashioned Western with a heightened sense of reality. Costner really knows how to do the subject matter right. Equal parts historical fact and authenticity, and dramatic and sometimes horrific storytelling. It was a rough period during the country’s evolution, and he doesn’t shy away from it. Chapter One is setting the story in motion, with lots of different characters and individual storylines that you just know will converge at some point in varying degrees as the story moves along. I didn’t expect to see a typical “beginning to end” kind of movie in this one episode. He’s taking his time, and I loved it. Right up my alley.
@@derekchin6403 🤣🤣 This is NOT an old fashioned western. It's a chaotic mess. Acting is great, cinematography is great. Script storyline is all over the place. Like Joe Biden rambling on incoherently.
Many people, including myself, would disagree. I loved this movie. It has heart and soul. It's the beginning of a journey which I can't wait to be a part of.
If you really watched this you would understand what Mr. Kostner is doing. Th is is only Chapter 1 and if you paid attention at the end of 1st movie he sets up the upcoming episodes !!!
@@mikejarvis6401 I’m mostly with you - but I hated the montage. That made it feel like I was watching Netflix. It’s weird because I think it’s a really good, incredibly cinematic western that I want to see in the cinema, but I can see it finding its real audience as a 12 part limited series on streaming.
@@JoeRuizLordoftheRings I thought shooting "Lighthouse" in black & white was a curious choice as well as the choice to shoot it in a 1.19: 1 aspect ratio (almost square shape).
Dances...wolves, hit big with me mostly for all the First Nations actors getting some attention. As a Canuck, I think the world should know Graham Green.
I am not sure they really prefer the term First Nation. It’s only those that are afraid they are going to offend that seem to use that term that don’t even realize they are most likely being insulting.
I saw this on Monday night at an Unlimited screening, not having seen a trailer beforehand, but knowing the basic idea. Took a few minutes to get into it, but I was eventually swept along by the story threads and characters, and the amazing landscapes. I don't really know too much about this period of America, so I found it really interesting, and am looking forward to watching the 2nd chapter in August. Although I really didn't like the random montage at the end showing stuff from the next film - it took a while to realise that it was basically a trailer stuck on the end!
Bit like in Back tot he Future pt 2, where it sets up pt 3 I thought- I thought it was an alright film, bit like Dune pt 1 doing all the world building, difference is Dune has a pre-existing fan base that this doesn't
We just left the theater here in Montana. We absolutely LOVED THIS MOVIE! The acting, cinematography, music, animals, horses, cows, children, romance, men, Indians, women, clothing, scenes, everything about this movie was beyond words. I would have sat through it again in a heartbeat. Kevin Costner did it again. This movie will be in our home, right along side Dances with Wolves, Legends of the Fall, Horse Whisperer, A River Runs Through It, All of Clint Eastwoods movies, Jeremiah Johnson, I cried my eyes out! I cannot wait to see the remaining three movies. LOVE THIS MOVIE!!!!! Reply
I’m in. Im fine with something that takes its time to tell the story. What I heard was “well constructed” sections - and I’m good with set up. Pumped! (American here).
I love something that takes its time. This isn't that. It's not that its deliberately paced. It's that it's incompetently constructed. There's a scene of an Indian raid that just goes on and on and on for what feels like forever. There are characters who enter and leave in confusing ways. There is a total lack of cohesion. It's an absolute mess, and I was fully on board to love it.
I like KC, but this is a fair review by Mark. The Movie meanders i think thru clumsy editing..2hrs would have kept the pace up with the 3rd hour perhaps serving Part 2 and 3 better..Its a brave move though and i am rooting for these movies.
Hi both. Am a long time listener without ever commenting, but just wanted to say how much joy your insights bring. Found myself smiling throughout. Long may it continue
It is an epic masterpiece that does deserve to be on the big screen. I saw it last night and it's the best thing to come out of Hollywood in at least a decade.
I live in Texas and grew up in New Mexico. I love the American West. My Mom is very knowledgeable about Texas history. We saw this together today. It felt like a made-for-TV movie or a moderately done TV series. But you're absolutely right: you sit there for three hours only to get started with the story. There needed to be more of a plot. To me, this comes down to editing choices and how fast or slow you want to tell the story, how much you want to include. He needed to include more to bring more people in to see the first one and back to see the others. I don't know that I'll be back. I do love that the women characters are developed. Aside from the female lead in Lonesome Dove and the excellent job of Emily Blunt in The English, I cannot remember a good female lead in a Western. Women are left out of Westerns, which is a shame. When the best thing about the movie is the background, which admittedly is breathtaking, that's not good.
What a great movie and great concept. We really enjoyed it. The 3 story's unfold quickly and lots of action. There are several emotional scenes that just about tear out your heart. It's a real western and not the woke tripe that's ruined the theaters. The 3 hours passes fast and we will definitely go see the 2nd part in August
Same situation when I viewed it. However, I left the screening extremely disappointed and somewhat angry at what could have been an excellent film, but turned out being a polished turd.
This video perfectly reflects my feelings after watching Horizon part 1. I was into it, but half way through, I felt it should have wrapped up act 1, by now.
I loved it. I gave my own take on my channel. It was refreshing to me that it’s atypical and spends extra time on the setting. Rather than rushing from one dramatic event to the next to get the story told efficiently. I expect parts 2-4 will be bring lots of payoff.
Exactly what I said after seeing it today: it has some great scenes, but it just keeps bringing in more and more characters, most of whom you don’t know if you should be investing anything in because they might not be alive three scenes later. Felt very tv mini series. It wasn’t bad, but there was no sense of where it was all going. And the weird trailer at the end just added to the confusion because the film didn’t end - it just progressed into this montage of stuff.
Back in 2003, they did the same thing with a quasi-trailer for the next instalment being placed at the end of The Matrix Reloaded. I didn't mind it and I do not remember anyone complaining about it. The Matrix Revolutions then premiered within the same calendar year about six months or so later. In this instance it is going to be only about seven weeks later, so no problem at all. One of the many ailments of today's society is the hapless reality of people's moaning a lot about things that in the end do not matter at all.
With a budget reported to be upwards of $100M (probably shared a lot with the 2nd film that's hitting in August), I'm not banking on this rolling in the numbers to make that profitable. This seems like it should've been a big mini-series instead of releasing two films like seven weeks apart. I get Costner's ambition, but it is a big gamble that could come up short. The weekend box office projections are at $10-12M domestically. This is not a judgment on whether it's good or not, but just that the appetite might not be as big for this as he's hoping. Maybe it ends up having legs, but the US box office is getting competitive, finally.
Costner put in around $40m from his own pocket as well, sold - I think - two of his three homes. He's said his reasoning is because he's set in his ways, it's a story he's wanted to tell since the '80s, no one else will make it, and he thinks it'll get people going back to the cinema to experience the magic that he felt watching movies growing up. Fair play to him. But I bet his accountant is suggesting therapy right now.
@LynneKnowles_TheBHBPRO Can you explain why?I saw it today it was so confusing and the editing was all over the place with all the subpots constantly changing it was very jarring
Agree with your take. My son and I were confused by the story line. We felt it would have been a good 8 episode Netflix series. But 2, 3, 4 movies is too much. Might go to Chapter 2 since I have July off and Regal unlimited.
I enjoyed Part 1, and I’m intrigued by this project. This is not the first of four films; it’s the first part of one very long film, hence it’s structure is quite different from what we’re used to experiencing at the movie theater. Don’t dismiss the two British characters as two-dimensional caricatures. There is still plenty of room for growth and development for those two characters. This feels like an adaptation of the first 250 pages of a thousand-page epic western novel. I’ll be there for Part 2.
Can you explain why?I saw it today it was so confusing and the editing was all over the place with all the subpots constantly changing it was very jarring
I enjoyed it, apart from a silly sentimental scene involving Sienna Miller and her daughter. It does have the feel of a television series made into a movie and therefore I've just watched Episode 1-3 at the cinema, but if you just want to sit back for a few hours enjoying a Western then it's fine. I preferred it to 'Flower Moon'. Don't bother watching the 'coming next' scenes after it's finished and you'll be fine.
Loved the part 1. A primary character is Horizon the city. I found a cared about all the characters including the natives stories. It makes you realize that the story is about people. It takes time to learn about the characters.
Amazing review. I 💯 agree with your opinion on this film. It certainly had some high points but the long winded speeches, dialog and stagnant plot threads left a 3 hour movie that truly feels like 3 hours, every minute stretched out to infinity.
I loved it, ready for Chapter 2. Would have gone to see it the next day if I could. The only thing I didn't like was the trailer at the end, should have just closed with a good old To Be Continued.
I just had a hard time following the story. It seems like entire scenes were cut out that explained the characters' motivations & relationships with one another. Which may seem like a weird thing to say because Mark is right that it feels like three hours of exposition to set up the next movie. I think this will make a decent television series so I think it would be much more enjoyable to wait a year or two before watching it & then just streaming it & binge watching all four movies at the same time (if they all get made, that is).
I read that they have moved back the release of the 2nd film indefinitely, in order to allegedly give the first film time to build an audience. That's now the most bizarre thing about the film to me. We need to see the second installment ASAP to see if this is worthwhile, and spread the word, which then generates interest in the first film. I mean if they push this off a year, nobody is going to remember this thing by Christmas anyway.
I agree wholeheartedly with this review. All the same feelings especially about the last 15-20 minutes of “yet to come” scenes. I would have loved to watch any one of these stories in there entirety, but I have no desire to rush out to see chapter 2 to watch parts of all three slowly moving forward to no clear climax.
Agreed. I was excited to see it. I wanted to like it. I'm a fan of Costner . But I was left confused. Why were they clapping for 11 minutes at the Cannes? Because it was finally over? 😂
A very watchable western, extremely busy storylines that leaves you wondering what will happen next ? Well made and acted, it left me wanting to see the next chapter in the series. I believe that will be in the cinemas the end of August? Costner films are always worth a watch, Horizon is no exception 4 star entertainment !
I got to see an early screening of it and I loved it. It’s such a shame it’s not showing in iMax because it would definitely enhance the film. I saw “A Quiet Place: Day 1” tonight in iMax and it didn’t enhance it all and it was the worst film of that franchise. Horizon should be showing instead of it in iMax. Anyway if u r a fan of “Dances With Wolves’ westerns and Kevin Costner in general I would highly recommend it. The only thing I’ll say about it is it feels very much like a part 1 set up film of a franchise and not a stand alone film within a franchise. Kermode is wrong about this one I’m really hoping it does well. Kevin Costner is a film maker who takes risks and is to be admired. Nobody would have the bottle to make a 4 part epic western. I understand where Kermode was coming from but if this was made into a mini series of tv series it would be dragged out multiple seasons with lots of filler AND look cheaper and be cheaper. This sort of thing should be done with multiple genres because we are all sick of soulless superhero franchises.
it wasn't shot for IMAX...so it would look (& sound) pretty odd, very blown out images & too loud in sound mixing. (IMAX is not just "bigger." It's a production format.) And in fact, that's one of Mark's big points. The aspect ratio is a strange choice for shooting locations at that scale. It's almost like it was made to be big for a small screen...yet everything is hyping it for a theater screen, where it's too "tight" looking.
@@malexander4094 most of the films that come out in iMax are never shot in iMax. They are just redeveloped into it if they feel there’s money to be made. I saw “Once Upon A Time In Hollywood” in iMax and “The Nun” just to name 2 strange ones.
I enjoyed it. Overwhelming storytelling. Was drinking from a firehose. The ending montage was confusing. I look forward to seeing the entire tapestry woven together. That said, I agree this would be better as season 1 of a television series.
Uneven is the kindest thing I can say. Sometimes it has the look of an epic....sometimes it looks (and sounds) like re-runs of the 1960s Bonanza TV show. This should have been a streaming series rather than a bunch of overlong theatrical releases...
I really enjoyed the film. Maybe it means story isn’t important for me, but that events are. I think there were plenty of those in Horizon, and I’m looking forward to the stories coming together in C2.
Funny enough, many shows now have started using Univisium 2.00:1 (Yellowstone, House o f the Dragon), as well as Cinemascope 2.39:1 (The Boys, Mandalorian) :D But Flat 1.85:1 Western Can Be Epic on a Big Screen!
Well, it does not necessarily have to mean that the first two series/seasons are awful. They could be 'just OK', for example, which is nothing wrong. And especially not when it later gets truly great. A good example of this is Babylon 5. Its first season is definitely good overall, but the show truly becomes excellent only by its second season. And on top of that, thanks to many satisfying payoffs occurring during the 2nd, 3rd and 4th seasons whose subplots had originally been first established in the 'not-as-excellent' 1st season, you will later appreciate it (the 1st season) even more in retrospect.
I’m bemused by this review…. Don’t know how on Earth you can say nothing happened?! Without spoiling it for anyone: We were introduced to our characters, and each of them ends part 1 significantly altered from where we met them at the start. There’s tons of action, there’s romance, comedy, tragedy, and it’s presented in an incredibly visceral, immersive way, as if you could reach out in the cinema and feel the dust kicked up by the horses…. 3 hours flew by, and I appreciate Costner doing something bold like this release strategy, because I’m sick of all the fawning over TV - get to the damn cinema and see a FILM, not a TV episode. Nothing can compete with it!
Can you explain why?I saw it today it was so confusing and the editing was all over the place with all the subpots constantly changing it was very jarring
I totally agree. It was superb. There are many people out there who have their own agendas regarding Kevin Costner. I personally think he is a great actor and director. I bet half the people reviewing this movie haven't even seen it.
It was always meant to be a mini series, hence the 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Taking it to the movies was just earning some extra revenue before selling it to streaming.
I just usually find Coster’s vanity projects overly long and boring. The Postman, in particular, was an exercise in endurance for me. I always joke that I should have brought a book with me. Someone needs to hand him a bigger edit button.
My only complaint was the luke wilson caravan subplot didnt really lay much foundation for a story to go off. There is no dramatic tension except they are travelling in apache territory. The other plot lines I thought were fine for a first chapter.
“Walking out to get the mail”? Kevin you can’t “walk out” to get the mail in most rural areas in this century. Maybe the Apaches will attack the UPS truck in the next movie.
I thought it was great. Thinking about it now I'd compare it to Dune, in terms of quality, length & setting things up for the next film. Also I thought the montage at the end was a montage of what we've just seen. Not a montage of what's to come.
Sometimes you have to work through a long film or a TV series, before you can fairly judge it. Knowing this is Part 1 of (3 or 4), you have to accept that this is clearly just the introduction to a bigger, longer, more expansive story, that will play out in Parts 2 and 3 (and maybe 4). Either way, criticising the opening part, for not geting to the "good stuff" earlier, isn't necessarily a failing.
An epic western. It may not appeal to the marvel movie goers but for those of us who know their history and appreciate a well filmed and acted western, this one is up there with the best.
I didnt like the aspect ratio either. Nor did i like the bright digital photography. Westerns work best on film. Im sure it was cheaper to shoot on digital. The locations are beautiful though. The story was a little disjointed to me. And im not talking about the 3 different storylines. Within the separate stories i was a little confused at times. I didnt feel for most of the characters. They were not all that compelling. The music was good. I had so many questions in response to what was going on, on the screen which was not a good sign while watching. It was just ok. I feel like maybe it wouldve been better as an amazon movie. Sorry, because it felt like one. I feel like the characters in Sheridan's 1883 were better. I'll probably see the next installments just because. This aint no Lonesome Dove. This isnt Dances with Wolves or Open Range. I give this first installment maybe a 6.5/10. Yeah i have high standards i guess. A few days ago i saw the Good the Bad and the Ugly on the big screen. As great a filmmaker as Costner should be. Hes no Sergio Leone. He's no John Ford. He aint even Walter Hill. Horizon is missing what makes a movie into Cinema. The direction is flat. I dont see much craft in the filmmaking process here. I hope it gets better because i unfortunately was not impressed.
I liked it. It does feel like a big miniseries but this was done with big screen quality. I’m in for part 2. It sounds like this review was done before the opening weekend box office and as the week would tell, it didn’t do well with only $11 million. I’m sure part 3 will be released in very limited release and immediately to streaming unless part 2 does better. But I like the big screen feel of this movie and look forward to part 2.
It's called CHAPTER 1 for a reason, Mark. It's the first part of a SAGA. The clue is in the title. Give it ten or fifteen years and it will be a bona fide classic
guys....being a similar age to me, I would have thought you'd have a higher "tolerance" for delayed gratification. I love the fact that this sweeping story is being delivered to us like an old radio serial. You hust gotta wait a bit boys....Costner is clearly not "doing the usual thing". ....What a shame that you feel so put out by this. I am of the opposite view. I loved it. I am fascinated by the visceral nature of life at that time and in that place....no law, no protection, potluck on the decency of the person next to you - just taking it as it comes, most desperately trying to survive - or dying. It's a BIG story. And I am enjoying the anticipation of how this particular storytelling art will play out.
Brilliant film loved it. Roll on part 2
Just saw it with my son and daughter and we loved every minute of the 3 hours! We look forward to part 2.
Can you explain why?I saw it today it was so confusing and the editing was all over the place with all the subpots constantly changing it was very jarring
Same. It was very well done
@@linker27concentration.
Agreed.
Rarely get films like this these days and that alone makes me want to see it
Exactly! Dune was like this to be fair.
@@VictorMaxol It ends with a fantastic montage of the events of the film.
I felt as you did. Saw it last night. I was REALLY pulling for it. It's an amateurish mess. It's very badly shot and edited. It's often very cheesy (and not in a good way). A disaster.
@r4h4al that's actually a montage of part1 and 2
You rarely get films like this because it should have been a mini series
This is a sprawling, old fashioned Western with a heightened sense of reality. Costner really knows how to do the subject matter right. Equal parts historical fact and authenticity, and dramatic and sometimes horrific storytelling. It was a rough period during the country’s evolution, and he doesn’t shy away from it. Chapter One is setting the story in motion, with lots of different characters and individual storylines that you just know will converge at some point in varying degrees as the story moves along. I didn’t expect to see a typical “beginning to end” kind of movie in this one episode. He’s taking his time, and I loved it. Right up my alley.
@@derekchin6403 🤣🤣 This is NOT an old fashioned western. It's a chaotic mess. Acting is great, cinematography is great. Script storyline is all over the place. Like Joe Biden rambling on incoherently.
Many people, including myself, would disagree. I loved this movie. It has heart and soul. It's the beginning of a journey which I can't wait to be a part of.
If you really watched this you would understand what Mr. Kostner is doing. Th is is only Chapter 1 and if you paid attention at the end of 1st movie he sets up the upcoming episodes !!!
@@SpontaneousDelphi There is no reason to bring up Biden... especially now.
It was great. The haunting music made me feel a lot of the scenes. The characters show how tough it was to live and work hard during those days.
I love Mark Kermode - even more so because I respect his opinions, but don't always share them. Horizon Chapter I for me was outstanding.
@@mikejarvis6401 I’m mostly with you - but I hated the montage. That made it feel like I was watching Netflix. It’s weird because I think it’s a really good, incredibly cinematic western that I want to see in the cinema, but I can see it finding its real audience as a 12 part limited series on streaming.
This is antisemitic
@@cieranmiller4445 Absolutely will turn it off during the preview again.
well if you enjoy 3 hours without any pay off then sure
Can't wait for part 2! This movie was wonderful!
I was surprised that it wasn't shot in widesceen in order to better appreciate the western landscape vista.
The cinematography of the film is epic and beautiful anyway. It is a pleasure to watch.
@@subraxas I think it would have even looked more epic in widesceen.
Same with "light house". 😊
@@JoeRuizLordoftheRings I thought shooting "Lighthouse" in black & white was a curious choice as well as the choice to shoot it in a 1.19: 1 aspect ratio (almost square shape).
@@subraxas It looks like a TV show to me. Lots of shoddy, handheld coverage. A very digital look. I was shocked.
Dances...wolves, hit big with me mostly for all the First Nations actors getting some attention. As a Canuck, I think the world should know Graham Green.
I am not sure they really prefer the term First Nation. It’s only those that are afraid they are going to offend that seem to use that term that don’t even realize they are most likely being insulting.
The film is great. It is realistic.
I’m not sure replacing the word ‘with’ with three … was really worth it?! I mean seriously, you saved yourself one single character.
I saw this on Monday night at an Unlimited screening, not having seen a trailer beforehand, but knowing the basic idea. Took a few minutes to get into it, but I was eventually swept along by the story threads and characters, and the amazing landscapes. I don't really know too much about this period of America, so I found it really interesting, and am looking forward to watching the 2nd chapter in August. Although I really didn't like the random montage at the end showing stuff from the next film - it took a while to realise that it was basically a trailer stuck on the end!
You’ve.. never seen a western? 😂
Man watching westerns always bring me back to my parents watching them on a sunday@@RetroBacon1
They definitely should've left that montage out of the film. It was a very weird creative decision.
Bit like in Back tot he Future pt 2, where it sets up pt 3 I thought- I thought it was an alright film, bit like Dune pt 1 doing all the world building, difference is Dune has a pre-existing fan base that this doesn't
We just left the theater here in Montana. We absolutely LOVED THIS MOVIE! The acting, cinematography, music, animals, horses, cows, children, romance, men, Indians, women, clothing, scenes, everything about this movie was beyond words. I would have sat through it again in a heartbeat. Kevin Costner did it again. This movie will be in our home, right along side Dances with Wolves, Legends of the Fall, Horse Whisperer, A River Runs Through It, All of Clint Eastwoods movies, Jeremiah Johnson, I cried my eyes out! I cannot wait to see the remaining three movies. LOVE THIS MOVIE!!!!!
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Just went to see it today. Outstanding cinematography. Excellent movie.
Nice to see a movie for adults.
No cartoons, no comic books, no zombies...
Zombies are for adults, not kids.
@@PhantomGardener yeah ok...
@@badger519I mean, Romero's zombies were
Right, cowboys are so not for kids. Westerns are probably one of the dumbest genres ever overall, get over yourself.
cowboys vs indians is for kids
I’m in. Im fine with something that takes its time to tell the story. What I heard was “well constructed” sections - and I’m good with set up. Pumped! (American here).
I love something that takes its time. This isn't that. It's not that its deliberately paced. It's that it's incompetently constructed. There's a scene of an Indian raid that just goes on and on and on for what feels like forever. There are characters who enter and leave in confusing ways. There is a total lack of cohesion. It's an absolute mess, and I was fully on board to love it.
It's Costner's love for American westerns. I hope it's good.
It is good
@@jaesea323 Thanks, My ancestors were Homesteaders in Nebraska, Kansas, Montana and Iowa.
It was a long drawn breath of bad writing and acting
We thought it was fantastic. Very emotional. Lots of action and the 3 stories unfold quickly
@kip1512
Go back to your marvel comics kid.
This movie is for grown ups.
I’m going! Let’s go!!
I like KC, but this is a fair review by Mark. The Movie meanders i think thru clumsy editing..2hrs would have kept the pace up with the 3rd hour perhaps serving Part 2 and 3 better..Its a brave move though and i am rooting for these movies.
Hi both. Am a long time listener without ever commenting, but just wanted to say how much joy your insights bring. Found myself smiling throughout. Long may it continue
I thought it was a pure oddity, thought it was thrilling and loved it
What a great American Epic… showing both views of the American expansion!
I would have left the theater in part 1 straight to see part2
The only ad I've seen for this movie said, "See it on the biggest screen possible" so they're clearly pushing the "don't wait for TV" line.
It is an epic masterpiece that does deserve to be on the big screen. I saw it last night and it's the best thing to come out of Hollywood in at least a decade.
@@jaesea323 lol
I live in Texas and grew up in New Mexico. I love the American West. My Mom is very knowledgeable about Texas history. We saw this together today. It felt like a made-for-TV movie or a moderately done TV series. But you're absolutely right: you sit there for three hours only to get started with the story. There needed to be more of a plot. To me, this comes down to editing choices and how fast or slow you want to tell the story, how much you want to include. He needed to include more to bring more people in to see the first one and back to see the others. I don't know that I'll be back. I do love that the women characters are developed. Aside from the female lead in Lonesome Dove and the excellent job of Emily Blunt in The English, I cannot remember a good female lead in a Western. Women are left out of Westerns, which is a shame. When the best thing about the movie is the background, which admittedly is breathtaking, that's not good.
I'm going to go and see it, but can't persuade my wife. I do love westerns though!
What a great movie and great concept. We really enjoyed it. The 3 story's unfold quickly and lots of action. There are several emotional scenes that just about tear out your heart. It's a real western and not the woke tripe that's ruined the theaters. The 3 hours passes fast and we will definitely go see the 2nd part in August
Loved it! Unfortunately I was one of two people in my screening.
Same situation when I viewed it.
However, I left the screening extremely disappointed and somewhat angry at what could have been an excellent film, but turned out being a polished turd.
This video perfectly reflects my feelings after watching Horizon part 1.
I was into it, but half way through, I felt it should have wrapped up act 1, by now.
I loved it. I gave my own take on my channel.
It was refreshing to me that it’s atypical and spends extra time on the setting. Rather than rushing from one dramatic event to the next to get the story told efficiently.
I expect parts 2-4 will be bring lots of payoff.
Exactly what I said after seeing it today: it has some great scenes, but it just keeps bringing in more and more characters, most of whom you don’t know if you should be investing anything in because they might not be alive three scenes later. Felt very tv
mini series. It wasn’t bad, but there was no sense of where it was all going. And the weird trailer at the end just added to the confusion because the film didn’t end - it just progressed into this montage of stuff.
Back in 2003, they did the same thing with a quasi-trailer for the next instalment being placed at the end of The Matrix Reloaded. I didn't mind it and I do not remember anyone complaining about it. The Matrix Revolutions then premiered within the same calendar year about six months or so later. In this instance it is going to be only about seven weeks later, so no problem at all.
One of the many ailments of today's society is the hapless reality of people's moaning a lot about things that in the end do not matter at all.
Big Costner fan but Horizon was a lonnnnng mess....spot on review MARK KERMODE.....INCOHERENT STORY LINES...
With a budget reported to be upwards of $100M (probably shared a lot with the 2nd film that's hitting in August), I'm not banking on this rolling in the numbers to make that profitable. This seems like it should've been a big mini-series instead of releasing two films like seven weeks apart. I get Costner's ambition, but it is a big gamble that could come up short. The weekend box office projections are at $10-12M domestically. This is not a judgment on whether it's good or not, but just that the appetite might not be as big for this as he's hoping. Maybe it ends up having legs, but the US box office is getting competitive, finally.
Right around 100mil is not much money in the world of films these days.
Costner put in around $40m from his own pocket as well, sold - I think - two of his three homes. He's said his reasoning is because he's set in his ways, it's a story he's wanted to tell since the '80s, no one else will make it, and he thinks it'll get people going back to the cinema to experience the magic that he felt watching movies growing up. Fair play to him. But I bet his accountant is suggesting therapy right now.
ACOUNTANTS DON'T CREATE ART. FILM MAKERS DO.
Naw brah this should be experienced in theatres
@@kylegacyhe'll make it back and some
I really enjoyed it, did have a similar feel to the Yellowstone prequels, but the action scenes/acting were excellent.
Dances with wolves is epic, I hope this is as good.
I see and understand Marks criticisms but still enjoyed the film although I do agree that montage at the end wasn't necessary.
The montage is a free sneak peek at what comes next. What's not to like?
Loved this film .. bring on part 2
Thought it was excellent…loved it! Can’t wait for part 2 ! I think you both are a bit off the mark..giddy up.
@LynneKnowles_TheBHBPRO Can you explain why?I saw it today it was so confusing and the editing was all over the place with all the subpots constantly changing it was very jarring
Waterworld needs way more love
Watched parts of it again - it really was crap. Just that crap has become very common for effects cinema.
I love that film, especially the Ulysses cut.
My cable guy thought it ruled - saw it nine times!
epic film
It really doesnt
"Waterworld' was nicknamed "Fishtar".
Oh well, at least we'll always have Open Range.
It's off that Mark doesn't talk about the actual quality of the material.
Agree with your take. My son and I were confused by the story line. We felt it would have been a good 8 episode Netflix series. But 2, 3, 4 movies is too much. Might go to Chapter 2 since I have July off and Regal unlimited.
Very well done old fashioned western❤❤❤
Thank God for these two
This will be a classic. The American Eposidal history, not unlike the the Saturday weekly matinee of yesterday's, only longer.
This is the most spot-on review of Horizon I've heard.
I enjoyed Part 1, and I’m intrigued by this project. This is not the first of four films; it’s the first part of one very long film, hence it’s structure is quite different from what we’re used to experiencing at the movie theater.
Don’t dismiss the two British characters as two-dimensional caricatures. There is still plenty of room for growth and development for those two characters.
This feels like an adaptation of the first 250 pages of a thousand-page epic western novel. I’ll be there for Part 2.
Can you explain why?I saw it today it was so confusing and the editing was all over the place with all the subpots constantly changing it was very jarring
I enjoyed it, apart from a silly sentimental scene involving Sienna Miller and her daughter. It does have the feel of a television series made into a movie and therefore I've just watched Episode 1-3 at the cinema, but if you just want to sit back for a few hours enjoying a Western then it's fine. I preferred it to 'Flower Moon'. Don't bother watching the 'coming next' scenes after it's finished and you'll be fine.
Really enjoyed this!😊
Loved the part 1. A primary character is Horizon the city. I found a cared about all the characters including the natives stories. It makes you realize that the story is about people. It takes time to learn about the characters.
Highly recommend this movie. Was great! Plot development on EP was slow to start but eventually became steady. Worth it.
Amazing review. I 💯 agree with your opinion on this film. It certainly had some high points but the long winded speeches, dialog and stagnant plot threads left a 3 hour movie that truly feels like 3 hours, every minute stretched out to infinity.
Having in mind that it's a first part of several, it's an amazing western movie in my opinion.
I loved it, ready for Chapter 2. Would have gone to see it the next day if I could. The only thing I didn't like was the trailer at the end, should have just closed with a good old To Be Continued.
I just had a hard time following the story. It seems like entire scenes were cut out that explained the characters' motivations & relationships with one another. Which may seem like a weird thing to say because Mark is right that it feels like three hours of exposition to set up the next movie. I think this will make a decent television series so I think it would be much more enjoyable to wait a year or two before watching it & then just streaming it & binge watching all four movies at the same time (if they all get made, that is).
I read that they have moved back the release of the 2nd film indefinitely, in order to allegedly give the first film time to build an audience. That's now the most bizarre thing about the film to me. We need to see the second installment ASAP to see if this is worthwhile, and spread the word, which then generates interest in the first film. I mean if they push this off a year, nobody is going to remember this thing by Christmas anyway.
I agree wholeheartedly with this review. All the same feelings especially about the last 15-20 minutes of “yet to come” scenes. I would have loved to watch any one of these stories in there entirety, but I have no desire to rush out to see chapter 2 to watch parts of all three slowly moving forward to no clear climax.
Agreed. I was excited to see it. I wanted to like it. I'm a fan of Costner . But I was left confused. Why were they clapping for 11 minutes at the Cannes? Because it was finally over? 😂
A very watchable western, extremely busy storylines that leaves you wondering what will happen next ?
Well made and acted, it left me wanting to see the next chapter in the series.
I believe that will be in the cinemas the end of August?
Costner films are always worth a watch, Horizon is no exception
4 star entertainment !
7:50 why did Costner choose to set up the story like it’s a tv show??
A certain amount of story telling is just that. Applicable to stage, TV and screen.
Looks a good watch.
I absolutely love this movie. 3 hours long, but well worth it.
I got to see an early screening of it and I loved it. It’s such a shame it’s not showing in iMax because it would definitely enhance the film. I saw “A Quiet Place: Day 1” tonight in iMax and it didn’t enhance it all and it was the worst film of that franchise. Horizon should be showing instead of it in iMax. Anyway if u r a fan of “Dances With Wolves’ westerns and Kevin Costner in general I would highly recommend it. The only thing I’ll say about it is it feels very much like a part 1 set up film of a franchise and not a stand alone film within a franchise. Kermode is wrong about this one I’m really hoping it does well. Kevin Costner is a film maker who takes risks and is to be admired. Nobody would have the bottle to make a 4 part epic western. I understand where Kermode was coming from but if this was made into a mini series of tv series it would be dragged out multiple seasons with lots of filler AND look cheaper and be cheaper. This sort of thing should be done with multiple genres because we are all sick of soulless superhero franchises.
it wasn't shot for IMAX...so it would look (& sound) pretty odd, very blown out images & too loud in sound mixing. (IMAX is not just "bigger." It's a production format.)
And in fact, that's one of Mark's big points. The aspect ratio is a strange choice for shooting locations at that scale. It's almost like it was made to be big for a small screen...yet everything is hyping it for a theater screen, where it's too "tight" looking.
@@malexander4094 most of the films that come out in iMax are never shot in iMax. They are just redeveloped into it if they feel there’s money to be made. I saw “Once Upon A Time In Hollywood” in iMax and “The Nun” just to name 2 strange ones.
I will say that when ever I think of a trailer for a second part, being shown at the end of the film, I always think of The Three Musketeers.
The Matrix Reloaded (the second one) also did the same thing. I didn't mind it at all.
I enjoyed it. Overwhelming storytelling. Was drinking from a firehose. The ending montage was confusing. I look forward to seeing the entire tapestry woven together. That said, I agree this would be better as season 1 of a television series.
I think it will be a GREAT hit when it comes to streaming.
Very good. Beautiful work. I liked it
Loved this movie. I feel like I know these people. All the characters feel flushed out. Definitely feel I want to watch the next episode.
As with the German's at football, never underestimate Costner.
Exactly. Costner could lead his teammates, coach and fans through 95% of the game and then Quit on you right before the match comes to a conclusion.
Alternatively it could be like the English football team, always disappointing
Uneven is the kindest thing I can say. Sometimes it has the look of an epic....sometimes it looks (and sounds) like re-runs of the 1960s Bonanza TV show. This should have been a streaming series rather than a bunch of overlong theatrical releases...
I saw it and i loved it!!❤❤❤
I really enjoyed the film. Maybe it means story isn’t important for me, but that events are. I think there were plenty of those in Horizon, and I’m looking forward to the stories coming together in C2.
Why you guys not in the studio together, much prefer you in the same room. Keep up the good work
Funny enough, many shows now have started using Univisium 2.00:1 (Yellowstone, House o f the Dragon), as well as Cinemascope 2.39:1 (The Boys, Mandalorian) :D But Flat 1.85:1 Western Can Be Epic on a Big Screen!
I`m with Mayo, I hate it when someone recommends a TV series and says "wait until you get to series 3, it really gets going......................"
Well, it does not necessarily have to mean that the first two series/seasons are awful. They could be 'just OK', for example, which is nothing wrong. And especially not when it later gets truly great.
A good example of this is Babylon 5. Its first season is definitely good overall, but the show truly becomes excellent only by its second season. And on top of that, thanks to many satisfying payoffs occurring during the 2nd, 3rd and 4th seasons whose subplots had originally been first established in the 'not-as-excellent' 1st season, you will later appreciate it (the 1st season) even more in retrospect.
Thought it was fine, didn’t care about all the stories and really felt that length towards the end
I’m bemused by this review…. Don’t know how on Earth you can say nothing happened?!
Without spoiling it for anyone:
We were introduced to our characters, and each of them ends part 1 significantly altered from where we met them at the start.
There’s tons of action, there’s romance, comedy, tragedy, and it’s presented in an incredibly visceral, immersive way, as if you could reach out in the cinema and feel the dust kicked up by the horses….
3 hours flew by, and I appreciate Costner doing something bold like this release strategy, because I’m sick of all the fawning over TV - get to the damn cinema and see a FILM, not a TV episode. Nothing can compete with it!
Can you explain why?I saw it today it was so confusing and the editing was all over the place with all the subpots constantly changing it was very jarring
!!!!! THIS COMMENT !!!!!
It’s not like other reviews aren’t saying the same thing
I totally agree. It was superb. There are many people out there who have their own agendas regarding Kevin Costner. I personally think he is a great actor and director. I bet half the people reviewing this movie haven't even seen it.
It was always meant to be a mini series, hence the 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Taking it to the movies was just earning some extra revenue before selling it to streaming.
I just usually find Coster’s vanity projects overly long and boring. The Postman, in particular, was an exercise in endurance for me. I always joke that I should have brought a book with me. Someone needs to hand him a bigger edit button.
My only complaint was the luke wilson caravan subplot didnt really lay much foundation for a story to go off. There is no dramatic tension except they are travelling in apache territory. The other plot lines I thought were fine for a first chapter.
I saw it last night. I am a huge Costner and western fan. I was disappointed and agree with this review.
When Mark said right off the bat "a three-way story" I thought oHO!
We just went and saw it and everything Mark says is true!
Frightening words:"Don't forget to watch next year Same time Same KevinChannel"
it's a great film I watched it yesterday I'm going to watch it again
“Walking out to get the mail”? Kevin you can’t “walk out” to get the mail in most rural areas in this century. Maybe the Apaches will attack the UPS truck in the next movie.
This thing will be streaming...fast.
I thought Waterworld was Kevin’s Gate??
I thought it was great. Thinking about it now I'd compare it to Dune, in terms of quality, length & setting things up for the next film.
Also I thought the montage at the end was a montage of what we've just seen. Not a montage of what's to come.
Sometimes you have to work through a long film or a TV series, before you can fairly judge it. Knowing this is Part 1 of (3 or 4), you have to accept that this is clearly just the introduction to a bigger, longer, more expansive story, that will play out in Parts 2 and 3 (and maybe 4). Either way, criticising the opening part, for not geting to the "good stuff" earlier, isn't necessarily a failing.
An epic western. It may not appeal to the marvel movie goers but for those of us who know their history and appreciate a well filmed and acted western, this one is up there with the best.
Know Kermode rarely reviews series but would love to know his thoughts on Shogun (2024)
Sounds great.
I enjoyed it, I'm glad it's not a TV series and I would go to the movies for the second one.
I really liked it. Saw it today
Are we ever seeing the studio again, or have you switched to WFH? 🤣
I didnt like the aspect ratio either. Nor did i like the bright digital photography. Westerns work best on film. Im sure it was cheaper to shoot on digital. The locations are beautiful though. The story was a little disjointed to me. And im not talking about the 3 different storylines. Within the separate stories i was a little confused at times. I didnt feel for most of the characters. They were not all that compelling. The music was good. I had so many questions in response to what was going on, on the screen which was not a good sign while watching. It was just ok. I feel like maybe it wouldve been better as an amazon movie. Sorry, because it felt like one. I feel like the characters in Sheridan's 1883 were better. I'll probably see the next installments just because. This aint no Lonesome Dove. This isnt Dances with Wolves or Open Range. I give this first installment maybe a 6.5/10. Yeah i have high standards i guess. A few days ago i saw the Good the Bad and the Ugly on the big screen. As great a filmmaker as Costner should be. Hes no Sergio Leone. He's no John Ford. He aint even Walter Hill. Horizon is missing what makes a movie into Cinema. The direction is flat. I dont see much craft in the filmmaking process here. I hope it gets better because i unfortunately was not impressed.
I liked it. It does feel like a big miniseries but this was done with big screen quality. I’m in for part 2. It sounds like this review was done before the opening weekend box office and as the week would tell, it didn’t do well with only $11 million. I’m sure part 3 will be released in very limited release and immediately to streaming unless part 2 does better. But I like the big screen feel of this movie and look forward to part 2.
It's called CHAPTER 1 for a reason, Mark. It's the first part of a SAGA. The clue is in the title. Give it ten or fifteen years and it will be a bona fide classic
But when will the robo-dinosaurs appear?
Horizon 4
guys....being a similar age to me, I would have thought you'd have a higher "tolerance" for delayed gratification. I love the fact that this sweeping story is being delivered to us like an old radio serial. You hust gotta wait a bit boys....Costner is clearly not "doing the usual thing". ....What a shame that you feel so put out by this. I am of the opposite view. I loved it. I am fascinated by the visceral nature of life at that time and in that place....no law, no protection, potluck on the decency of the person next to you - just taking it as it comes, most desperately trying to survive - or dying. It's a BIG story. And I am enjoying the anticipation of how this particular storytelling art will play out.
Go see it!