Apache Junction

Directed by Justin Lee

★½

BylinePhoto Credit: Erika Doss/Universal PicturesCaption(from left) Evan Hansen (Ben Platt) and Heidi Hansen (Julianne Moore) in Dear Evan Hansen, directed by Stephen Chbosky.Copyright© 2021 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS. All Rights Reserved.

Every once in a while, there comes a film that is filled from beginning to end with fantastic performances, beautiful cinematography and a story that keeps you hooked and wanting more. Apache Junction is the exact opposite of that. Honestly, I hate tearing movies apart because I know how much hard work goes into bringing them to life, so I’ll keep it short, so as not to waste any more of my time on this film.

The film is a wannabe western, riddled with cliches, bad acting and terrible dialogue. It honestly blows me away how this got made. Then again, 2021 is the year we get Jeepers Creepers 4 and The Kissing Booth 3. Hell, Trace Adkins even shows up for a decent amount of the movie, meandering along with it.

The film attempts a feminist look at life in the West, as it follows a female reporter looking to lambast the current goings on. Yet, Apache Junction makes the baffling choice to keep its dialogue fueled with misogyny. This was indeed purposeful, but has the opposite effect of what it was going for, which is frustrating considering the importance of the themes it more or less quotes, rather than saying anything original. 

The only somewhat redeeming scene contains a realistic duel towards the end of the film, in which characters take multiple blows rather than bowing out after one shot. 

Despite a few charming shots and the rich landscape, the film never really amounts to anything. The clothes are perfectly cleaned, a female character’s hair has highlights and is styled like its in 2021. The lack of attention to detail almost makes this film one to recommend just because of its sheer audacity. Almost.