Even though Peter Berg has directed several well-made action films, he’s best known for his football hit “Friday Night Lights.” For this new series, he’s called upon one of the stars of that show (Taylor Kitsch) to head up this one. His character ends up with a mother and son to help them reach her husband. Then, there’s the group of men pursuing her for the bounty on her head. Another subplot revolves around John Smith, as he led his Mormons in vicious slaughters to protect their religion. And there more subplots. This is a somewhat darker approach to the genre with lots of gritty violence. Mark L. Smith, best known for writing “The Revenant,” has again offered a vision of the times that is brutal and cruel. The acting is fine and Berg’s direction creates plenty of intense moments. If you enjoy Westerns, this amped up version will probably appeal. 
(3.5 / 5)
