Though the final a number of years have seen a surge in neo-Western exhibits and films, a 2021 film proved that there was nonetheless life in a great quaint Western story despite the fact that most individuals missed it. That film was Previous Henry, starring Tim Blake Nelson as a farmer who should defend his son from outlaws in any respect prices on the flip of the twentieth century. In an unique interview with MovieWeb’s Julian Roman, 61-year-old Nelson mirrored on his preliminary response to being supplied an “previous” function, and the way the script made him immediately know the function could possibly be nice.
Previous Henry debuted in September 2021 on the Venice Movie Pageant, then obtained a theatrical launch in October the identical yr. Regardless of changing into one of many highest rated westerns of the century, with respective 94% and 92% scores from critics and audiences on Rotten Tomatoes, the movie was a flop after taking simply over $40,000, primarily due to the timing of its launch in the course of the Covid Pandemic. Nonetheless, 4 years later, Previous Henry returned to the streaming charts and located a complete new wave of appreciation. Reflecting on the film’s longevity as a timeless traditional of contemporary cinema, Nelson mentioned:
“It is humorous once I was supplied Previous Henry, I noticed that it was known as Previous Henry, and that I had been supplied the title function. I went to my spouse, and I mentioned, “Properly, it is lastly occurring. I am getting supplied a job that’s described as previous.” Then I learn the script, and what I instantly thought was my God, if that is finished effectively, it could possibly be like this Vince Vaughn film that I actually, actually love that is form of a pulpy film, however it’s actually entertaining, known as Brawl in Cell Block 99. It in all probability is not going to get launched in theaters, however it’s such a stable style film that if it is finished proper, it may stream effectively.
It blew these expectations out of the water. I am unable to imagine what occurred with that film. In actual fact, it’s far and away probably the most profitable unbiased film I’ve ever been in. Wow. Who is aware of why that occurred? I imply, it is clearly Potsy Ponciroli, the author and director, has lots to do with it, and the remainder of the solid. That was one other film, I feel, that shot in about 20 days. We simply went right down to Tennessee and went to work and did our greatest. Potsy was in a position to catch lightning in a bottle, and it actually took off. I am extremely gratified and really happy with that movie, and pleased most of all for Potsy, as a result of now his profession is off to the races. As a director, I completely love that movie.”
Tim Blake Nelson Stars in ‘Bang Bang’
It’s inconceivable to name Tim Blake Nelson something apart from a prolific actor, with over 110 credit to his identify. Together with Captain America: Courageous New World, 2025 has seen the discharge of a number of different tasks together with Atropia, The Testomony of Ann Lee, TV collection The Lowdown, and Bang Bang, a 2024 film that’s lastly on restricted launch within the U.S. Bang Bang comes with the next synopsis:
“Retired pugilist Bernard “Bang Bang” Rozyski (Nelson) is impressed to attempt his hand at coaching as soon as he reconnects along with his estranged grandson. Whereas their coaching brings Bang Bang out of the outlet he is been residing in, everybody questions his motivations, together with an ex-girlfriend from many years in the past, who was aware about Bang Bang’s meteoric rise within the sport within the 80s in addition to the rivalry along with his former opponent, her cousin and Detroit’s Mayoral candidate Darnell Washington. Is Bang Bang merely passing down inherited rage, or is there true altruism behind his tutelage?”
After enjoying at a number of festivals, Bang Bang gained a powerful set of critiques, and this has been added to by the film’s launch on September 12. A number of reviewers have famous that “like Previous Henry, Nelson actually sinks his enamel within the function” and his “electrifying efficiency” because the gruff, flawed former boxer looking for redemption is what makes the film in all probability worthy of greater than its 79% rating, but in addition units Nelson as “one in every of our most interesting character actors.”
You could find Julian Roman’s glowing overview of Bang Bang right here.

Bang Bang
- Launch Date
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June 11, 2024
- Runtime
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103 Minutes
- Director
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Vincent Grashaw
- Writers
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Will Janowitz
- Producers
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Will Janowitz, Cole Payne, Nicolaas Bertelsen, Jesse Ozeri, Angelia Adzic, Ran Namerode
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Glenn Plummer
Bernard ‘Bang Bang’ Rozyski
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