Hickok

Luke Hemsworth, older brother of action movie stars Chris (Thor) and Liam (The Hunger Games), stars as Wild Bill Hickok in this anemic Western centering on the frontier legend's stint as marshal of Abilene, KS. Hickok is presented as a scoundrel, thief, and gunman whose reputation precedes him when he arrives in town—which is all true enough, but the script then tells a thoroughly fictionalized tale of his exploits, in which he transforms from opportunist to moral force, ostensibly inspired by a tow-headed kid who idolizes Hickok as a hero. Country western recording artist Trace Adkins costars as the town saloon owner who puts a price on Hickok's head when the rough-edged rogue starts mending his ways. Hemsworth lacks both the screen charisma and the acting chops of his younger brothers and Kris Kristofferson looks like he rose from the grave to play the mayor, but Bruce Dern is memorable as the grizzled town doc, making the most of a small role. Otherwise, this is a lazy, cliché-ridden Western with the bland look of a TV movie and flavorless direction by Timothy Woodward Jr. that fails to create much tension or excitement in the numerous gunfights. Optional. (S. Axmaker)