“Calamity Jane” feels like 90 minutes of people doing cosplay.
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“Calamity Jane” Plot Summary
“Calamity Jane” is a retelling of a classic Western story with characters that have more legends than facts known about them. Screenwriters Leon Langford and Collin Watts take many liberties in the telling of Wild Bill and Calamity Jane’s relationship and Jane’s quest for vengeance. Director Terry Miles does an admirable job showcasing the natural beauty of landscapes, but ultimately, “Calamity Jane” feels like 90 minutes of people doing cosplay.
“Calamity Jane” is a straightforward western vengeance story. Jane (Emily Bett Rickards) is in handcuffs and under close supervision from Deadwood’s Sheriff Mason (Tim Rozon). Sheriff Mason understands how skilled and dangerous Jane is with a gun, and he equally admires and condemns these qualities in her. But when Jane’s romantic partner, Wild Bill (Stephen Amell), is murdered, Jane breaks out of prison and goes on a hunt for vengeance. The sheriff orders the capture of Jane, dead or alive, and while he’s on the hunt for her, Jane has more enemies to watch out for in the wild west.
Characters come and go in “Calamity Jane.” They twirl their mustaches, give a snide remark, and are shot down soon enough. The repetition of bad guys vs. Jane is common in many action and western stories, but the action itself is difficult to follow, and we quickly lose interest. “Calamity Jane” twists legendary stories to fit an action movie plot; the result is more silly than thrilling.
Content Information
“Calamity Jane” is not rated, but includes cursing and gun violence throughout.
Other Noteworthy Information
- Emily Bett Rickards and Stephen Amell were both in the show “Arrow.”
“Calamity Jane” General Information
| Director | Terry Miles |
| Screenplay By | Leon Langford and Collin Watts |
| Date Released | February 2nd, 2024 |
| How To Watch | Tubi |
| Genre | Video On Demand |
| Film Length | 1 Hour, 35 Minutes |
| Content Rating | Not Rated |
| Noted Characters and Cast | |
| Calamity Jane | Emily Bett Rickards |
| Sheriff Mason | Tim Rozon |
| Wild Bill | Stephen Amell |
Character Descriptions
Please Note: This character guide is not an exhaustive list of every cast member, and character descriptions may contain what can be considered spoilers.
Calamity Jane (Emily Bett Rickards)
Calamity Jane is a tough woman and an experienced gunslinger. Jane appreciates very little in life, so when her lover is killed, she goes out on a quest for vengeance.
- The actor is also known for their role in “Arrow.”
Sheriff Mason (Tim Rozon)
Sheriff Mason is the lawman in Deadwood and is fixated on bringing Calamity Jane to justice. While the two have mutual respect for each other, Mason is enraged when Jane escapes his jail.
- The actor is also known for their role in “Wyonna Earp.”
Wild Bill (Stephen Amell)
Wild Bill is a walking legend in Deadwood. He’s a charmer, a gambler, and in a relationship with Calamity Jane. He also dies.
- The actor is also known for their role in “Arrow.”
Review
Our Rating: Mixed (Divisive)
Let us know your thoughts in the comments:
- Did you enjoy “Calamity Jane?” What makes a good western for you?
Highlights
Credible Set Design and Locations Transport Us to the Wild West
“Calamity Jane” could have taken the studio-set route, but the movie understands that a key to westerns is actually showing the wild west. The natural locations showcase a world with many dangers and possibilities for Jane and company, which makes the story more thrilling.
On The Fence
The Lingering Feeling of Cosplay
While the costume department tries its best for authenticity, simply having a bunch of pretty people play the majority of roles feels false. The fake mustaches and smudged dirt on the faces aren’t enough to suspend my disbelief and end up looking like cosplay.
A Legendary Western Story Squashed Into a Repetitive Action Movie
“Calamity Jane” includes at least two significant figures in Western legend. Wild Bill and Jane’s relationship, or lack thereof, is up for debate, but history is always skewed in movies. The frustrating part is that Jane never feels in trouble, so whenever she travels somewhere new and guns start firing, we know that she’s going to escape. This formula is repeated for the whole 90 minutes. It’s less exciting and more tiresome.
Good If You Like
- Revenge stories and westerns.
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