Original, low-budget Native American true-tale period-drama "The Last Manhunt" features some stunning Christian Camargo direction, yet is hamstrung by Thomas Pa'a Sibbett's sluggish & oft confused screenplay. In 1909 when Chemehuevi tribe teen Martin Sensmeier accidentally shoots dead Zahn McClarnon (disapproving dad of his gf Mainei Kinimaka) he & she hide out in the Joshua Tree desert as a bickering posse of regular & Native American po-po (inc Carmago, Raoul Max Trujillo, Brandon Oakes & Jason Momoa (in minor support)) hunts them. More sedate & less tense than it coulda / shoulda been it is interesting, but it's ultimately also disappointing.
15 Reviews
The Last Manhunt - Fails to fully Engage
krocheav27 July 2023
The whole treatment of this re-telling of the fact-based Willie Boy story is too minimalist to fully engage the viewer. If I had not had prior knowledge of the story it was trying to tell I'd have given up a short time in (in fact my audience did). The style is impressive with fine visuals and settings, but the screenplay just seems to get lost in itself and leaves the viewer struggling to remain involved.
While the earlier late sixties version (Tell Them Willie Boy is Here) is not that much better it at least does a better job of keeping the story elements on track. Maybe there was not that much of a story here to cover a feature movie - a documentary could have been better.
While the earlier late sixties version (Tell Them Willie Boy is Here) is not that much better it at least does a better job of keeping the story elements on track. Maybe there was not that much of a story here to cover a feature movie - a documentary could have been better.
Momoa stop writing please!
deloudelouvain18 February 2023
The Last Manhunt, supposedly based on a true story is an extremely boring movie. The slow pace for sure didn't help making it interesting to watch. Jason Momoa wrote the story. Can someone please tell him to stop writing? Because if that's what he's going to write in the future he'd better stop immediately. He's also supposed to act in this monstrosity but his screen time is about two minutes and his lines could be remembered by a five year old. He's just a poster filler trying to attract people in watching this movie. Another poster name was Zahn McClarnon, an actor that plays in every western where they need an indian, dies after five minutes. He's normally a decent actor but here he's just another bait. The only good thing about this movie is the scenery, you get to see desert images and joshua trees, that's about it. All the rest is garbage. Avoid at all costs.
Jason Momoa
sandmanbs23 February 2024
Warning: Spoilers
I was expecting Jason Momoa to be the central focus of this film but he actually does very little and has maybe a few lines in the film.
The action in this film is kind of underwhelming at best.
A slow moving, kinda boring film, that only used Jason's prowess/image to sell the film.
I think I read or heard that Jason wrote this or something to that effect and, if true, then I'm surprised he wrote such a small part for himself unless he was trying to give more attention to some lesser known actors in the film....which would be understandable, I guess.
Just was very disappointed with everything.
The action in this film is kind of underwhelming at best.
A slow moving, kinda boring film, that only used Jason's prowess/image to sell the film.
I think I read or heard that Jason wrote this or something to that effect and, if true, then I'm surprised he wrote such a small part for himself unless he was trying to give more attention to some lesser known actors in the film....which would be understandable, I guess.
Just was very disappointed with everything.
We are selling Fear
nogodnomasters27 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The film opens in 1906 in the Chemehuevi Indian land at Joshua Tree, California. The tribe exists as a few dozen members. Willie Boy (Martin Sensmeier) and Carlotta (Mainei Kinimaka) are in love. Her father claims their relationship is forbidden mumbling something about blood and first cousins, clearly not Amish. Carlotta once again runs off to be with Willie Boy. Her father goes after her and catches up. They struggle over a gun. Her father gives her up over his dead body in an accident. Mom manages to get the local sheriff to go after them in what will be a 600 mile manhunt and the last one of its kind. It is based on an oral story that has been passed down.
Basically the film is as boring as watching paint dry. People walking in the desert complaining that the horses need water. Jason Momoa has an embarrassing small role being listed as "additional" cast members in IMDB right after Ben #2 and the uncredited stable guard. The real story was how the newspaper covered the story and fabricated aspects to titillate the readers and sell papers. The film should have covered the story from that angle and made Randal Madison (Mojean Aria) the lead character. We do see a proud Native American not wanting charity from the people who put them in the position of needing charity. Funny how that goes.
Guide: F-word. No sex or nudity. Should be able to get a good nap.
Basically the film is as boring as watching paint dry. People walking in the desert complaining that the horses need water. Jason Momoa has an embarrassing small role being listed as "additional" cast members in IMDB right after Ben #2 and the uncredited stable guard. The real story was how the newspaper covered the story and fabricated aspects to titillate the readers and sell papers. The film should have covered the story from that angle and made Randal Madison (Mojean Aria) the lead character. We do see a proud Native American not wanting charity from the people who put them in the position of needing charity. Funny how that goes.
Guide: F-word. No sex or nudity. Should be able to get a good nap.
Way Too Slow And Cinematography Is Its Only Highlight
ks2005_9 February 2024
This film is very slow paced and its style serves no purpose besides to drag out a story that is boring and doesn't even make sense at times. It doesn't have a lot of bad acting, but it's not good either. Their are some fairly notable actors who fail to deliver anything good due to a horrible script. It seems majority of the film is just characters walking around in the desert and somehow the main characters seem to barely have any dialogue. Especially Jason Mamoa. His character, Jim, is in the film for what felt like a total of 5 minutes and he served no purpose and added nothing to the story. At times it's hard to even tell weather Carlota and Willie Boy are actually meant to be the main focus. The film lacks to provide any depth. A lot of times characters pasts are referenced and spoken about but never actually shown. A large portion of the film that was wasted with scenes of just wandering the desert, could have been used to provide some backstory to these characters that seemingly took most of the screen time. However, the cinematography for this film was quite beautiful. It was the only memorable part of the film.
Besides the reading on - screen facts at the end of the film, this movie is not interesting at all, and is not one I would recommend you waste your time watching. 3/10.
Besides the reading on - screen facts at the end of the film, this movie is not interesting at all, and is not one I would recommend you waste your time watching. 3/10.
Wow, Never get that time back (Semi-Spoiler)
etolbert15 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Not a single character in the movie that I cared about except one that got shot a few minutes in. Might be based on a true story, but if so, that's too bad. Wanted to like it, but just nothing to care about here. Great scenery, but that's about it.
I like some of the actors in the movie, just not in these roles. If you want to watch a bunch of insipid characters wander around in the desert without a clue then this is the perfect move for that.
I will probably go read up on the "true story" this movie was based on, just to see if that had any better information. If this was supposed to make the sheriff and posse look like they shouldn't nave been allowed outside without supervision then they succeeded. If it was supposed to make me care, it missed.
I like some of the actors in the movie, just not in these roles. If you want to watch a bunch of insipid characters wander around in the desert without a clue then this is the perfect move for that.
I will probably go read up on the "true story" this movie was based on, just to see if that had any better information. If this was supposed to make the sheriff and posse look like they shouldn't nave been allowed outside without supervision then they succeeded. If it was supposed to make me care, it missed.
We see the consequences of revenge played out in various ways.
trinaboice26 October 2023
IN A NUTSHELL:
This dramatic movie is based on true events from the oral history of the Chemehuevi Indian tribe of California. It was written by Thomas Pa'a Sibbett, and directed by Christan Camargo.
The story takes place in the early 1900s Wild West. Willie Boy falls in love with Carlota from the Chemehuevi tribe despite being forbidden to be together. A fatal incident forces the young couple to flee the only place they know as home.
This is a remake of the 1969 movie Tell Them Willie Boy Was Here based on the novel by Harry Lawton. The story was first filmed in 1911 as a short called The Curse of the Redman.
THINGS I LIKED: The cast does a great job and includes Martin Sensmeier, Mainei Kinimaka, Zahn McClarnon, Tantoo Cardinal, and Jason Momoa.
Beautiful musical score.
We get to visit Joshua Tree in California.
It's cool to see various desert survival skills that the Indians use.
Lovely cinematography.
In the end, we get to see photos of the real people involved in the events.
We see the consequences of revenge played out in various ways.
THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE: Fans of Jason Momoa have to wait 30 minutes before he appears in the movie. After that, we rarely see him in the movie. Using his name and image to advertise the movie is a bit deceiving and will frustrate Aquaman fans.
The movie is very slow-moving.
We don't get to know many of the characters involved. Some of them seem easily interchangeable.
Some of the crew were illegally fired twice during the filming of the movie. Rumor has it that the working conditions were terrible and even dangerous.
TIPS FOR PARENTS: Some profanity Lots of gun violence Hand-to-hand combat Various weapons We see some dead and bloodied bodies.
!
The story takes place in the early 1900s Wild West. Willie Boy falls in love with Carlota from the Chemehuevi tribe despite being forbidden to be together. A fatal incident forces the young couple to flee the only place they know as home.
This is a remake of the 1969 movie Tell Them Willie Boy Was Here based on the novel by Harry Lawton. The story was first filmed in 1911 as a short called The Curse of the Redman.
THINGS I LIKED: The cast does a great job and includes Martin Sensmeier, Mainei Kinimaka, Zahn McClarnon, Tantoo Cardinal, and Jason Momoa.
Beautiful musical score.
We get to visit Joshua Tree in California.
It's cool to see various desert survival skills that the Indians use.
Lovely cinematography.
In the end, we get to see photos of the real people involved in the events.
We see the consequences of revenge played out in various ways.
THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE: Fans of Jason Momoa have to wait 30 minutes before he appears in the movie. After that, we rarely see him in the movie. Using his name and image to advertise the movie is a bit deceiving and will frustrate Aquaman fans.
The movie is very slow-moving.
We don't get to know many of the characters involved. Some of them seem easily interchangeable.
Some of the crew were illegally fired twice during the filming of the movie. Rumor has it that the working conditions were terrible and even dangerous.
TIPS FOR PARENTS: Some profanity Lots of gun violence Hand-to-hand combat Various weapons We see some dead and bloodied bodies.
!
Nice Landscape
tomsawyer-0185813 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Sun Dust Stones...
And a snake...
it bites...
and 2 Indians who don't know how to handle a snake bite... really'???
And one of the indian hunters aims to sharp shoot the hunted indian, but he was elswhere, looking for medecine. The hunter could not differentiate a man in shirt, pants and boots from a woman in long white dress.
Oh come on, what is the IQ of the writers to think we can accept .. For the sake of dramatization, but very poorly staged.
Take some lessons with Tarantino.
Or were they really that primitive a century ago?
Stupid people reacting stupid talking stupid.
Once in a while an intelligent dialogue.
The acting is so poor, so wrong, meaningless, so flat, without tone and originality.
I liked the landscape.
But then again, why was it shot in 4/3 aspect ratio?
Landscape is supposed to be large, not in the form of a portrait.
So much decisions in this movie are wrong, or bad, and if they wanted to tell the story of Willie Boy to give him credit, they did it in the most disrespectful way... If I was Willie Boy, I would haunt them the rest of their life!
The only merit of a bad movie is that it makes me do some research, now I need to watch the old classic with Robert Redford.
Tell Them Willie Boy Is Here.
Hopefully it will erase the bad memory this film has brought to me about Willie Boy and Carlota.
and 2 Indians who don't know how to handle a snake bite... really'???
And one of the indian hunters aims to sharp shoot the hunted indian, but he was elswhere, looking for medecine. The hunter could not differentiate a man in shirt, pants and boots from a woman in long white dress.
Oh come on, what is the IQ of the writers to think we can accept .. For the sake of dramatization, but very poorly staged.
Take some lessons with Tarantino.
Or were they really that primitive a century ago?
Stupid people reacting stupid talking stupid.
Once in a while an intelligent dialogue.
The acting is so poor, so wrong, meaningless, so flat, without tone and originality.
I liked the landscape.
But then again, why was it shot in 4/3 aspect ratio?
Landscape is supposed to be large, not in the form of a portrait.
So much decisions in this movie are wrong, or bad, and if they wanted to tell the story of Willie Boy to give him credit, they did it in the most disrespectful way... If I was Willie Boy, I would haunt them the rest of their life!
The only merit of a bad movie is that it makes me do some research, now I need to watch the old classic with Robert Redford.
Tell Them Willie Boy Is Here.
Hopefully it will erase the bad memory this film has brought to me about Willie Boy and Carlota.
A beautifully made, slow-burn chase movie
beoir-436727 May 2023
I loved this movie! It delves more into the native American's backstory and customs than the Robert Redford version did. It is a beautifully shot movie, showing big expansive desert views, with an excellent soundtrack keeping the mood set throughout the movie. To me, the musical accompaniment is as important to this movie as any character. Everyone does an excellent acting job, and it really makes the unfolding story believable the whole way through.
There are some bad reviews that complain about the lack of action, but this being a more faithful telling of a true story, there were no big, high body-count, gun fights to throw in. It's a simple, true story of two lovers on the run, being pursued by a group of different men who are there for different reasons. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
There are some bad reviews that complain about the lack of action, but this being a more faithful telling of a true story, there were no big, high body-count, gun fights to throw in. It's a simple, true story of two lovers on the run, being pursued by a group of different men who are there for different reasons. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Coming to get you .. Willie
kosmasp21 July 2023
I reckon (re)watching Night of the living Dead may have had some ... well effect on me ... that said: no pun or connection intended. Just so you know why I used that headline (summary line). Also do not watch this if you think this is a Jason Momoa movie ... yes he is in it and if you like watching him ... well good for you. But another actor is playing the main role ... and there is a lot to be said about the ... west(ern).
Still do not expect this to be giving you highlight after highlight ... actually you will have to wait for some (rather great and awesome) gun fights and shootout ... so if you can and have the patience the movie will reward you in the end ... (again no pun intended)
Still do not expect this to be giving you highlight after highlight ... actually you will have to wait for some (rather great and awesome) gun fights and shootout ... so if you can and have the patience the movie will reward you in the end ... (again no pun intended)
This is an Artful tale, not a Taylor Sheridan-esque modern Western
megawatts27 August 2023
Whoever marketed this film needs to be reprimanded. This film has all the hallmarks of old classic storytelling. Slow paced retelling of historical dramas. With Arthouse direction and raw cinematography. It wasn't a masterpiece. But it wasn't supposed to be either. It was a gritty Period Drama.
This films posters have Momoa front and centre and I think that did it a disservice, he cameo'd in a film he co-wrote and that's about all. And the story was served by that decision. It was supposed to be about the story and not a Hollywood lead.
Go into this film expecting a Romeo and Juliet type tragedy and you'll be set. This is not about action, it's about contemplation. In many ways it serves as a neat last rites to the dying Wild West.
This films posters have Momoa front and centre and I think that did it a disservice, he cameo'd in a film he co-wrote and that's about all. And the story was served by that decision. It was supposed to be about the story and not a Hollywood lead.
Go into this film expecting a Romeo and Juliet type tragedy and you'll be set. This is not about action, it's about contemplation. In many ways it serves as a neat last rites to the dying Wild West.
Great Movie if you're familiar with the story
atcmillie5 December 2022
I can understand some of the other reviews if this is the first time you've heard of Willie Boy. First of all the scenery alone was awesome and genuine. Having lived by Gilman Ranch and hearing of Willie Boy in 1991, reading Mr. Lawton's book, then watching the previous movie, it was so refreshing to see this story told from a native point of view. I appreciated the fact the characters were not based on fiction but on what limited facts have survived, even if that hindered character development. I would trust oral histories passed down through generations before news reporters concocting yet another fairy tale. It's about time!
Poignant and atmospheric tale of bygone times.
ianclarke34020 November 2022
I was a little confused at first because I didn't recognise the format or genre but gradually as the film played out I began to see it's meaning.
We have grown accustomed to many stereotypes in Westerns and I'm always looking for films that try to portray a more realistic narrative. There are some fairly decent performances in this film and the simple story is reasonably well told but of course some of the actors based their performances on fiction instead of reality which distracts from the overall experience. However this does tend to work in concept and I can see why it was tolerated. It's not easy to develop character profiles without recognisable stereotypes but it would be possible with a good director and better script.
Without a little artistic license this wouldn't be much of a story and certainly not worth making a film of, there is one sentence in text at the beginning and another sentence at the end and that is what the whole film is based around.
Not a blockbuster, more of a curiosity but worth watching in it's own right.
We have grown accustomed to many stereotypes in Westerns and I'm always looking for films that try to portray a more realistic narrative. There are some fairly decent performances in this film and the simple story is reasonably well told but of course some of the actors based their performances on fiction instead of reality which distracts from the overall experience. However this does tend to work in concept and I can see why it was tolerated. It's not easy to develop character profiles without recognisable stereotypes but it would be possible with a good director and better script.
Without a little artistic license this wouldn't be much of a story and certainly not worth making a film of, there is one sentence in text at the beginning and another sentence at the end and that is what the whole film is based around.
Not a blockbuster, more of a curiosity but worth watching in it's own right.
Unfamiliar culture
athanatou19965 December 2022
Well 8 bc i liked the movie but i felt something is missing. Maybe a bit more action or more dialogue with boy's grandma or with tribe? As a European, I enjoyed it. Desert, native Americans, cowboys are unfamiliar for us so western movies are pretty interesting. The scenery was amazing, the movie is slow with few dialogs but its ok for me. Its western. The cast was solid and I liked the atmospheric scenes too. Jason had only 3 scenes indeed but I didn't mind that either. We need more movies like this. This movie hasn't much action so I recommend to people who want to watch a beautiful /dramatic story......
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
