Boring episode of Deadwood meets The Goonies. No likable characters. Same story has been done before and way better.
20 Reviews
Not the worst western
jdorego2 June 2021
Neither good nor bad.
thegreatdirk23 January 2022
It just is. There's almost just as much good to be had from this film as there is bad. The cinematography and writing are both on point, especially for a reportedly low budget movie like this. This seems like an impressive team of people and I would like to see what they do with a larger budget.
The problem comes from the acting. The seeming antagonist does a decent enough job throughout and so does the woman who tags along with the heroes, but everybody else is hit or miss. I know it can be difficult to find good actors on a budget so I don't want to hold it against them too much but it does bring the film down to a 5 from what could have easily been a 7 or 8.
The pacing goes in and out too but is mostly consistent in quality. I state again that this is an impressive low budget movie and I would like to see what they do with more.
Recommended, but cautiously.
The problem comes from the acting. The seeming antagonist does a decent enough job throughout and so does the woman who tags along with the heroes, but everybody else is hit or miss. I know it can be difficult to find good actors on a budget so I don't want to hold it against them too much but it does bring the film down to a 5 from what could have easily been a 7 or 8.
The pacing goes in and out too but is mostly consistent in quality. I state again that this is an impressive low budget movie and I would like to see what they do with more.
Recommended, but cautiously.
Quite the yawner
Leofwine_draca8 November 2022
POTTER'S GROUND looks like a horror flick from the cover but it turns out to be...well, I don't really know what it is or what it wants to be. It's a dark western about a group of cowboys looking for buried treasure, but they end up trapped and attacked by forces unknown. It's one of those very low budget productions that takes place mostly at night, which cuts down on budgetary costs. The dialogue has an ear for the era and the costumes are okay, but it's a pity that they're all wasted in a film where very little of note happens at all. That makes POTTER'S GROUND quite the yawner, and not one I'll be recommending...
It's a blank movie...
ayrancioglunazan2 June 2021
No Good...
akrep-318722 June 2021
Once upon a time there were very good cowboy movies. Exciting legendary movies where Indians and Cowboys fight. Today's cowboy movies are like Chinese made... These kinds of movies have no taste anymore. It's really a pity.
It's a no from me.
dangsz22 December 2021
A decent Western
OhDavidMyCaptain8 June 2021
Potter's Ground is one of the more interesting indies I've viewed lately and I think that its deserving of attention. The story is a simple one, which works for it as much as it works against it but it undoubtedly manages to deliver on the fun.
With a cast of mostly unknown actors and a crew of people you have never heard of, we should all appreciate that something was put out that is clearly punching above its weight class. The action works when it wants to, the jokes mostly land, and the movie flows at a mostly even pace that makes it fly by and never bores.
My only complaint would be the idea of the monsters in the world. They are alluded to on more that one occasion when referencing a supposedly terrifying location that they must travel to and you even get to catch a glimpse one or two times in the movie, but they are lacking everywhere else. This isn't necessarily a big problem, but it feels at times like Potter's Ground would like to be a monster movie but is scared to give in, ultimately building excitement for something that never comes. If not for this minor disappointment I would probably rate the movie 8.
Either way it isn't a bad find on Amazon and is worth the rental if you find yourself in search of easy entertainment.
With a cast of mostly unknown actors and a crew of people you have never heard of, we should all appreciate that something was put out that is clearly punching above its weight class. The action works when it wants to, the jokes mostly land, and the movie flows at a mostly even pace that makes it fly by and never bores.
My only complaint would be the idea of the monsters in the world. They are alluded to on more that one occasion when referencing a supposedly terrifying location that they must travel to and you even get to catch a glimpse one or two times in the movie, but they are lacking everywhere else. This isn't necessarily a big problem, but it feels at times like Potter's Ground would like to be a monster movie but is scared to give in, ultimately building excitement for something that never comes. If not for this minor disappointment I would probably rate the movie 8.
Either way it isn't a bad find on Amazon and is worth the rental if you find yourself in search of easy entertainment.
A suprisingly funny, strange, pulpy Western done with style
IronYokai16 June 2021
"Potter's Ground" is an odd beast: part Western, part Thriller, part Supernatural Adventure, this is the kind of film that can only be indie, because no big studio would know how to market the damn thing.
But, this frankensteining of various genres is what makes it interesting. In less capable hands, this genre-shift would be jarring. But because of the tight pace and cracking dialogue courtesy of director Michael Butts, Editor Josh Shreve, and writer (and co-star) Scott Crain, you, along with the band of outlaws you're following throughout the film, just kind of accept that weird things are afoot in the Wild West.
In this way, "Potter's Ground" reminds me quite a bit of John Carpenter's or Sam Raimi's early outings. Without the money for expensive set pieces (although the set pieces that ARE here are quite good, especially considering the budget), the focus is more on the characters and the dialogue.
The movie rarely stumbles (there's a dodgy effect at one point, but no worse than some of the stuff I've seen $500,000,000 movies try to get away with), and never falls flat. It's also refreshing to see the well-worn "outlaws hunt for treasure" trope flipped a little and given some new life.
Most of the cast and crew are either brand-new to feature filmmaking, or have very few credits to their names. This is a tad surprising given how strong this movie is.
Is this movie for everyone? No. The multi-genre approach can be off-putting if you're looking for a more straightforward Western, and the dialogue is designed more for sheer coolness and effect rather than realism. At the same time, this IS a movie about Aztec gold and ancient curses, so I'm really not sure why you would be watching in the first place if you wanted something along the lines of "Deadwood".
In short, I believe this film is the beginning of quite the career for its cast and crew. Only time will tell, but if they can do what they did with the shockingly low budget this film had, they'll knock it out of the park with something more substantial.
But, this frankensteining of various genres is what makes it interesting. In less capable hands, this genre-shift would be jarring. But because of the tight pace and cracking dialogue courtesy of director Michael Butts, Editor Josh Shreve, and writer (and co-star) Scott Crain, you, along with the band of outlaws you're following throughout the film, just kind of accept that weird things are afoot in the Wild West.
In this way, "Potter's Ground" reminds me quite a bit of John Carpenter's or Sam Raimi's early outings. Without the money for expensive set pieces (although the set pieces that ARE here are quite good, especially considering the budget), the focus is more on the characters and the dialogue.
The movie rarely stumbles (there's a dodgy effect at one point, but no worse than some of the stuff I've seen $500,000,000 movies try to get away with), and never falls flat. It's also refreshing to see the well-worn "outlaws hunt for treasure" trope flipped a little and given some new life.
Most of the cast and crew are either brand-new to feature filmmaking, or have very few credits to their names. This is a tad surprising given how strong this movie is.
Is this movie for everyone? No. The multi-genre approach can be off-putting if you're looking for a more straightforward Western, and the dialogue is designed more for sheer coolness and effect rather than realism. At the same time, this IS a movie about Aztec gold and ancient curses, so I'm really not sure why you would be watching in the first place if you wanted something along the lines of "Deadwood".
In short, I believe this film is the beginning of quite the career for its cast and crew. Only time will tell, but if they can do what they did with the shockingly low budget this film had, they'll knock it out of the park with something more substantial.
Just enjoy the moment!
cuspubgb7 June 2021
Yes, it is not the best western movie I've seen and in a way it doesn't entirely match its description of a Western, Drama, Thriller.
It was certainly dramatic, 100% it had a thriller twist to it and was it's set as a western, but what you don't know is the real twist in the tail - at the end. It was actually almost the lowest point of the film for me.
I checked out the actors' bios and it appears that these people have hardly worked on set - at all. Which I find truly amazing as some of the work was simply excellent.
The clichés and regular quips were corny to the max, but so well delivered. Brilliant. Isaiah Stratton (lead), his cohort Scott Crain, Todd Bush and Katharine Franco all deserve bigger and better roles in the future.
If you are prepared to case aside any concerns and simply go with the flow with this film, I feel confident you will like it. I sure did.
It was certainly dramatic, 100% it had a thriller twist to it and was it's set as a western, but what you don't know is the real twist in the tail - at the end. It was actually almost the lowest point of the film for me.
I checked out the actors' bios and it appears that these people have hardly worked on set - at all. Which I find truly amazing as some of the work was simply excellent.
The clichés and regular quips were corny to the max, but so well delivered. Brilliant. Isaiah Stratton (lead), his cohort Scott Crain, Todd Bush and Katharine Franco all deserve bigger and better roles in the future.
If you are prepared to case aside any concerns and simply go with the flow with this film, I feel confident you will like it. I sure did.
Well done
jodyhull-3051224 June 2021
Shockingly well done if you know what the budget was (like practically nothing). It's fun and entertaining to watch but if you're looking for something with profound meaning then this isn't it. Some of the visuals are totally top shelf. Looking forward to the next project from this posse.
Mixed bag of genres - loved it!
paulclaassen30 June 2021
Well now, this is not what I expected. This certainly is a mixed bag of genres, and dare I say I believe it mixed pretty well.
This is probably the type of movie I've been waiting for: an action adventure fantasy western horror drama thriller. That might be a mouth full, but this film really surprised me. The film features really good performances, good dialogue, good cinematography, and an eerie and foreboding atmosphere. We have cowboys, Indians, good guys, bad guys, skin walkers, monsters... I guess this won't satisfy everyone's palate, but I was thoroughly entertained.
We follow three officials in search of pieces of an amulet that - according to legend - contains a map to a city of gold. These pieces are scattered, and the only person who knows where they are, is Doloroas, whose ancestors created the amulet, so she's along for the ride as well. On their journey, they stumble across more unsavory characters than they can handle, and their every move is a fight for survival.
I love treasure hunting movies. Now add the Western adventure element and I'm in heaven! I really loved this. If you're looking for an old-fashioned Western movie, though, this is not it. This is a very different kind of Western, so you're either going to love it or hate it.
Would I watch it again? Yes.
This is probably the type of movie I've been waiting for: an action adventure fantasy western horror drama thriller. That might be a mouth full, but this film really surprised me. The film features really good performances, good dialogue, good cinematography, and an eerie and foreboding atmosphere. We have cowboys, Indians, good guys, bad guys, skin walkers, monsters... I guess this won't satisfy everyone's palate, but I was thoroughly entertained.
We follow three officials in search of pieces of an amulet that - according to legend - contains a map to a city of gold. These pieces are scattered, and the only person who knows where they are, is Doloroas, whose ancestors created the amulet, so she's along for the ride as well. On their journey, they stumble across more unsavory characters than they can handle, and their every move is a fight for survival.
I love treasure hunting movies. Now add the Western adventure element and I'm in heaven! I really loved this. If you're looking for an old-fashioned Western movie, though, this is not it. This is a very different kind of Western, so you're either going to love it or hate it.
Would I watch it again? Yes.
Loved this "B"
realfandangoforever8 February 2022
220208: Now this B Western is worth writing about. Wow, a hidden gem, sort of. Great dialogue and some charaters that grow on you. Wonderful scenery and a perfect soundtrack. Other than the weaker special effects, this film has it all. It could've been a great horror western, a genre that usually fails. These people did a commendable job with what they had. A fun film for western aficionados but not likely for anyone else.
Great Low-Budget Genre Filmmaking!
mindcrimefilms-5589617 June 2021
Hard to believe what they pulled off here with the low budget. The "Potter's Ground" locations, sets, and costumes all feel authentic and are helped by great cinematography, color grading, and sound mixing.
The story's pacing is solid with some genuinely suspenseful moments and the script plays to the cast's strengths. "Potter's Ground" is an impressive feature debut that's worth a look for fans of westerns and suspense thrillers.
Looking forward to the next production from this team!
The story's pacing is solid with some genuinely suspenseful moments and the script plays to the cast's strengths. "Potter's Ground" is an impressive feature debut that's worth a look for fans of westerns and suspense thrillers.
Looking forward to the next production from this team!
A fun thrill ride of a Western!
amitchmcleod14 September 2020
Potter's Ground is a fun and exciting throwback to classic adventure movies a la Mr. Spielberg and Lucas. Don't let that fool you though, as it also has enough dark and mature elements to give everybody something to be pleased with by the end of the experience.
The script is written with such rapier wit and the cinematography should be inspirational for anybody looking to create a film on a minimal budget. All of the talent here is exceptional in their delivery, with the standouts being writer/actor Scott Crain and actress Katharine Franco.
Mr. Butts has already delivered in the past with successful short films and, with this, he has managed to prove himself as a filmmaker who is able to adequately make that difficult transfer of talent from shorts to features.
Don't sleep on this one. You won't come across much better in the world of low budget filmmaking. That's a promise that I can say with confidence will be lived up to.
The script is written with such rapier wit and the cinematography should be inspirational for anybody looking to create a film on a minimal budget. All of the talent here is exceptional in their delivery, with the standouts being writer/actor Scott Crain and actress Katharine Franco.
Mr. Butts has already delivered in the past with successful short films and, with this, he has managed to prove himself as a filmmaker who is able to adequately make that difficult transfer of talent from shorts to features.
Don't sleep on this one. You won't come across much better in the world of low budget filmmaking. That's a promise that I can say with confidence will be lived up to.
Potter's Ground Ropes You In
bellsteven-735949 June 2021
Potters Ground delivers great entertainment in this top notch western movie that keeps you engaged from beginning to end.
The writing, well rounded and diverse cast bring their A game in the acting department, making this a very easy and enjoyable watch. The directior/producer Michael Butts was another highlight! His artistic and well thought out approach to filmmaking is inspiring and is much needed in this business. The other standouts for me was lead protagonist Alexander Kane, writer/actor Antagonist Scott Crain and the little promising newcomer Lexi Janicek. If you loved the westen movies The Hateful Eight, Unforgiven and Tombstone, and appreciate beautiful cinematography, this is the movie for you!
The writing, well rounded and diverse cast bring their A game in the acting department, making this a very easy and enjoyable watch. The directior/producer Michael Butts was another highlight! His artistic and well thought out approach to filmmaking is inspiring and is much needed in this business. The other standouts for me was lead protagonist Alexander Kane, writer/actor Antagonist Scott Crain and the little promising newcomer Lexi Janicek. If you loved the westen movies The Hateful Eight, Unforgiven and Tombstone, and appreciate beautiful cinematography, this is the movie for you!
Loved It!
morgancarverrichards8 June 2021
Worth your time!
loramileyjg25 June 2021
This was a really good movie. The characters were great and casting was perfect. I really liked the story line and at times I had to hold my breath in suspense.
Twist at the ending was great!
I plan on watching this one again!
I think some of the negative reviews are unfair. This movie was not directed by Michael Bay and should not be criticized like it was.
One Bandit did an amazing job with this being their first film. Judging by this movie, they have a successful future ahead and I we will definitely be seeing more of them! Trust me! Watch it!
Twist at the ending was great!
I plan on watching this one again!
I think some of the negative reviews are unfair. This movie was not directed by Michael Bay and should not be criticized like it was.
One Bandit did an amazing job with this being their first film. Judging by this movie, they have a successful future ahead and I we will definitely be seeing more of them! Trust me! Watch it!
Great performance and naturality
deliaalfaparf8 March 2024
I like this movie, the history keeps you on the edge of your seat, costumes, places, and acting are really natural and professional. This movie really transports you back in time and location. The end is not as expected, making the spectator to think. Great movie definitely. The effects and content is so realistic that you don't feel there is people acting in this movie, the naturality of it makes you feel/living the drama and action with them. I would love to see more movies from this team with this same thematic or a different one, but I am sure more drama, thrillers are good for the performance of the team that made this movie.
Good indie western
becksmallorie5 August 2022
I don't understand the hate. It isn't perfect by any stretch of the imagination but it tells a good story, gets in and out, and does its job of entertaining. The writing is as good as it gets in an indie movie and with the exception of a few weak links the acting is fantastic as well. Everything about this movie is professionally done and to hear the budget they did it on makes it that much more impressive. Does it hold up to classic westerns like Unforgivable, The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, or Once Upon a Time In the West, or 3:10 To Yuma? Of course not. But for what it is it's very enjoyable and I would recommend to any western fan who wants to be entertained for a bit with good characters and a fun story. This movie deserves a 7/10 but I'm giving it a 10 to balance out the bad reviews. Good movie.
Great low budget film
gransflor24 July 2021
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
