The Redemption of Henry Myers (2014) User Reviews

Solid Faith-based film

[seashelllynne1 · 7/10 · 19 June 2014]

This is a better than average Christian film. In my opinion, for a faith-based film, this is a very solid movie. I watched this film on Hallmark and I found it a very appropriate film for this channel. I thought that Erin Bethea and Drew Waters did a fabulous job; however, some of the other acting fell short. The scenery and backdrop was quite lovely and the music in the film was simply beautiful. I think the Director did an amazing job with keeping the movie on point with no drawn-out or pointless scenes.

My only complaint was that I found the film to be a little too "preachy" at times. I just wish that the Christian film industry could find a way to bring a powerful message in a more subtle way. I'm not suggesting compromise, but, just finding a way to broaden their ability to reach a larger audience. If the target is solely a Christian audience, then I would say that they achieved their goal.

Overall, I think this is a good option if you're looking for a faith-based film or entertainment for the entire family.

The Way Westerns should be done

[pmunger-269-719717 · 7/10 · 19 June 2014]

Westerns have faded somewhat in popularity in recent years, but I think when done well, they can really shine. The Redemption of Henry Myers is one such example of how it should be done.

Is it possible for men to change? To find hope after falling so far? That's what the movie explores, providing a very enjoyable movie experience. The sets look great, and the story keeps up a steady pace. Both Drew Waters and Erin Bethea rise to the occasion and turn in solid, heart-moving performances. I love the twists and turns the movie takes and it gives a very satisfying ending.

I also appreciate the way that the violence was handled. Modern-day Westerns can quickly spiral out of control, but director Clayton Miller exercises wise restraint in what is shown and not shown.

Well done Echolight! Please continue to make great movies that families can enjoy together!

Hallmark hits the mark with a faith-based movie

[BigJohnPilgrim · 7/10 · 22 May 2014]

The dialog is at times a little corny ("He drew down on that snake with his rifle, Ma!"), and the young girl's poor western folk accent and way of talking is a little too forced, but this is an earnest movie that faithfully represents the Christian message of redemption and forgiveness with a moving tale of love.

Henry helps rob a bank but doesn't want bloodshed, and of course it happens anyhow. He accidentally kills a preacher who gives him his miniature Bible before he dies and tells Henry that he can change.

After a year on the run, Henry's past catches up to him and he is wounded, and finds refuge with a widow and her two children. They turn out to be the family of the preacher that Henry killed, and the dilemma ensues. Torn between his great crime and growing love for the family, Henry is a tormented man and must decide if he accepts the gift of grace.

It is sad to note that at least one viewer has unleashed hatred of Christianity. Why one would bother to show such bigotry is beyond me, but it says much more about the reviewer than the movie. This is a rare movie in which not only is the name of Jesus invoked, but hymns naming Jesus are sung (and beautifully at that). You have to admire their bravery in the face of all the Hollywood and liberal hating, to produce such a movie and not back down from content that will draw the ire of the haters.

The movie moved me enough to rate 7 stars. With more polished actors and production it might have fared better. Great family movie that will leave you feeling good, especially if you are a person of faith.

Quite beautiful

[TheLittleSongbird · 7/10 · 7 October 2023]

'The Redemption of Henry Myers' had one of the most interesting and least formulaic sounding premises of Hallmark's 2014 films, it's not everyday Hallmark does Westerns and the theme of redemption. Was a little worried, with it containing some religious messaging, that it would be heavy handed. Something that was found with some other films with religious themes and messaging seen over the past four years or so. Hallmark have proven many times that they can do serious themed films well.

Which is obvious here in 'The Redemption of Henry Myers'. While not exactly loving it, so much is done right. Is it perfect? No, not to me. But a big part of me really couldn't help appreciate the film and what it had to say and its good intentions are present throughout. As said, its good things are a lot and the best of those good things are done extremely well indeed.

Shall start with the drawbacks. Some of the dialogue sounds very awkward and heavy on the corn. The supporting acting, or at least some of it, leaves much to be desired at times, with Jaden Robers especially trying a lot harder than necessary.

Also did find the film a little too preachy, good intentions here but the messaging is not all that subtle.

However, a lot is good. It looks good visually. The scenery is exquisite and the time and place is remarkably authentically evoked in the production and costume designs. The photography enhances all this beautifully and atmospherically. The quaintness and charm of the setting translates very well here while not making too picture perfect. Also a beauty is the music score, it brings a lump to the throat and often haunting without being too syrupy or over-emphasising the mood.

Despite the script not being perfect, it is well-meaning and doesn't sound like it doesn't have any substance to it. Again the story has imperfections, but it didn't come over as dull to me, it was coherently structured and it was moving. The messaging didn't come over as vague and, while subtlety would have been more welcome perhaps, it is hardly out of date and important in society today in a way if one is not too cynical. The characters engage and one admires and relates to their trials and tribulations and how they go about them. The two leads do a very good job, Drew Waters excelling in a tough role that has a lot of layers encompassed with intensity and heart.

Concluding, well done. 7/10.

Amazing...Inspiring, and Uplifting

[eutawangel · 10/10 · 5 May 2014]

This movie, is truly empowering. Who doesn't love a great western-with a touching, and powerful message that allows for change, and forgiveness. This movie should inspire everyone to know... that no matter what despicable things we've done in our past, that we don't have to be a prisoner for our indiscretions. ***This is must see*** So gather your entire family, with your favorite snacks, and settle in with a box of Kleenex. If, this movie does not touch you in some way, then one may need to do some serious-self analyzing.

It provided great acting, drama, action, and some funny scenes as well.. Here's a tip, if there is currently some sort of drama within yourself, or your household, watch this film, and see how your atmosphere will change from chaotic to calm.

This is one for the archives. I will rate this movie a 12, and I have my own personal reasons for that score, but a 12 is truly under-rating this film. I loved it!!! So, enjoy, you will not be disappointed. Wonder Who...did not have to be a scary cat, this time.

Same old NM scene.

[rloliver5 · 4/10 · 21 December 2022]

So here we are in the faith based genre now in NM. As usual the same old favorite union actors for the region are once again in the cast. My Lord! Characters are weak, storyline lacks. But it's just the same faces which makes it just plain boring. Couldn't hold my interest for too long. Film quality is good, can't go wrong with NM cinematography. It's about time for some new faces. Some different locations in the US. Western era pertains to the entire us and not just Az, Tx, NM. Somebody did get the time period correct weapons, tack, wardrobe is close but too clean as usual. Especially liked the clean plucked eyebrows on the female lead.

Heartwarming

[crdnls · 9/10 · 9 September 2023]

I'm not sure why everyone is so down on this movie. I liked the story of redemption, the ability to forgive, and love being extended to one needing it most. That is the message of hope in Jesus Christ.

I didn't find the acting amateurish nor the script ordinary. In fact. It's a movie I'd watch again and recommend to others.

I've always loved westerns so I'm glad that was the setting. The bad guys were a bit over the top but they often are portrayed this way in westerns I've seen.

Overall I think the movie was good. Even the kid actors did a good job in their parts. The leads were excellent.

Not very good (Spoiler Alert)

[mike-954-404827 · 3/10 · 12 June 2014]

This film is about redemption and God's grace. Unfortunately, it leaves something to be desired. I am a pastor and I am encouraged by the number of Christian films that are being released. I just wish that more of them would be better movies. This movie is not awful but it is not good, either. The acting is weak, the characters shallow and as predictable as the plot. It seems as if Henry is a bad guy, but a totally bad guy because he just wants to commit armed robbery but doesn't want anyone to get hurt. Someone does and Henry's nefarious cohorts take off without him. Henry accidentally kills the town parson and takes off but hides the money in the church before he does. Henry's partners come after him for their share and a lot bad shooting ensues. Henry is wounded and left for dead. He is found by a widow and her two children. They patch him up, not knowing who he is, and things are gong along pretty good. Until Henry sees a picture of the family and realizes that he killed the husband of the widow he has now fallen in love with. To top that off, the sheriff is the widow's former father-in-law. The bad guys find Henry, the sheriff and Henry, who is wounded again, save the day. They all live happily ever after because Henry s now a good guy. He probably marries the widow and becomes friends with the father or the man he killed. The movie is rife with over acting, bad dialogue, and a weak story. How many people are going to forgive the killer of husband and son and take them into their family? I believe in forgiveness. I know about God's grace, but I also know about human nature. This ending is a bit far fetched. There are better Christian films out there. Sorry, Sen. Santorum, your first film as a producer was not good.

Good Premise (Minor Spoilers)

[daybrad1128 · 9/10 · 20 June 2014]

This film accomplishes its mission - telling an efficient story about the power of forgiveness through God's Grace. We follow Henry Myers, a hardened outlaw, as he navigates an uplifting journey on a path toward redemption. His interaction with the widow and her children is timeless. This gives the story its soul. I found the dialogue refreshing even compelling at times. Henry fights to overcome the plaguing guilt that is crippling his spirit. I rooted for the characters. This is a family film that doesn't exhaust itself on overly complicated story arcs. It focuses on its central theme in a refreshing non-gratuitous manner. "The Redemption of Henry Myers", while not without some minor blemishes (the acting is inconsistent in a couple of sequences) is an entertaining film that I recommend.

Almost didn't watch it

[cudax · 5/10 · 12 March 2024]

I didn't know beforehand that this was a Hallmark production, or I probably would have skipped it entirely. The main reason is because the Hallmark productions are sickeningly sweet and disgustingly prudish without any of the elements that make up the usual good Western, which would be, at least a little bit of minor swearing. I can do without the graphic violence in some westerns and other genres of movies, but I feel they should be at least realistic to the period. In those days, swearing would not be the usual swear words used today, but generally would be Bible related blasphemy. I like the cinematography. The little girl was probably the best part of this movie. As far as trivia goes, when he is shown shaving off his beard for the first time in who knows how long, he's shown looking in the mirror, and, he's using the blunt back side of the straight razor and not the edge! Anyway, despite being painfully slow, the sheriff gives Henry a second chance, so we get the obligatory happy ending of a Hallmark presentation.

Christian Propaganda

[raid517 · 1/10 · 15 April 2014]

Blatant Christian propaganda from start to finish. Awful. The movie is exactly what it says on the tin. Bad outlaw cowboy commits heinous crimes and is moved to guilt and self-reflection by the extent of his own criminal culpability. Meets up with stereotypical fatherless god fearing family who show him another and better way to live. Ugly outlaw undergoes a physical and spiritual transformation and through 'love' and the 'grace of God' he is both transformed and redeemed.

It says a lot about modern American culture I guess that this movie has received a relatively warm reception in that country.

I have nothing more to add. If you are a Mid-Western Christian fundamentalist you will love this movie. If you come from any other part of the world you will probably despise it for its blatant hypocrisy.

Truly awful, tedious pseudo-Christian garbage.

[caligula10306 · 1/10 · 13 June 2014]

One would think after his hideous flop, The Christmas Candle, that Rick Santorum would just return to obscurity. But no! Now he is back with a movie so shockingly bad that it cant even be considered camp. There is zero production value. Zero storyline. Zero plot and zero appeal. If this thing can even be considered a movie then we are all doomed.

These poor actors may have destroyed whatever D-list careers they were aspiring to by actually agreeing to star in this junk.

If you are try to make Christian values the core if your film genre it may be wise to remember that ripping off paying customers is not one of them.