The Christian heroines at the heart of “The Angel and the Badman” have a two-pronged approach to villainy.
Kill ’em with kindness. And, if that doesn’t work, “The Lord helps those who helps themselves.”
That double shot boosts Angel Studios’ update on the 1947 western starring John Wayne. Yes, it’s a faith-kissed movie, but that element adds texture to a straightforward story that often needs it.
The better news? Not one but two of the best character actors alive grace the cast. When you have both Neal McDonough and Tommy Lee Jones in your film, things are already looking up.
Zachary Levi has the dubious task of stepping into Wayne’s iconic shoes. He plays Quirt Evans, a rascal who nearly meets his maker in the film’s opening moments.
He’s spared by a wizened sheriff (Jones), but he’s wounded in the process. A Godly young woman named Penny (Meg Fraser, excellent) nurses him back to health. She’s unaware of his dastardly ways, but her Christian kindness isn’t dependent on a patient’s soul.
Those measures touch Quirt, a man whose back bears the marks of a miserable childhood. And who doesn’t love redemptive arcs, especially with a charismatic scoundrel like Quirt?
His transformation, alas, is too rushed to fully connect. That isn’t the only issue with the character.
Levi’s genial presence is a mismatch for the hardened Quirt. He can’t sell us on the gunslinger’s bitter underbelly, which also undercuts his transformation. On the plus side, the “Chuck” alum’s physical presence intimidates on command, and his natural charm sells moments that otherwise might wilt.
His growing bond with Penny is sweet and unforced, another plus.
Quirt’s dark past leaves serious loose ends, some of which will come back to haunt Penny’s kin. He previously swiped Confederate gold from the dastardly Laredo (McDonough), a fiend who will stop at nothing to reclaim that fortune.
And then there’s Jones.
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The Oscar winner is all of 80 years old now, but he hasn’t lost a step on screen. His sheriff’s approach to law, order and the unfolding chaos steadies the remake despite its modest budget.
And what’s left to say about McDonough’s ability to channel cruelty on screen? Laredo’s incessant cough humanizes his character, but only a little. The actor knows it’s better to have villains speak softly and show patience as their plans come together.
It’s also notable to see how even the nastiest western types spare some respect for the ladies.
Some.
Director Julio Quintana (“Blue Miracle”) teases out some clever action beats, and the story’s depiction of Christian characters is sympathetic but hardly one-note. (The 1947 original depicted Penny and her family as Quakers).
There are still some missed opportunities.
Consider a sequence hearkening back to “Shane” where Quirt teaches Penny’s younger brother how to handle a gun. The moment demands time to breathe, perhaps showing Quirt’s moral code in a fresh light. Instead, the sequence is rushed off the screen.
For all its flaws, “Angel and the Badman” should be catnip for those who pine for more Hollywood westerns. It’s faithful to the genre, filled with colorful characters and has enough tension to keep viewers engaged.
Saddle up.
HiT or Miss: 3 out of 5 stars
Genre: Western/drama/action
Runtime: 97 minutes
Where to Watch: In theaters Oct. 9
Family Friendly? PG-13 for violence/bloody images, suggestive material and language.