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5.1/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 5.1/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. The Star Packer remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
If you like old-school, no-nonsense westerns where the plot happens in about an hour, you'll probably enjoy The Star Packer. It’s not deep, it’s not complex, and it definitely isn't trying to win any awards. If you need a movie that slows down to explain its motivations or has actual character arcs, you’re going to hate this. It’s basically just guys riding horses, shooting at walls, and John Wayne looking tough.
John Wayne is in his element here. He’s got that walk, that look, and he’s clearly doing his own thing even when the script is barely holding itself together. Watching him interact with Starlight the Horse is arguably the best part of the whole production. That horse has more personality than half the guys in the gang.
There’s a moment where a door opens or someone walks through a room and the lighting just... changes instantly? Like the sun decided to go home early. It’s jarring and kind of hilarious. I had to rewind just to make sure I wasn't seeing things. It’s the kind of sloppy magic that only happens in these super low-budget early talkies.
The villain, The Shadow, is about as mysterious as a neon sign. You know exactly who is behind the mask the second they start talking, but the movie keeps trying to act like it’s a big secret. It’s charming, really. It’s like watching a kid try to hide a cookie behind their back while they’re still chewing.
Honestly, it reminds me a bit of the frantic energy in Going the Limit, even if they are totally different genres. There’s that same feeling of "let’s just get this done before the film stock runs out."
It’s a short, punchy, and uneven flick. Don't look for logic in the gunfights. Just enjoy the ride. It’s a relic, but a fun one if you aren't being a stickler for production values. 🤠