Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Violent, empty revenge Western has little point.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
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Diablo
What's the Story?
Some years after the Civil War, a veteran soldier called Jackson (Scott Eastwood) discovers that his house has been burned to the ground and his wife taken. He mounts his horse and heads into the hills after her, where he encounters a wounded gunman (Joaquim de Almeida), a helpful American Indian (Adam Beach) who patches up a wound, and an old colleague (Danny Glover). Jackson also meets a sinister gunslinger, Ezra (Walton Goggins), who always seems to be on his trail. But Jackson gets a surprise when he finally catches up to the missing woman (Camilla Belle) -- and it becomes clear just why Jackson is also known as "Diablo."
Is It Any Good?
It's impossible not to think of Clint Eastwood in his great Westerns when watching his youngest son, Scott, in this poor one, and the comparison isn't favorable. Both the movie and its star seem empty. The young Eastwood looks a little like his legendary father, but he lacks any kind of edge, history, or character -- the best he can manage is holstering his guns with a little flourish -- and he doesn't seem particularly smart or brave.
Following Jackson through the story, especially after its disappointing "twist," leaves viewers with little to care about. His quest, and all the killings, become ultimately pointless. Moreover, Eastwood is continually upstaged by his far more charismatic co-stars, each of whom only appears for a few minutes, especially de Almeida, Beach, Glovery, and Goggins (who's also in The Hateful Eight). It's too bad this cast was wasted on such a poor movie.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Diablo's violence. How did it affect you? What purpose does it serve? Could the movie have succeeded with less violence? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
Why do you think the characters drink and smoke? Is either glamorized? Is there something about the Western setting that normalizes drinking and smoking?
How does the movie change after the "twist"? Does the character become more or less likable? More or less understandable?
What's the appeal of the Western genre? Why was it once more popular than it is now? Is it still worth it to make new Westerns?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 8, 2016
- On DVD or streaming : February 23, 2016
- Cast : Scott Eastwood , Danny Glover , Walton Goggins
- Director : Lawrence Roeck
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studios : Orion , Momentum Pictures
- Genre : Western
- Run time : 83 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence and brief language
- Last updated : July 18, 2022
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