Horizon Chapter 2 Review: Is Kevin Costner's Western Epic Finding Its Groove?

Is Horizon Chapter 2 an Improvement on Chapter 1?

Many reviewers, particularly those who attended the Venice Film Festival where it was recently premiered - and where it made its first public debut, suggest that this sprawling western epic is still fraught with a slew of issues that have also plagued those Film Reviews from the initial chapter. There are a variety of points highlighted in reviews: for instance, one from AwardsWatch’s Martin Tsai that suggests it still appears to have those same issues such as “episodic storytelling”. The Wrap's Ben Croll has similar criticism in his Movie Reviews, stating that the latest sequel to the franchise does not appear to be more enjoyable or to gain new viewers. A notable, and possibly the most favorable take, is offered by The Hollywood Reporter's Leslie Felperin who, although acknowledging those flaws still suggests the film does have a greater amount of entertainment value, as she mentions how some characters are given more depth compared to Chapter 1.

As those reviews stand, it’s important to recognize those aspects - that the movie is set to take on a broad timeframe, with a main storyline focused on those historical moments. Horizon: An American Saga focuses on the time before and after the American Civil War - with an effort to show those individuals who were part of the western expansion. The release dates for each chapter have been in flux as the movie’s initial premiere at the Venice Film Festival will now serve as a critical event as the studios have to reconsider its next release. It remains to be seen whether or not this movie will find a larger audience, especially considering its less than desirable reception.

Who Directed the Horizon Chapter 2?

Isabelle Fuhrman as Diamond Kittredge, Danny Huston as Colonel Albert Houghton, and Ella Hunt as Juliette Chesney in Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1 Image

The series’ director is Kevin Costner, whose presence as an actor and director in Western Movie productions is often regarded highly.

The most recent installment, Horizon Chapter 2 has yet to gain traction at the box office - and has faced a number of reviews - some positive, some more negative - particularly as many have sought to discover how this production will fare. The reception may cause fans of this genre to consider whether it might take on the characteristics of a series that stands on its own - with American Saga being the focus - with a great effort to showcase how the west took on a different role and importance after the American Civil War was over.

When Is The Release Date For Horizon: Chapter 2?

Horizon American Saga Chapter 2 Temp Poster Image

There are several movie reviews - which often can be highly informative - that cover a great number of Movies - including how a particular film's premiere may be anticipated with excitement as those reviews often signal just how a production will likely be received by a large audience.

The Venice Film Festival - often considered to be one of the greatest gatherings in the world - serves as a launchpad to showcase new Movies, as this is an opportunity to see how this release will have its public debut. With a slew of details being revealed as part of Kevin Costner Horizon, there are some who have expressed concern regarding how those Film Reviews will likely influence the production, particularly as there is a high amount of attention to be given. There's also no information as to whether or not this production has made its way into theaters.

What Will Horizon Chapter 2 Be About?

The main storyline revolves around an exploration of those western-expansion era events. Kevin Costner’s production, Horizon: An American Saga, focuses on the time period prior to and during the American Civil War. In many ways, it looks as if the studio will also expand this storyline - to further show those elements that make up a great American Saga.

With the main theme revolving around a new expansion that takes place across the West - particularly the regions and characters in the latter half of the 1800s. This was a period known for exploration - in essence, taking an epic journey, to settle and bring a sense of culture across these territories - one that often has been brought to light through many other productions - which could be categorized as a Western Movie. Horizon Chapter 2 looks to capture a key component as it brings to those viewers those stories, events, and the individuals who had such a pivotal role in shaping those locations across a diverse span of locations, showcasing how the American west - one of the great mysteries for those exploring the nation's history - changed significantly after the American Civil War - with this saga serving as the catalyst for those changes. The question remains to be seen regarding how these movies will evolve, but the potential for an expanded storyline (especially one that could possibly extend for more chapters in this movie series, which also has a great chance to become one of the most-viewed Western Movie productions).

Are There Reviews for Horizon Chapter 1?

Although the film received several negative movie reviews , it's also considered a “labor of love” from Kevin Costner, whose production (as he has had a lengthy career as an actor, director, and writer) has made this project one of his biggest and most personal projects. While the overall response has been one that may cause the studio to have some doubts concerning the film's future and whether it’ll achieve the success that Costner might hope to see, there are several details regarding the production.

Many of the critiques center on a combination of factors, which have led to some negative Film Reviews - for those who have seen the movie - and its overall narrative. Critics are often noting that the movie appears to be too lengthy - in an effort to explore an ambitious timeline. The overall storyline is often described as being over-stuffed and disjointed - which does impact the story's progression and is a cause for a sense of disinterest or even frustration among viewers. It also appears to be one of those films that’s difficult to watch as those watching may have to wait for more reviews to decide whether or not they should view the production.

Does Kevin Costner Direct Western Movies?

Kevin Costner has had a career filled with diverse roles - including being a prominent, prolific director for movies - most of which take place across a variety of genres - one that stands out are those centered around the American West. The main goal was to portray those stories - as if they had to explore and convey the sense of that vast territory, as it shifted to being a core piece of the United States’ expansion, through compelling narratives.

A variety of films were produced by Kevin Costner, including those that have gained recognition for their epic quality, such as "Dances With Wolves," which captured a multitude of awards, particularly for the Oscar. In the realm of American Civil War Movies - there is "Wyatt Earp," which was directed by the famed actor - showing the different and notable roles he takes on - often bringing to those viewers a diverse range of experiences.