Bruce Dern is the bad guy (what a "surprise") and Michael Ironside is the GOOD GUY (surprise!), in this failed mish-mash of a western. What starts out as a gritty revenge tale, eventually deteriorates into a ridiculous swindle scheme. The murky plot is rushed to conclusion, with very little character development of the numerous players. Believability is stretched to the maximum, and beyond the always interesting Bruce Dern and Michael Ironside, there is little here to like. I would have preferred a simple shootout instead of this convoluted western, which tries to be clever but fails miserably.................. - MERK

Bitter and vengeful fugitive Luck Hatcher (an excellent performance by Michael Ironside), dignified former slave turned bounty hunter Jessup Bush (well played by Vondie Curtis-Hall), and wily deputy U.S. Marshal Bodine (a solid and engaging portrayal by Keith Coulouris) all converge in a small town in order to hatch an intricate con in order to bring greedy and ruthless railroad speculator Payton McCay (the always great Bruce Dern in fine slimy and hateful form) to justice. Director Alan J. Levi relates the tricky story at a steady pace, offers a credible evocation of the period, and further spruces things up with amusing touches of sharp humor. The smart and engrossing script by Jim Byrnes and David Chisholm boasts several neat twists and turns and gives everyone a valid reason for seeking revenge on McCay. The first-rate cast rates as another a major asset: Daphne Ashbrook as shrewd bank president Carrey Rose, Tobin Bell as McCay's vicious right-hand man Bullock, Melora Walters as sweet and ditsy saloon gal Bunny, and Doug McClure as the bumbling Granger. Moreover, there are nifty bits by Luis Contreras, M.C. Gainey, Robert Cornthwaite, and country singer Randy Travis (as a U.S. Marshal). Moreover, it's a real treat to see Ironside in a rare and refreshing heroic lead role. John Beymer's bright cinematography and David Schwartz's flavorsome score are both up to par. Worth a watch.

Not since Gary Cooper starred in High Noon has there been an adult Western like "Dead Man's Revenge" which starred Bruce Dern and Tobin Bell as the "bad guys," it also starred Doug McClure, this was his last movie prior to his death from cancer, he was brave up to the last and always in good spirits on the set! Also in this motion picture was Larry Polsen as the bartender who added so much as a character actor with his distinctive gaunt looks. Herbert H. Booker 2nd (Sarge) was the Piano Player, a ruggedly handsome longhaired bearded character, who like the bartender, added so much to the background colour of this remarkable film. Vondie Curtis-Hall turned in an excellent portrayal of an African-American in the old West in a role that was not servile and demeaning, but pride and dignity to the role of the black cowboy, he would rank with Herb Jeffries, the Bronze Buckaroo! Believe it or not, Michael Ironsides who is the main star is also the good guy! Melora Walters plays Bunny, a strong woman who ranks among Barbara Stanwyck and Kathrine Hepburn. This is a "must-rent" or own movie available on VHS video and DVD. This is the best Adult Western since "High Noon" and "Shane."

Ok. This could have been a good film if it had a total rewrite. And a different director. Plus a few decent actors would have helped. I mean, Randy Travis? As a ranger? PLEASE!! This guy has the acting ability of a seed tick. And the voice of bullfrog that has went 'rivit' one time to many. He needs to stick with what he is good at. I hope that one day he finds out just what he is good at. This was a corny, unrealistic picture about the 'good' prevailing over the 'bad'. I felt like puking.