Billy Bob Thornton’s ‘The Badge’ Is a Free-To-Stream Top 10 Hit After 23 Years

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As a dedicated cinephile, I’m currently rediscovering the appeal of Taylor Sheridan’s “Landman,” which wrapped up its inaugural season just last week. Interestingly enough, a film from 2002 that I starred in alongside Patricia Arquette, a neo-noir thriller titled “The Fountain,” is experiencing a resurgence on Tubi. Originally met with criticism upon release and dismissed as a straight-to-video flop, the movie has now found new life and recognition.

In “The Badge,” Thornton portrays Darl Hardwick, a sheriff in a small town, who finds himself entangled in a complex and sinister murder case involving a transgender woman. However, this murder isn’t as straightforward as it appears. Despite the intriguing mystery setup and the talent of the cast, the film didn’t receive much attention at its premiere due to complications with its distribution. The complete summary goes like this:

[In “The Badge,”] Thornton takes on the role of Darl Hardwick, a small-town sheriff who discovers that a murder he is investigating isn’t what it seems. Although the mystery concept had the potential to be intriguing and the cast possesses great acting abilities, the film was largely ignored at its release due to problems with its distribution.

In the small Louisiana parish of La Salle, Sheriff Darl Hardwick delves into the contentious murder case of a transgender woman, an incident shrouded in secrecy by the parish’s powerful elites. These influential figures have gone to great lengths, even falsely accusing Hardwick of statutory rape involving a local waitress, which ultimately led to his resignation as sheriff. However, after befriending Scarlett, the victim’s widow, Hardwick becomes deeply invested in the investigation. He embarks on a risky journey to explore the victim’s life, seek forgiveness for past transgressions, and uncover hidden truths within the parish itself, including some that may tarnish its reputation.

Initially, Propaganda Films planned to launch “The Badge” in cinemas, but when the company collapsed prior to its premiere, the movie was postponed extensively and eventually released directly to DVD by Lionsgate. With limited promotion and some underwhelming critiques, it’s no wonder that the film faded into obscurity for quite a while following its release.

What Did Critics Say About The ‘Badge’?

I’m grateful for the straight-to-DVD release of “The Badge,” which seemed to have bypassed many critics altogether. Among those who did offer a review, there wasn’t much enthusiasm or criticism to share. The few positive reviews that didn’t label it as “rotten” still pointed out the film’s predictable narrative. However, it was acknowledged that Thornton’s performance managed to rise above the material, providing a glimmer of hope amidst the general consensus.

In a 2003 review from Moviehole, “Energetic Clint” stated that the movie was both predictable yet charming. Although it might have some inconsistencies and unresolved parts, it was undeniably a skillfully acted and engaging cinematic experience.

As a passionate admirer, I must say that Thornton garnered an impressive amount of acclaim from viewers like myself. Despite the movie receiving a modest 40% rating overall, there’s one consistent point that stands out: Thornton didn’t single-handedly save the film, but he undeniably elevated the quality of the material he was provided.

The movie tackles themes that weren’t as prevalent in films from the early 2000s compared to today. Its narrative revolves around the murder of a transgender woman and was somewhat contentious at its release. Initially, the film’s portrayal of LGBTQ+ issues was highly commended, but it now appears remarkably outdated according to current standards. With The Badge gaining a new following on , it’s intriguing to reflect upon how much – and in various aspects, how little – society has evolved.

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2025-01-14 01:01