Kevin Costner’s ‘Horizon 2’ Stirs Controversy with 50% Rotten Tomatoes Rating

by

It seems that Kevin Costner’s upcoming western series, titled “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2”, might become one of the most controversial in history, given the recent release of its initial reviews. The first installment of “Horizon” hit theaters last June, and it received mixed opinions from critics with a 51% score on Rotten Tomatoes. However, the majority of viewers appreciated Costner’s extensive portrayal of the western genre, as evidenced by its higher 70% audience rating. Unfortunately, weak box office performance left the fate of Costner’s four-part “Horizon” series uncertain. Nevertheless, with the positive feedback for Chapter 2, it now appears that we may indeed see its release soon.

I attended the U.S. premiere of “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2” at the Santa Barbara Film Festival last Friday (Feb. 7), and it seems that this sequel is stirring up quite a conversation! To my delight, some critics are finding it even more compelling than the initial film, with a current rating of 50% on Rotten Tomatoes.

For instance, Aaron Neuwirth from We Live Entertainment found Chapter 2 to be an enhancement over its predecessor, expressing his continued enthusiasm for this series: “This second chapter builds upon what has come before and keeps me eagerly anticipating the next installment.” Sarah Manvel of Movies We Texted About echoed these sentiments, showering praise on the new film, stating: “I was captivated by Chapter 2! It surpasses its predecessor in every way, leaving me eager for more in this series.

As a cinephile immersed in the world of cinema, let me share my thoughts on a captivating masterpiece that unfolds like a Dickensian tale, yet on the silver screen. For those with more modest attention spans, this film might present a challenge, but for those who appreciate expansive narratives and breathtaking cinematography, Horizon is an absolute must-see. The panoramic vistas it presents are nothing short of spectacular, leaving viewers in awe of its grandeur.

The film, titled “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter Two“, earned high praise from Bilge Ebiri of Vulture, who called it “an extraordinary accomplishment… if Kevin Costner manages to complete it.” However, the movie had its share of criticism. In essence, it’s a great film, but much like its predecessor, it remains unfinished.

Many Critics Hate ‘Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2’

Similar to Chapter 1, Horizon – Chapter 2 has its fair share of critics, with roughly half of them criticizing the second installment of the struggling franchise. Alexander Harrison of Screen Rant expressed, “Despite appreciating Costner’s commitment to theatrical releases, I’m still left puzzled after watching Horizon – Chapter 2.”

Many find that the main problem with “Horizon” is its extended duration and uneven, halting tempo. Rory Doherty from The AV Club may have expressed it most succinctly when he stated, “The American West wasn’t established overnight, and neither does ‘Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2’ persuade us to continuously watch its development.” Jessica Kiang of Variety has penned the harshest critique (to date), writing:

“The American West didn’t materialize in a flash, but ‘Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2’ doesn’t make a compelling case for our continued attention during its construction.

The movie is a study of paradoxes. It’s filled with events but surprisingly calm, brimming with fresh and familiar faces but short on captivating character development, and, spanning more than three hours, it seems excessively prolonged for such an abruptly ending production.

Although “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2” is making its way through film festivals, it’s important not to anticipate a theatrical release quite yet, as the sequel has yet to secure a distributor. The latest news indicates that Kevin Costner, who is involved in multiple roles for the project (co-writer, director, producer, actor, and financier), is aiming for Netflix to handle the release of “Chapter 2.” Despite its imperfections, the original film was designed for cinematic viewing, leading many fans to expect a big-screen experience for the sequel as well.

Read More

2025-02-11 17:33