Defiance (2002)

When gunman Nathan Cross is gunned down by Clay Randall’s hired guns in a battle over control of the town of Defiance, he leaves behind two sons — Will and Tommy — and a sick wife.

One son, Will (Jim Freivogel) grows up good, marries and wants to continue life on his father’s land.

The other, Tommy (Walker Deibel) starts killing at a young age. And one of his first victims is Randall’s son, pitting the families against one another all over again.

Fearing the worst for Tommy, Will decides to try to save his younger brother. His wife leaves him as a result, returning to her home in St. Louis.

After that, the two brothers live a life on the run, with the sickly Tommy constantly getting into trouble, Will constantly struggling to keep him alive.

Eventually, the trail leads back to Defiance, the town where they grew up.

Walker Deibel as Tommy Cross, ready to gun down yet another man in Defiance (2002)

Jim Freivogel as Will Cross, trying to steer his brother clear of trouble in Defiance (2002)

Review:

Whew. When the best thing about a movie is the haunting guitar solo that plays as the ending credits role, you know you’re in trouble.

Director Doveed Linder just can’t overcome a cast rounded out with Z-rate actors — a couple of whom look like they were plucked from a retirement home — and a movie that looks as low budget as it is.

Then there’s the plausibility problem. Young Will, at age 21, sacrifices his marriage and any hope for a future to run off with a brother who kills men at the drop of a hat? And sticks by him as he continues on that path?

Tony Twist as Nathan Cross, a gunman and father of Tommy and Will in Defiance (2002)

Daniel Linder as Clay Randall, the man Tommy Cross wants to get even with in Defiance (2002)

Directed by:
Doveed Linder

Cast:
Jim Freivogel … Will Cross
Walker Deibel … Tommy Cross
Brandon Bollig … Young Will
Evan Smith … Young Tommy
Tony Twist … Nathan Cross
Michael Wallis … Narrator
Gail Lupher … Lauren Cross
Daniel Linder … Clay Randall
Martin Bergen … Deneen
Laura George … Candice Cross

Score: Fred Early
and James MacMorran

Runtime: 73 min.

Brandon Bollig as young Will Cross, trying to set a lawful path for his life in Defiance (2002)

Evan Smith as young Tom Cross, scarred by his father’s death in Defiance (2002)

Memorable lines:

Clay Randall: “I like it here, sheriff.”
Sheriff: “Then you shouldn’t have killed Tom Cooper.”
Randall: “Ah, them things happen.”

Tommy Cross, after gunning down Randall’s son in a saloon: “If anybody follows me, I suppose I’ll kill ’em.”

Stranger at riverbed: “Careful with those guns, boys. Just takin’ some water.”
Tommy Cross: “That’s all you’re taking.”
Stranger: “Hell, if I wanted to, I’d take your money, your guns, your horses, even your clothes. But today all I need is water.”
Tommy: “If I wanted, I’d shoot you full of holes just to watch you kick.”