The Harder They Fall

This one's a Western but with a fresh and considerably stylish twist — an all-Black main cast, a soulful soundtrack, and a pulpy sense of fun throughout. "The Harder They Fall" takes the classic good guy-outlaw rivalry and injects a ton of charisma into it, pitting Jonathan Majors and Idris Elba against each other with a supporting cast that's just as magnetic (Regina King is a highlight, as usual). The setting is rooted in the tropes we all know — dusty towns, saloon fights, train heists — but it always feels like it's having genuine fun playing with the genre.

What stood out most for me was the sheer energy. Director Jeymes Samuel has a knack for sleek visuals and kinetic pacing, making gunfights feel like music videos without getting too MTV. The movie is visually stunning, from the sandblasted landscapes to the bold color pops in costumes and set design. The moments between gunfights allow the cast to actually build out their characters, which is more than you get in a lot of modern action-westerns.

Admittedly, the movie sometimes leans a little too hard into style over substance. Some of the emotional beats felt a tad thin, and there’s a lot going on — perhaps too much for its runtime. If you're hoping for a super deep character study or a slow-burn mood piece, you might be a bit disappointed. But as an energetic, modern Western that doesn't shy away from having fun, it delivers.

It's also worth mentioning how much the film embraces its influences while staying authentic to its own identity. You can feel the echoes of Tarantino and Sergio Leone, but it never feels like a mere imitation. The soundtrack, which mixes hip-hop, reggae, and classic Western cues, really sets it apart, and there's a clear love for the genre and its history throughout.

You would enjoy this if you want a Western that's visually bold, moves fast, and brings some fresh faces and perspectives to the genre. If high style, great music, and classic showdowns sound appealing, this is a fun watch to add to your list.