The Old Way
Performance & Direction: The Old Way Review
Last updated: January 24, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Old Way (2023) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.7/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Western.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Western is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Old Way features a noteworthy lineup led by Nicolas Cage . Supported by the likes of Ryan Kiera Armstrong and Noah Le Gros , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Old Way (2023) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.7/10, it stands as a decent one-time watch.
Story & Plot Summary: The Old Way
Quick Plot Summary: The Old Way is a Western, Drama film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. An old gunslinger and his daughter must face the consequences of his past, when the son of a man he killed years ago arrives to take his revenge. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Ending Explained: The Old Way
Ending Breakdown: The Old Way attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to western resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the western themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Old Way reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Old Way?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Western films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Top Cast: The Old Way
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Where to Watch The Old Way Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
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Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeThe Old Way Parents Guide & Age Rating
2023 AdvisoryWondering about The Old Way age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Old Way is 95 minutes (1h 35m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.7/10, and global performance metrics, The Old Way is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2023 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Old Way worth watching?
The Old Way is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Western movies. It has a verified rating of 5.7/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Old Way parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Old Way identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Old Way?
The total duration of The Old Way is 95 minutes, which is approximately 1h 35m long.
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How The Old Way Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Old Way
**_Standard track-down to get justice Western with great scenery and one unique bit_** After a tragedy, a nigh-psychopathic shop owner in Wyoming (Nicolas Cage) teams-up with his precocious daughter (Ryan Kiera Armstrong) to set things a’right. Nick Searcy plays the head marshal while Noah Le Gros and Clint Howard are on hand as villains. “The Old Way” (2023) mixes together the openings of “The Outlaw Josey Wales” and “Unforgiven” with the seasoned gunfighter/young girl protagonists of “True Grit,” along with the comic book villains of “Hannie Caulder” and the milieu of “The Missouri Breaks” (southwestern Montana, where it was shot). While it’s on par with “Hannie Caulder” it’s not quite on the level of greatness (or near-greatness) of the others. But it’s certainly superior to relatively recent Trace Adkins’ Westerns like "Stagecoach: The Texas Jack Story" and "The Virginian," which weren’t up to snuff. It's enjoyable to see Cage in a ‘Man With No Name’ role and the little girl is quite good. Meanwhile the scenery is worth the price of admission. Unfortunately, the comic book vibe and some contrived writing make the proceedings seem unreal. Yet the ‘dead inside’ element is interesting along with the corresponding ‘chip off the old block’ angle. The film runs 1 hour, 34 minutes, and was shot at Yellowstone Ranch in Paradise Valley, Livingston, Montana, which is an hour’s drive north of the border of northwestern Wyoming & Yellowstone National Park. GRADE: B-
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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