The film _Armed men fighting to the death in the Great Northwest_ is a low-budget, direct-to-streaming independent production that still manages to provide an enjoyable crime action/adventure thriller experience. Writer/director Justin Lee demonstrates an ability to create engaging entertainment without unnecessary complexity. While familiar performers like Bruce Dern and Danny Trejo appear in smaller parts, the central narrative focuses on Chris Tamburello portraying a grieving lumberjack who finds satisfaction in hunting during the appropriate season, and Ed Morrone as a man with a questionable goal. The characters could easily be presented as friends were it not for the difficult circumstances they face. The story centers around a clash of strong personalities—a veteran familiar with combat versus an ordinary person feeling like they have nothing to forfeit, perhaps even their own life. It's true that someone who doesn’t value their survival can be the most formidable opponent. Paige Sturges, Skye Madsen and Kelly Lynn Reiter are present in supporting roles, though only Paige’s character has significant impact. One of the things I appreciate about Lee’s work is his approach to developing characters through everyday conversations that reveal something important. There's a sense of assurance in the filmmaking style, and he avoids letting the story become slow or tedious. The film shares similarities with movies like “A Simple Plan,” “The Edge,” "Deliverance” and "First Blood," but possesses the limited resources typical of television films such as "Nightmare at Bittercreek" and "Relentless" (1977). Its runtime is 1 hour and 33 minutes, and filming took place in Oroville, Washington, and surrounding areas. GRADE: B+

Source on TMDB