“Kevin Costner’s Horizon – Chapter 2 Faces Criticism and Low Ratings”
Disappointing Early Reviews for Kevin Costner’s Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2
As fans eagerly await the second chapter of Kevin Costner’s ambitious Western saga, Horizon: An American Saga, early reviews from the Venice Film Festival have cast a shadow over the film’s prospects. Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 is the follow-up to the first installment, which had a mixed reception from critics and underperformed at the box office. Despite a dedicated fan base and a successful run on home video and streaming platforms, anticipation for Chapter 2’s theatrical release has been met with caution.
The initial reviews of Chapter 2 are disappointing, suggesting that the film may struggle even more than its predecessor. With only a handful of reviews published so far, the pattern is troubling: of the seven reviews available, only one has been positive. Chapter 1 holds a 49% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with a more favorable audience score of 70%. However, Chapter 2’s Rotten Tomatoes score is likely to be lower, given the current critical feedback and the film’s shaky release schedule.
Critics’ Reactions to Horizon: Chapter 2
The reviews for Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 reveal that many of the issues from the first film persist. The film follows multiple characters whose stories converge on the emerging town of Horizon. Critics argue that Costner’s attempt to weave these narratives together results in a disjointed and uneven film. Robin Holabird noted:
“Costner’s attempt to capture the epic scope of the saga falls short as he struggles to connect the dots between characters and locations, leaving the film feeling fragmented.”
Stephanie Bunbury from Deadline shared a similar sentiment, suggesting that the film’s potential is undermined by its execution:
“What Chapter 2 delivers is a series of disconnected anecdotes rather than a unified vision of America’s turbulent history, as envisioned by Costner and co-writer John Baird.”
Even the more favorable review by Fionnuala Halligan of Screen International finds room for improvement. While Halligan appreciates the film’s efforts to set up future installments, they acknowledge its flaws:
“Chapter 2 is somewhat more engaging than its predecessor and shows promise for future entries. However, the storytelling remains rough around the edges, offering only a modest improvement over the first chapter.”
As the theatrical release approaches, it remains to be seen whether Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 will find a better reception among general audiences and improve upon the mixed legacy of its predecessor.
