Verdict
Summary
With just enough intrigue, violence, and heroic over-the-hill heroes to satisfy even the most jaded consumer, the film has compelling characters, juicy action scenes, and really good performances, particularly by Wopat and Fahey, who made a great team here.
Plot:
A former sheriff is faced with the grief of losing his wife, his daughter, and his best friend within a year, and he has a chance to find some redemption.
Review:
Former sheriff Alden Rockwell (Tom Wopat from The Dukes of Hazard) has recently lost his wife, and without a job or a touchstone to keep him steady, he relies on his daughter, who is called into service for her country. Left only with his best friend Clint (Jeff Fahey) who happens to be the next county’s other sheriff, Alden is stunned when there’s an assassination attempt on Clint’s life, leaving him teetering on the precipice of death. While he can’t rely on the current sheriff who recently replaced him, Alden does some digging in his county to uncover some dirty dealings and enemies in disguise as allies, and when he finds his answers, there will be some hell to pay.
The first of a made-for-TV trilogy in the style of the Tom Selleck series Jessie Stone, County Line knows exactly who its audience is, and it delivers for them quite well. With just enough intrigue, violence, and heroic over-the-hill heroes to satisfy even the most jaded consumer, the film has compelling characters, juicy action scenes, and really good performances, particularly by Wopat and Fahey, who made a great team here. It’s a shame Fahey didn’t return for the sequels, but Wopat’s Alden Rockwell carried the series forward. Geared for families, but certainly not a pushover when it comes to adult themes and violence, County Line is a pretty solid flick, and I don’t mind recommending it if you’re willing to begin a new series. From co-writer and director Shea Sizemore.
The DVD from Imagicom / ISP Films comes with a behind the scenes feature, cast and crew interviews, and trailers.
