'High Water' marks keenly observed modern western

"Hell or High Water," British director David Mackenzie's keenly observed Wild West tribute to "Bonnie and Clyde" transplanted into the 21st century, comes from the computer keyboard of Taylor Sheridan, author of 2015's electrifying crime thriller "Sicario."

"Hell or High Water" packs less dynamic thrills than "Sicario," but enjoys a highly detailed and more character-driven narrative about two pairs of men on opposite sides of the law, set against the backdrop of a desolate Texas landscape (actually New Mexico) pillaged by bankers.

Chris Pine and Ben Foster play brothers Toby and Tanner Howard. They rob banks. They have to if they want to pay off back taxes and save the family farm they now own. Their mother died after a long illness while Tanner served a jail term.

Toby methodically plans bank jobs and carefully eliminates incriminating evidence. His impulsive, reckless brother doesn't think much before acting, and Toby realizes that could be a problem.

Investigating the robberies are Texas Rangers Marcus Hamilton (Jeff Bridges) and Alberto Parker (Gil Birmingham). Hamilton takes his time contemplating motives, looking for patterns and reading his gut instincts like an aging Sherlock Holmes with a cowboy hat, occasionally hurling good-natured insults at Parker's half-Indian Dr. Watson.

The violence in "Hell or High Water," as in "Sicario," often arrives in sudden, unexpected explosions. Still, this is less an action film than a wonderfully restrained drama about the complex and conflicting connections between family and friends.

Bridges' laid-back, comfortable as an old leather jacket performance is this movie's best asset, complemented by sensational sound effects and Giles Nuttgens' exquisite, atmospheric cinematography with its inviting compositions of small towns in rusty ruins.