Desperado: Avalanche at Devil's Ridge Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 14, 2026
Movie Overview: Desperado: Avalanche at Devil's Ridge
| Movie | Desperado: Avalanche at Devil's Ridge |
| Release Year | 1988 |
| Director | Richard Compton |
| Genre | Western / TV Movie |
| Runtime | 100 minutes (1h 40m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Desperado: Avalanche at Devil's Ridge (1988) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 8.0/10. 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 & Character Study
The performances in Desperado: Avalanche at Devil's Ridge are led by Alex McArthur . The supporting cast, including Rod Steiger and Hoyt Axton , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
Desperado: Avalanche at Devil's Ridge stands out as a strong entry in the Western genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Western narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Desperado: Avalanche at Devil's Ridge has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Western fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Desperado: Avalanche at Devil's Ridge
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1988, Desperado: Avalanche at Devil's Ridge is a Western, TV Movie film directed by Richard Compton, written by Larry Cohen. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. As part of the Desperado Collection, it provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Alex McArthur as Duell McCall.
Ending Explained: Desperado: Avalanche at Devil's Ridge
Desperado: Avalanche at Devil's Ridge Ending Explained: Duell McCall is an outlaw on the run for a crime he didn't commit. Directed by Richard Compton, this 1988 western film stars Alex McArthur (Duell McCall), alongside Rod Steiger as Silas Slaten, Hoyt Axton as Sheriff Ben Tree, Alice Adair as Rachel Slaten. With a 8/10 audience rating, the ending has been widely praised.
What Happens at the End of Desperado: Avalanche at Devil's Ridge?
Duell McCall is an outlaw on the run for a crime he didn't commit. Captured by the law and coerced into helping rescue the daughter of the evil local land baron, he finds himself drawn into an ever-deepening web of lies that threatens to cost him his life.
Richard Compton's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Alex McArthur (Duell McCall)'s journey. Captured by the law and coerced into helping rescue the daughter of the evil local land baron, he finds himself drawn into an ever-deepening web of lies that threatens to cost him his life.
As part of the Desperado Collection, the ending carries additional weight for fans following the franchise.
How Does Alex McArthur (Duell McCall)'s Story End?
- Alex McArthur: Alex McArthur's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Richard Compton delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 1h 40m runtime.
- Rod Steiger (Silas Slaten): Rod Steiger's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Hoyt Axton (Sheriff Ben Tree): Hoyt Axton's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Desperado: Avalanche at Devil's Ridge Mean?
Desperado: Avalanche at Devil's Ridge concludes with Richard Compton reinforcing the western themes established throughout the film. The final moments with Alex McArthur leave a lasting impression — the ending is both a resolution and a statement about the story's central questions.
Desperado: Avalanche at Devil's Ridge Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Desperado: Avalanche at Devil's Ridge Based on a True Story?
No, Desperado: Avalanche at Devil's Ridge is a work of fiction. While the western, tv movie film directed by Richard Compton and starring Alex McArthur may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch Desperado: Avalanche at Devil's Ridge?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Western cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate well-executed genre storytelling
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
Desperado: Avalanche at Devil's Ridge Parents Guide & Age Rating
1988 AdvisoryWondering about Desperado: Avalanche at Devil's Ridge age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Desperado: Avalanche at Devil's Ridge (1988) is 100 minutes (1h 40m). Directed by Richard Compton, the film runs for 100 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 8.0/10, and global performance metrics, Desperado: Avalanche at Devil's Ridge is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1988 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Desperado: Avalanche at Devil's Ridge worth watching?
Desperado: Avalanche at Devil's Ridge is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Western movies. It has a verified rating of 8/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Desperado: Avalanche at Devil's Ridge parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Desperado: Avalanche at Devil's Ridge identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Desperado: Avalanche at Devil's Ridge (1988)?
The runtime of Desperado: Avalanche at Devil's Ridge (1988) is 100 minutes (approximately 1h 40m).
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.
Useful Links
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