What was missing though? I’m not completely sure, as the movie itself is pretty complete and satisfying. Plenty of action, plenty of explosions and enough entertainment value for me to see it again and again, yet something was missed. Perhaps the graphic novel could hold the key to what is missing. I just felt the aliens didn’t get quite enough explanation behind them and their true purpose here.
The ending was also a negative highlight for me. It felt wrong. The ending felt like it was one of many potential endings and it wasn’t the right one for this film. Granted, most westerns end with cowboys riding off into the sunset, and that wasn’t what this movie needed to end with. For me, the ending was a bit too serene considering what transpires at the end of the film. This goes right back to the reasoning of the aliens being here, it felt like a bit more explanation of their purpose was missed that could have been answered in a small scene. Though I must admit, I didn’t wait till the end of the credits so perhaps Favreau had a scene there I missed that I can catch up with on the Blu-ray.
One of the biggest highlights for me in this movie is the Indians. Not only does Favreau do a splendid job portraying them, they play a very important role. Most movies will make a play on the abilities of a medicine man to heal the hero, or someone he loves, and then they are on their way. Favreau makes them a very important part of the story. I was pleased to see so many Native Amercians in the movie with very prominent and important roles to the story.
Beyond these small, minor details, I found the movie to be more than pleasing. The movie is an exciting trip through the wild-west while being chased by aliens. Favreau continues to please with his movies and understands what an audience wants. He brings us excitement and adventure yet leaves enough room for our imagination to run while watching a great action flick. It’s an exciting adventure with cowboys, Indians, and for a fresh change of pace, aliens.
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Article comments
1 - jude folly
the films referenced to sell this film probably included star wars (shocking!), the unforgiven and memento. gzus how bereft this medium would be w/o cross (crass?) marketing.