I've been having trouble writing this review. I've started it several times only to say "to hell with it" and delete what I've writen. It basically boils down to the fact that this movie sucked. But I also enjoyed it.
This film has got one of the most basic plots to hit theaters in a while. Mean business pushing the little business out of business with illegal activity. There is some little basic confrontations then it all gets sorted out in a big confrontation. Yawn.
The relationships between people are not developed. The boss is the boss. The helper is the helper. Sometimes they seem like friends. Sometimes they yell at each other. Blah blah whatever. The movie never goes into the nitty gritty of it.
The movie starts off s l o w. They work on the range a bit. Play some cards. Slap each other around. It takes about 20 minutes before someone gets shot and a plot starts to develope. It doesn't help that the most likable character is the one who takes the bullet and dies.
Oh yeah, and there is one of the worst love affairs I've seen. Guy goes to doctor office and meets quiet girl and falls for her. She's not exactly pretty. Doesn't have a great personality. Acts stupid most of the time.
And yet, I cannot help but enjoy this film. Why? Because it's a western. These days westerns just don't make it to the big screen. The last one I remember was Shanghi Noon, and even then, at it's heart, it was not a western film. It had the influences, but it just wasn't a western at it's heart.
Of course, the "businesses" were cattle ranchers and the big confrontation was a wild shootout in the middle of town. This movie would have improved a lot if there more scenes where there were wild shootouts. Wild shootouts improve any movie with a lackluster plot.
So yeah, its a western and that's the reason I like it. I probably would not see it again, but it was nice for a change of pace. I hope people rally behind this movie just to show film makers that we want to see some good westerns hit the big screen soon.
Article comments
1 - Murphy Horner
You know, they say westerns are America's genre contribution to theater (including movies).
It's a very versatile story, the plot is almost always the same, but the nuances can be new every time.
2 - Michelle
I've just written a review also and came about to the same conclusion as you do, though I do not like Western in general.
3 - TDavid
Skip Bayless from The Mercury News slayed this flick while guest hosting on the Jim Rome show yesterday. He said something to the effect of: "Kevin Costner has a little too much estrogen for my tastes."
I actually liked Costner in JFK, but he doesn't seem right for a western. Perhaps I'm unfairly typing him, but I don't think I'll be seeing this one.