I remember when Tombstone first came out ten years ago (yes it has been that long) and thinking that it looked pretty good. However, I was a little worried about how it would be pulled off. I wasn't sure about the casting of Kurt Russell as Wyatt Earp, and director George Cosmatos had left a legacy of movies that included, 'Leviathan', 'Cobra' and 'Rambo: First Blood Part II.' This was his first since 'Leviathian', a 4 year gap and he was directing a western. Needless to say, I was skeptical.
Much to my complete surprise, the movie is an absolute winner. 'Tombstone' works because it doesn't pretend to be something it isn't. Cosmatos didn't try to do 'Unforgiven', a much deeper and personal look at revenge and the old west. Hell, this was a straight up action packed shoot em western with great characters and fine performances all around.
The story centers around Earp (Russell) and his two brothers Virgil (the gruff Sam Elliot) and Morgan (Bill Paxton) and their move to Tombstone Arizona where they believe they will strike it rich. Content to no longer be a law and order man, Russell moves in on the Oriental Saloon (after getting rid of a troublesome Johnny Tyler (Billy Bob Thornton)) to start staking his claim. The trio is joined shortly thereafter by Doc Holliday (Val Kilmer).
Of course, this happy little world couldn't exist forever could it? The Cowboys burst on to the scene led by Curly Bill Brocious (the always good Powers Booth), Johnny Ringo (Michael Biehn) and the Clantons, Ike (Stephen Lang) and Billy (Thomas Haden Church). Several events lead up to Wyatt Earp once again putting on his badge and gun belt again.
Rounding out the cast are Dana Delaney as the woman who make the tough Wyatt Earp melt, as well as Jason Priestley and Billy Zane. Charlton Heston even has a cameo.
Article comments
1 - Amber
I loved Val Kilmer in this movie. I cannot STAND Dana Delaney's character. I used to watch this all the time and fast-forward a lot of scenes (that's how much she annoyed me) but now whenever someone at my house tries to put it in I don't watch it.
Oh well. Good movie though. Parts of it.
2 - Phillip Winn
As far as I'm concerned, Tombstone rates 5 out of 5 stars. It's very nearly a perfect movie.
One of these days I'm going to review each and every movie I own on DVD, and that one will be gushing, I assure you.
I guess I'm a fan. :)