AppaloosaDirected by: Ed Harris Cast: Ed Harris, Viggo Mortensen, Jeremy Irons, Renée Zellweger Time: 1 hr 55 mins Rating: R
Plot: Virgil (Harris) is a hired gun along with his right-hand-man Everett (Mortensen) to clean up the town of Appaloosa, but things are complicated with the arrival of the widow Allison French (Zellweger).
Who’s It For? You'll never guess, this Western is for fans of Westerns. There is also a shocking amount of comedic dialogue between Virgil and Everett.
Expectations: Harris and Mortensen made a great film as enemies in A History of Violence, so maybe the same magic could strike as friends. Plus, I'm one of the ones who does like Westerns, even though my first thought after seeing the previews was, "Hmm, Harris doing Eastwood."
SCORECARD (0-10)
Actors: Ed Harris as Virgil Cole: Harris brings the perfect amount of bravado to Virgil Cole. He always tells the truth because it's easier, he has no problems stepping on anyone's shoes and if it wasn't for his lack of experience with women, he could be the perfect cowboy. Score: 8
Viggo Mortensen as Everett Hitch: The facial hair that Mortensen was sporting at the Oscars last year finally makes sense, though it still doesn't explain the crushed red velvet suit he wore. Everett is the perfect sidekick. He's clearly more intelligent than Virgil but never feels the need to boast about it, Everett simply helps him with the big words. And that 8-gauge is the perfect sidekick for this sidekick. Score: 8
Jeremy Irons as Randall Bragg: If only Randall could have been seen more. The film almost forgets about him, which is too bad because his first scene marks him as a skinny bad ass that you just want more of. He's a scoundrel, and Irons plays it well enough that a court room scene doesn't drag down the film in the least. Score: 7
Renée Zellweger as Allison French: Downer. Sorry, but that's what she is. This is the perfect example of zapping fun out of a film, and it's not her fault, it's her role. There simply isn't anything to like about her, and yes, you can make the argument that you feel sorry for her, but this character's inclusion is the reason this potentially great film fails. Score: 4
Talking: Virgil constantly drops monotone lines like, "I warned 'em." Plus the playful nature of almost whimsical humor between Virgil and Randall in the first half of the film is shocking, I did not expect to laugh out loud so much. Score: 7
Sights & Sounds: You'll get enough gun fights to be satisfied and the town of Appaloosa looks perfect as a worn down, yet somehow new small town. I reckon you should definitely stay until the credits. Mudcrutch has the song "Scare Easy." This is Tom Petty's first band and he re-recorded the song or something to that affect. Most importantly, it sounds like a Petty song. Then after that Ed Harris sings, yes sings, "You'll Never Leave My Heart," which is a song with Virgil explaining his affection to Allison. Score: 8
PLOT SPOILERS
Best Scene: It isn't the most fun to watch, but that doesn't always mean best. Allison is trying to get into the head of Virgil and see what makes him tick. He doesn't take kindly to that and takes all his aggression out on this poor sap at the bar. This is the point you realize it's not all fun and games and there is a depth to Virgil we haven't discovered.
Ending: If you're Randall, and Everett challenges you to a fight, don't you want your own gun? I know Everett is trustworthy in the film, but in a life and death situation, I would want my best chance. And this isn't the happily ever after I was looking for. The wrong couple end up together.
Questions: It's not a question, but man, I really wish Virgil could have explained his feelings for Allison sooner than he did. It would have kept my irritation level down. At least after he explains himself, we can just decide he's foolish.
Rewatchability: I will happily tune into the first half of the film if I ever come across it on AMC. I assume AMC simply because they have been showing the very average Silverado non-stop for the past couple of week.
OVERALL There can definitely be comparisons to Unforgiven, and I have no problem with that. Should we really complain if an older actor wants to put on the cowboy boots and direct himself? Why can't this be done every five to ten years? Virgil and Everett come to Appaloosa in 1882 and shake things up, taking control of the town from the tightening grip of Randall Bragg. If that is the only cat and mouse game, this film would be one of the best of 2008, but there is a different kind of cat who makes her presence known in the second half of the film. Zellweger's Allison zaps Virgil of his almost superhuman qualities and the film becomes ordinary when the love of the woman interferes with the law. The first half of the film was a 8/10 and then second half was a 4/10, so... Score: 6/10