SYNOPSIS: Set in 1882 in the Old West territory of New Mexico, "Appaloosa" revolves around city marshal Virgil Cole (Harris) and his deputy and partner Everett Hitch (Mortensen), who have made their reputation as peacekeepers in the lawless towns springing up in the untamed land. In the small mining community of Appaloosa, a ruthless, powerful rancher named Randall Bragg (Irons) has allowed his band of outlaws to run roughshod over the town. After the cold-blooded murder of Appaloosa's city marshal, Cole and Hitch are hired to bring the murderer to justice.

REVIEW: Ah, the great American western is still a modern day classic. Ed Harris takes on a starring role as well as Producer, Writer, and Director. This being only his second major motion picture direction, he thoroughly impresses. The icing on that cake is his masterful work playing the role of Virgil Cole. Well heck, the entire cast is tenacious and convincing and what a talented cast it is. It is one of the more eye-opening aspects of this film. But really, the reason why a cast is worth mentioning is if they perform as expected and they certainly do in this case. The only one that seemed a little out of place is Renee Zellweger, but she held her own. The other big names gave big performances; along with Ed Harris are Viggo Mortensen and Jeremy Irons. Each of them will give you chills by the way they played their roles.

The movie opens with the sound of galloping horses and the tone is set. This is not your average, glorified western tale. This is the Wild West where the men are separated from the boys, they are always armed and on constant alert, and the fear of death is not an option. Emotions are not to get in the way for they will jeopardize your survival. Some of the most intense scenes in this film are when no words are spoken at all. Hard, cold stare downs with these cowboys ready to fire their guns at the blink of an eye on any sudden movement and at close range. This is the essence of the Wild West and this movie oozes it. And yet these men with all their gun skill, intensity, and manliness are easily tamed by man’s greatest weakness . . . women. I’ll leave that at that.

The look and feel of this film transports you to that time. The cinematography and various locations were breath taking and appropriate. The horses and horse drawn carriages, the dirt roads, the wood constructed buildings and homes, the guns and rifles, the dusty boots and spurs, and the extraordinary costumes all added to the effect. Even the dusty, wrinkly, sun-bathed faces made this movie that much more genuine. The script was tight, brief and to the point, and even a little funny at times. The story itself in its basic form was simple, but the way it was drawn out was complex with its share of twists and turns. I’ll admit that a few moments seemed to drag but overall this is a fantastic production. If you are a fan of westerns or a fan of good acting, you don’t want to miss this one.

Review By Cine Marcos 
cinemarcos@smartcine.com

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