Ed Harris has been around the film industry a long time and as a result he is one of the finest actors in Hollywood. Like may actors, Harris has tried his hand at directing which does not always work in your favour however this western which he both starred in and directed is splendid. The film is based in the west, Americas favourite heart land and revolves around two "law men" being Virgil Cole (Harris) and Everet Hitch played by A Grade Actor Viggo Mortensen. The two are an unlikely duo however there chemistry is well mixed. Virgil is an older, vetran hard man with a deadly quick draw and even shorter temper. Hitch is his voice of reason who on numerous occasion must attempt to neutralise his hot headedness yet at the same time is his loyal sidekick. On taking the role as town Sherrif and Deputy respectivley, the men come across Allison French (Renee Zellwegger) who Virgil falls head over heals for although some would call her morals questionable. Enter Jeremy Irons (Die Hard 3) who plays Randall Bragg, the overly rich town mob leader who is as ruthless as he is murderous. Cole and Hitch go after Bragg for the murder of previous town deputies and put him on trial. The trial causes many outlaws to comwe out of the wood work to try and spree Bragg. The result of this is the movies crux and is as entertaining as it is violent.
In my opinion, Harris has done a great job at bringing back to life old westerns which seem to have been shunned aside (or at least the quality of has) in the past few years, with the exeption of 3:10 to Yuma (2007), Open Range (2004) and Serraphim Falls( 2006). I would recommend this film for all western fans as well as anyone who wans to see three and a half hollywood heavyweights in full blown action. One is probably thinking why i say three and a half, well I believe that Irons, Harris and Mortensen are all A grade however Zellewegger is a sad miscast who I think should continue to pursue her career in British Romance Comedies and soppy love stories. I think Natalie Portman could have been better suited to the role. Overall I rate this movie highly and think Harris should pursue his directing ambitions.
Magic Review: 7.7
In my opinion, Harris has done a great job at bringing back to life old westerns which seem to have been shunned aside (or at least the quality of has) in the past few years, with the exeption of 3:10 to Yuma (2007), Open Range (2004) and Serraphim Falls( 2006). I would recommend this film for all western fans as well as anyone who wans to see three and a half hollywood heavyweights in full blown action. One is probably thinking why i say three and a half, well I believe that Irons, Harris and Mortensen are all A grade however Zellewegger is a sad miscast who I think should continue to pursue her career in British Romance Comedies and soppy love stories. I think Natalie Portman could have been better suited to the role. Overall I rate this movie highly and think Harris should pursue his directing ambitions.
Magic Review: 7.7
