Friday, October 10, 2008

Appaloosa

Ed Harris, who co-wrote, directed and starred as the lead actor in Appaloosa, scores big with this modern western. Harris and co-star Viggo Mortensen are lawmen-for-hire, and arrive in Appaloosa after being hired by town leaders to rid them of bad guy rancher Randall Bragg. Played wonderfully by Jeremy Irons, Bragg is a local rancher with a mean streak and big ambitions.

In quick fashion, those ambitions and the town's new lawmen soon clash.

Appaloosa tells an interesting, modern story through a classic western perspective. Harris and Mortensen are in nearly every scene, together, and their relationship serves as the foundation of the flick. These men live with a bond that is more than friendship; Cole (Harris) and Hitch (Mortensen) respect, admire and trust each other more than they do any one else. Including a flaky chick who tries to weasel her way in between the men.

Although Harris pays homage to classic westerns with Appaloosa, the film never becomes a cliche. The movie stays true to itself throughout.

Catch the flick with a friend! I saw it with my friend
Hoyt,
which helped me enjoy the movie even more. As usual, we had lots of fun.

Here's some of it:

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I can't add anything to your take, FG, except that based on the chatter in the theater, the audience seemed to enjoy the flick, too. 8)

And your quiz rocks!

The Film Geek said...

Hey, Hoyt: They did seem to like it. I noticed there were a lot of older couples in the theater, and the couple that sat next to me talked. And talked. And talked. I think they were on a date.

Thanks for editing that video!

larryosaurus said...

You know, those two guys kinda looked like younger versions of you two :D

Good review Filmy. I love me some Westerns. You didn't ask me, but my favorite is "Once Upon A Time In The West"....or maybe "Gringo"..or possibly "The Searchers"..awww, fuck it.

Anyways, excellent "vloggin"!!! Next time give me a heads up and maybe I'll join you guys.

The Film Geek said...

Hey Jackie: Be sure and see this movie as soon as you can. Like I said, it's excellent DESPITE that Zelwenger --or whatever her name is, the once who was the beard for Kenny Chesney for a while. This is your movie.

And look for that head's up! Hoyt and I try to play hookey ever few months.

larryosaurus said...

So she's in it? Ol' Prune Face!?! Jesus, what's the appeal there?

But I love some Ed Harris. "State of Grace" is one of my favorites..so I can sit through some of the "Jesus That's Sour!" girl if I have to.

The Film Geek said...

Yep, she's in it. When I saw her, I got freaked out. Bit the movie was great not only despite her, but how the story revolves around their reaction to her.

Anonymous said...

Hah! the girl who sold you the tickets is named Kimmy we used to hang out. It was worth the 20 seconds.