Appaloosa

Appaloosa

It Ain’t Tombstone
Shelli Carlisle

I have a problem when it comes to westerns. It’s not that I don’t love westerns, I do. The problem is that I compare every western I see to my all time favorite, Tombstone. And, with Val Kilmer’s Oscar worthy performance, Tombstone has not been topped. This was also the case with Appaloosa, in my opinion.

Set in the 1800’s New Mexico, Appaloosa is the story of two friends, Virgil Cole (Ed Harris) and Everett Hitch (Viggo Mortensen), who are summoned to the small Town of Appaloosa in order to free it from the reign of murderous outlaws. Sound Familiar?

Chemistry is the Only Thing Going on Here

The chemistry between Harris and Mortensen is what keeps the movie interesting, but the story is mediocre and slow. Renee Zellwigger plays Allison French, a widow who comes into town and becomes immediately smitten with Virgil. She is also interested in Everett and whoever else comes along.

A Snorer Good for Home Viewing

Virgil falls for it, Everett doesn’t and everyone else just enjoys what they can get. The movie was long, not visually attractive and I actually heard the man in front of me snoring. If you like westerns, this one is somewhat entertaining, but I would save my money and watch it when it comes out on DVD.

The Old, Old West
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.

While establishing new authority with equal parts grit and guns, Cole and Hitch meet provocative newcomer Allison French (Zellweger), whose unconventional ways threaten to undermine their progress and to destroy the two lawmen’s decade-old partnership.

Incredible Cast

Oscar nominee Viggo Mortensen, Eastern Promises, four-time Oscar nominee Ed Harris, Pollock, Academy Award winner Renee Zellweger, Cold Mountain and Academy Award winner Jeremy Irons, Reversal of Fortune, star in the Western Appaloosa, adapted from the Robert B. Parker novel.

 

Reunions

Appaloosa reunites Ed Harris with a number of colleagues from his past films, including Viggo Mortensen, A History of Violence, Timothy Spall, To Kill a Priest, Lance Henriksen, The Right Stuff and Timothy V. Murphy, National Treasure: Book of Secrets.

Returning to collaborate with Harris from his feature film debut, Pollock, are costume designer David Robinson and editor Kathryn Himoff, as well as cast members Tom Bower and Robert Knott.

 

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