Box Office: $20,157,730 Actor Ed Harris takes only his second stab at directing, following the Oscar-winning feature POLLOCK (2000) with this spirited western. Harris draws on a strong cast, many of whom have acted with him in previous films, to tell the story of two gunfighters attempting to bring peace to the small town of Appaloosa in the late 1800s. Virgil Cole (Harris) and Everett Hitch (Viggo Mortensen) ride into the windswept New Mexico town and are hired to bring vigilante entrepreneur Randall Bragg (Jeremy Irons) to justice. Bragg has imposed a reign of terror over Appaloosa, but his murderous actions are tempered when Cole and Hitch take control. Matters get complicated when widower Allison French (Renee Zellweger) flounces into town and variously woos Cole, Hitch, and Bragg, allowing Harris to throw in a few neat twists as his two principal characters attempt to bring the miscreant entrepreneur to justice. APPALOOSA is a slow-moving and beautifully shot feature that perfectly translates the dusky New Mexico landscape to celluloid. The film stands shoulder to shoulder with 21st-century westerns such as THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD and THE PROPOSITON, and much like those films Harris's feature draws heavily on deeply affecting performances from his leads. Irons is particularly affecting as the baleful Bragg, who brings a real air of menace to the screen any time he appears on camera. The nuanced turns by Harris and Mortensen play like a master class in subtlety, with the two seasoned actors perfectly delivering two stoic characters who are masking a lifetime of pain and suffering. Harris's feature is a welcome addition to the fold of introspective westerns, effortlessly standing alongside similar efforts such as Clint Eastwood's UNFORGIVEN or James Mangold's 3:10 TO YUMA. [Less]Read full review
You shouldn't be dissappointed about seeing this Gunslinging Western. Ed Harris and Vig Mortensen work very well together as you see them come into town to stop the local gang from getting away with bloody murder. Mrs. Allie French (Rene Zelweger) shows up very soon after the film starts and make a big presence on film. Although her character was sweet and fun, I knew she must be too good to be true. Ed Harris falls immediately for Allie French (Zelweger) and so does Vig, although Vig doesn't try to fall for her, she just pushes herself on any man she feels attracted to. Jeremy Irons and Lance Henrickson also play important roles in this film. I'm going to give this film a 4/5 because of the detail that went into making this film. There wasn't a great deal of violence and cursing. The dialogue was sometimes funny and cute and Ed really worked at developing a style that worked for his character. IF YOU LIKE MY REVIEWS, PLEASE DON'T HESITATE TO LET ME KNOW BY VOTING. THANKS!Read full review
I really enjoyed this western because is was centered around a very strong friendship between two men and a mystery woman. It is not filled with action and big shoot em up scenes that would make this film more popular , however, there is a constant tension between the lawmen and and the lawless. The action is part of the story and not the story which is focused on the uncommon bond and trust between Harris and Nitto. There is humor through out as the men are forced to talk about the new third wheel and a unconditional love that forms which is difficult for either man to understand . Hard for me to find any negative with great cast and a realism of a western town that is cast during 1890s .There seems to be a great deal of attention to the details of all things which makes a beautiful background and general authentic feel throughout.Read full review
Aside from Tombstone and then Open Range you have to go way back to Unforgiven to see that the days of great westerns are over. The directors of today haven’t a clue how to hold a candle to the likes of John ford , Henry Hathaway and William Wyler or perhaps they don’t care to. Appaloosa is a finely crafted film that deserves every bit of accolade as the classic American westerns of yore.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
It's pretty good. Renee Zelwegger was just okay but pretty good movie overall. I give it 3.6...rounded up to 4 stars.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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