Not one of the great epic Westerns

Rating: 7/10 (13 January 2008)

This is a re-upholstered version of the original. It has great sets, authentic locations and props.
The makeup was overdone on most of the actors except Crowe. The costumes were "costumey". The official railroad representative looked like a strolling singer on Main Street in Disneyland.
There is plenty in the story and characters to hold interest. But, I didn't like the manner in which one key character was rather unceremoniously eliminated from the story at mid point. The scene truly demanded a bit more theater to it. It left a bit of a hole.
Also, one brutal scene involved burning a man alive. (I closed my eyes and covered my ears. I don't like recalling those scenes later.) With a little creativity they could have implied the violence and made that scene more memorable and less graphic. That scene is probably a reason for the 'R' rating. The rest of the "shoot-em-up" gore is pretty standard.
Fans will enjoy Crowe as a smug (underplayed),western outlaw.
Overall, the acting is very good (including the hero's son played by young actor Logan Lerman).
This film is nowhere near being in the same league as say, 'The Magnificent Seven', 'Legends of the Fall', 'Tombstone', 'Once Upon a Time in the West' etc. This film won't be counted with them.
Lastly remember, this is NOT FOR KIDS.