Best combination of entertainment and historical accuracy

Rating: 10/10 (2 May 2002)

I rate this as the best Wyatt Earp movie as far as combining entertainment with historical accuracy. The gunfight "on the same block as OK Corral" had many witnesses and is as well documented as any 30 second event with a lot of shooting can be. I saw nothing in the film that contradicted written reports or court records. The aftermath of the gunfight has always been open to controversy and the events in the movie, with the exception of Ringo's fate, are not outlandish. Costner's Earp may have been closer to the true Earp persona, but it's just not as entertaining. Kilmer, as mentioned by many, is great. His relationship to Wyatt is just as touching but not nearly so somber and melancholy as the Costner--Quaid one. For my money, Sam Elliott nearly steals the movie. There will never be a better Virgil. This film is right up there with Unforgiven and Silverado as one of the best of the modern westerns.