Just About the Perfect Western

Rating: 9/10 (3 May 2006)

I have seen this film probably 12 times. It's one of those movies that draws you in if you catch it on cable. Walk by the TV with this playing, and kiss your next two productive hours goodbye.
The script is solid, but it's performances, direction and editing where this film makes its mark. You can also throw a nice nod to the score, which supports the mood of the scenes, rather than attempt to create it.
Simply put, Val Kilmer should have been nominates for Best Supporting Actor. He and Kurt Russell give the move its soul. They are the emotional core and they nail it. Russell's Wyatt Earp is my favorite of all time.
George Cosmatos is an enigma. He's capable of doing this kind of work, yet he's also made some real crap during his career. The man obviously has talent and it shines brightly here. He came into the production after shooting had started, replacing the film's writer, Kevin Jarre.
Despite all the scenes that were cut, this film qualifies as a western epic, and I consider it a classic. I also think this movie is what Kurt Russell will be most remembered for.
"Tombstone" is closer to the true story of the town, but is not meant to be factual. You can see Walter Hill's long and boring "Wyatt Earp" for that.