powerful performances from Kurt Russel and Val Kilmer

Rating: 8/10 (19 April 2008)

i really enjoyed this western,headlined by Kurt Russel(Wyatt Earp)and Val Kilmer(Doc Holliday). i thought Russel was very strong as Earp.he really has some charisma and stage presence,at least in this movie.but i thought Val Kilmer was mesmerising as Doc Holliday.he put in a really touching performance.as for the characters,i really liked what they did with the character of Earp.i thought he was well developed and i liked the internal conflict he had.this came across very strongly with Russel's performance.the rest of the characters are supporting players but no less effective,for the most part.Sam Elliott was great as Morgan Earp,one of Wyatt's brothers.i didn't like Bill Paxton that much as Virgil,another Earp brother.he just didn't do it for me.i just didn't by him or his performance.that's just my opinion of course.i like some of Paxton's work,but i just don't think he fit in this movie.Michael Bien was very good as Johnny Ringo,although it took a little time to warm up to him.the rest of the supporting cast was also good.even though i enjoyed this movie quite a bit,i didn't like it as much as as Kevin Costner's Open Range or Brad Pitt's The Assassination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford.i think maybe the story had a bit more depth and dimension in those two movies.Still,Tombstone is never boring and there are some spectacular Gunfights.for me,Tombstone is a strong 8/10