Legends don't just fade away

Rating: 8/10 (11 January 2006)

A very entertaining film, with plenty of action and some very strong characters.
Famed lawman Wyatt Earp (Kurt Russell) goes to Tombstone, Arizona, to retire with his brothers Morgan and Virgil (Bill Paxton, Sam Elliot) as part owners of a saloon. Upon arriving in the lawless boomtown, they run into Earp's old companion, "Doc" Holliday (Val Kilmer).
Trouble soon begins when the local bad guys, a group that calls themselves the "Cowboys", learn of the Earps' arrival, and try to show the Earps that Tombstone is their territory. Further complicating matters, at the same time, a new woman enters into Earp's life. Despite his wishes to retire to a quiet life at the poker table, Earp and his brothers are drawn into yet another fight, having to choose between living out the rest of their days as they'd planned, or doing what's right to save their town. After the Cowboys go too far, however, the decision is clear to Wyatt Earp: the Cowboys need to be taught a lesson, and he's just the man to teach 'em.
A tale of revenge, vengeance, and legend, this movie is well made and exciting. Kilmer is fantastic as the brash, suave, gambling Holliday, and is a perfect compliment to Russel's Earp. Michael Biehn gives a solid performance as the dastardly Johnny Ringo, main nemesis of Holliday and the Earps. The movie features some classic lines and will keep fans riveted with a solid blend of action, drama, and good 'ol fashion Western gun play. A very good movie, and definitely worth watching, even if you aren't a fan of the typical "Western"s.