Open Range
Released almost exactly 11 years after Clint Eastwood'sUnforgiven, Kevin Costner'sOpen Rangeproved yet again that the Western istheclassic American genre. While it lacks the thematic impact of Eastwood's masterpiece, Costner's first film since 1997's ill-fatedThe Postmanreturns the actor/director ofDances With Wolvesto the open prairies of America--in this case the free-range frontier of 1882--where legal "free-grazing" cattle drives were falling prey to empire-building land-owners. In the wake of territorial murder, free-grazing cowboys Boss (Robert Duvall) and Charley (Costner) seek vengeful justice against the ruthless rancher (Michael Gambon) who threatens their law-abiding survival. A feisty ally (the late Michael Jeter, in his next-to-final film role) and a doctor's sister (Annette Bening) offer support during climactic shootouts, masterfully staged with the shock and suddenness of real-life gunfire. Rich in character development and thick-hided humor, this handsome production redeemed Costner's directorial career with a well-told story (by Craig Storper, based on Lauran Paine's novelThe Open Range Men), flawless performances, and stunning Canadian locations.--Jeff Shannon