| The Old West isn't Big Enough for the Both of 'em | ||
| Cowboys & Aliens | ||
|
||
| Review by Ross Anthony | ||
|
To my surprise, though heavily slanted toward the cowboys, the film actually offers an engaging story. Actor Daniel Craig (AKA 007), despite being British, makes for one of America’s best film cowboys. (Dare I say even grittier than Jeff Bridges in True Grit). Craig’s so cool, aptly expressing much with just a look. On the other hand, Harrison Ford (AKA Indiana Jones), despite being a local boy, fits awkwardly into his role here. The part really demands a heavier, darker actor. Otherwise, the film is well acted. In addition, director Jon Favreau creates and maintains a great pace. It’s never boring, always fun, and even connects emotively on occasion. Those expecting non-stop battling between cowboys and aliens may be a bit disappointed, as that conflict is only one of several, which makes the film even more interesting to me. Best to think of it as a revival of the old cowboy films of yesteryear, sporting an almost incidental alien confrontation. Though realized on film fine enough, the aliens themselves (and their plights) aren’t all that richly developed. So, I‘ll grade the film an A-. However, if a better cast than Ford was found, the film would have been an A. I liked it! |
||
|
||
|
Grade..........................A- (3/4) |
||
|
|
||
|
||
|
Copyright © 1998-2023 Ross Anthony, Author - Speaker - Solo World Circumnavigator In addition to reviewing films and interviewing celebs at HollywoodReportCard.com, traveling the world, composing great music, motivational speaking, Mr. Anthony also runs his own publishing company in the Los Angeles area. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books and shooting documentaries, Mr. Anthony has taught, presented for, worked &/or played with locals in over 30 countries & 100 cities (Nairobi to Nagasaki). He's bungee-jumped from a bridge near Victoria Falls, wrestled with lions in Zimbabwe, crashed a Vespa off a high mountain road in Taiwan, and ridden a dirt bike across the States (Washington State to Washington DC). To get signed books ("Rodney Appleseed" to "Jinshirou") or schedule Ross to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186.
Go into the world and inspire the people you meet with your love, kindness, and whatever it is you're really good at. Check out books by Ross Anthony. Rand() functions, Pho chicken soup, rollerblading, and frozen yogurt (w/ blueberries) also rock! (Btw, rand is short for random. It can also stand for "Really Awkward Nutty Dinosaurs" -- which is quite rand, isn't it?) Being alive is the miracle. Special thanks to Ken Kocanda, HAL, Jodie Keszek, Don Haderlein, Mom and Pops, my family, R. Foss, and many others by Ross Anthony. Galati-FE also deserves a shout out. And thanks to all of you for your interest and optimism. Enjoy great films, read stirring novels, grow. |
A+ for title. What red-blooded American wouldn’t want to see this picture? It begs film-goers to drop any expectations of plot and just indulge in the odd mix of rich nostalgia with contrasting sci-fi. What could be more fun than pitting past against future? Even chocolate and peanut butter can’t beat that!
