Review of Appaloosa (2008) by Philip S — 15 Oct 2011

Ed Harris (Virgil) and Viggo Mortensen (Everett) are two of my favourite actors, and there is a very decent supporting cast in this film but the script itself falters somewhat in the second half. The initial premise is familiar enough - two gunslingers ride in to clean up the wayward town.

Harris and Mortensen sell their characters well. But in strolls Allison (Renee Zellweger) and, much like in the storyline, things go a little off the rails. It's hard to fathom why a man like Virgil - as he is presented to us - would be drawn to Allison despite the many many MANY flaws that are revealed.

The lawman story hobbles along, but is sideswiped from time to time by the love story. Most of the time, it doesn't work and becomes an annoyance. Sure, it makes the closing act more believable, but by then I found myself wondering what could have been.

I was not surprised to discover that the film was directed and the screenplay co-written by Harris. While he may have a passion for the material (is it a better book?), I think this movie would have benefitted from an outside eye/perspective.

I would still recommend this film, but it was not as strong as I had hoped it would be. The cast alone makes this a thumbs up.