Review of Appaloosa (2008) by Thescarlatescu R — 25 Oct 2010

Appaloosa really is a send up to an old western style of film making. It's patient, really nice to look at, and features, silent, moody, silent brooding characters. And it showcases some old fashioned style of humor as well.

There is something about the story that falls a bit short somehow, but I think there is enough here that does work to keep it moving. Really these types of old westerns are all about the shootouts and the tension that both leads up to and precludes these complicated relationships. It has enough back and forth, messy relationship stuff to work with that it almost appears too complicated. But the chemistry between the leads works well enough, and the ending picks up from a sort of brooding first half.

I've seen this type of movie done better, but I've also seen it done worse. All in all, not bad for Harris behind the directors chair.