Appaloosa (2008)

Appaloosa is a classical western in a modern suit. It seems like Ed Harris wanted to show the world that he could make a real good traditional western and that some producers, directors and casters have missed out not giving him the main part in such a movie. And right he did, also asking his favorite actors to join in, and Harris himself is shining. Seems like they had a lot of fun.The main subject in Appaloosa, besides the classical struggle between good and evil, is trust and betrayal in human relations. There are of course good guys and girls and the bad one's, but in this story none of the characters really seem to be either, except for one or two perhaps. So in the end, the only good guy gets to put and end to what ever is wrong or evil. If there's a moral, that's all there is to it.I'm writing this after watching the film for the third time, and I seem to forget how it goes and ends every time. I suppose that makes it quite a good film with a subtle story about love and hate, trust and betrayal.

"Appaloosa" is a good, fast-paced western. And while the movie is about two hours long, it doesn't seem like a long movie at all because the story is interesting and captivating.The story is about marshall Virgil Cole and deputy Everett Hitch who has come to Appaloosa to uphold the law and to investigate the disappearance of the former marshall and deputy.Usually westerns have a tendency to be full of clichés, but I didn't really think that to be the case in "Appaloosa". And director Ed Harris managed to put together an entertaining movie with a solid and proper storyline.The cast in the movie was quite good, and Viggo Mortensen and Ed Harris were both doing amazing jobs in "Appaloosa". But also impressively was Jeremy Irons; his usual overacting and dramatizations wasn't there, and he put on one of his best performances of his career. And there was a great appearance by Lance Henriksen.It should also be said that the atmosphere and mood of "Appaloosa" was really good, and it was like you were actually there in the gritty, dusty old west.If you enjoy westerns, then you should most definitely watch "Appaloosa".

In 2008's "Appaloosa" two itinerate lawmen -- Virgil Cole (Ed Harris) and Everett Hitch (Viggo Mortensen) -- are hired to protect the New Mexican town of Appaloosa from Randall Bragg (Jeremy Irons), a newly-arrived rancher with money and a gang of thugs who arrogantly murdered three local lawmen. Virgil and Everett are seasoned professionals and have no fear. Meanwhile, a cute and seemingly refined widow comes to town, Allison French (Renée Zellweger), and Virgil falls hard for her, but is she worthy of his (or any man's) devotion? Harris and Mortensen were born to play Westerners and Zellweger is exquisite as the insecure babe who always needs to be desired. Moreover, Irons makes for a first-rate Western villain."Appaloosa" is a really good modern Western featuring the typical Western staples, but with great actors, mature themes and a totally realistic tone. When the action comes it's swift and brutal, but there's a lot of slow (albeit interesting) drama, so stay away if you have ADHD and require an explosion every five minutes to maintain your limited attention span.The film runs 115 minutes and was shot in New Mexico.GRADE: A-

I found this movie a reasonable enjoyable western, with the usual cliques. A well made film. Fine sets and i was very impressed with the authenticity of the costumes and weapons. My only criticism was the roles played by Mortensen and Irons.Both very fine actors, but this was a buffer for both of them. Viggo Mortensen did not to me come across as a tough guy lawman. I thought Lance Henrickson would have been more suited. When i saw on the credits that Jeremy Irons was to play the bad guy, i thought again another English Actor playing the villain. A bit like Michael Gambon in Open Range, which was a better movie and played by veteran Western Actors, Robert Duvall and Kevin Costner.The problem with Irons was he was playing an American character, but sometimes you could hear his English accent coming through. Ed Harris was flawless. I was impressed by the fact this was his first Western. Not a bad movie, but i was disappointed with Viggo Mortensen and Jeremy Irons, especially as i am a fan of their works. For something to watch for a Saturday evening it is fine, but don't expect a classic.