Monte Walsh (2003)

Another top-notch movie for Selleck and the boys at TNT. I found myself smiling at so many of the genuinely silly and touching moments in here. Definitely more character driven than action-driven, but done perfectly. I have nothing bad to say about this movie, whatsoever. This is what movie-making is all about. As far as I'm concerned, Selleck should have a western in production all the time. I like him in other stuff, too, but since he's the main western actor right now, I'm really focused on them. Some favorite scenes were the section with the train workers and cowboys, and the fight in the bunk-house. Haha great stuff. As others have mentioned, there is a top-notch supporting cast here, which is just icing on the cake.

This re-make of the 1970 version is considered just as good, if not better, by a lot of people who have seen both. I've only seen this one.I found it much slower than many westerns but still almost as interesting. What I liked best, I think, was the cast. It fascinated me, especially being a regular viewer of the CSI shows. There are two actors whom I've gotten to know well from those shows and they have roles in here: George Eads having a major part while Rex Linn (?) is in a lesser role. Tom Selleck as "Monte Walsh" is a natural for these westerns. He, like Sam Elliott, has that rugged cowboy appearance that make him look genuine. Isabella Rossellini is past her exotic days but she's always interesting as are the following: Keith Carradine, William Devane, James Gammon, Barry Corbin and Wallace Shawn. Yup, this is a very deep and diverse cast.You also get one of the better directors doing this made-for-cable TV movie in Australian Simon Wincer, who directed "Lonesome Dove." Plus, the film is based on a book from perhaps the most famous western author of all- time: Louis L'Amour.The story is not an upbeat one, but not overly depressing despite the fact that few people are left by the end of the film. Despite that sad content and a film that many might consider a bit slow or too talky, this film has enough going for it to recommend.

'Monte Walsh' is not just a western or a cowboy movie. It's a movie about cowboys and that point make all the difference.In fact, 'Monte Walsh' tells a story that is universal in it's own theme; a story concerning the end of a time, the novelties of the beginning of the 20º century and the progressive death of a code of honor and a way of life.The movie is beautifully directed by Australian director Simon Wincer. Tom Selleck is perfect in the title role and the support cast is good too, especially Keith Carradine and William Devane.The only problem with the movie lies in some scenes, like the suicide of the veteran of the Civil War (in my opinion, a bit overacted) and the last scene, that brings a irony that sounds strange and dislocated with the rest.But after all, this movie is a really standout among the most recent western movies.

Better than a lot of westerns, but still there's really nothing there.I suppose the irony is that this "vanishing way of life" was really only around for about sixty years (ca 1850-1910). It really wasn't that well known east of Missouri outside the popular press, and isn't now outside the movies.If the western epitomizes the American experience, that's nice, but there have probably been more movie cowboys than there ever were working cowboys. Much more story than practicality. So, if the above is true, the end of the cowboy way of life is... unlamented, unheralded, and probably unnoticed except for a few.