Stagecoach (1986)

The original 'Stagecoach' from 1939 is to me a timeless classic and one of the finest westerns ever made. The 1966 film was a fair one, very much inferior and uneven and one questions the point of it but at the same time it had several big pluses to make it watchable.Admittedly, when hearing of this 1986 film expectations were very low. As talented as these country and western stars are, the whole concept just screamed of one big gimmick that could easily have gone disastrously wrong. That it had a limited budget too further added to the intrepidation, which had potential to severely diminish the western atmosphere, which ideally should have excitement and tension which was likely not to happen with low-budget.Seeing it, and judging it on its own merits, 'Stagecoach' (1986) turned out to be not as bad as expected with some serviceable things. As feared though, it is even more uneven than the 1966 version, has more (and bigger) flaws, it is a little gimmicky somewhat and even on its own merits many people (myself included) are likely to question the point of it or find any reason for it to be made in the first place.Certainly, there are some good things. Things do pick up in the second half, where the pace is given a sharper kick and more happens while the build up to the climax and the climax itself are exciting and suspenseful. The soundtrack is infectious and a lot of fun, while the costumes suit the western genre well. Some of the performances are good. Anthony Newley clearly is enjoying himself in his brief appearance, while Tony Franciosa does his nervous act well, John Schneider is handsome and charismatic enough, Mary Crosby allures and Kris Kristofferson while not as charismatic as John Wayne has far more presence and likability (also appropriately stoic) than the wooden and vacuous Alex Cord.However, Johnny Cash is somewhat stiff while both Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings look uncomfortable, Jennings actually looks as though he didn't want to be there and Nelson clearly had no idea how to portray the character. Elizabeth Ashley looks pained throughout too, exposing a limited acting ability, lack of experience and lack of connection with her character (which is admittedly not an interesting one in the first place).Furthering hindering the film are in particular a long-winded and drawn-out script that veers on the preachy at times. The direction is pedestrian, aimless even in the first half and failing to inject any urgency until late into the film. The story lacks the fun and tension of especially the 1939 film, and lacks the necessary grit too making everything feel bland. It also really struggles to come to life in the first half, although improving in the climax and its build up. The limitations in budget hurt 'Stagecoach' (1986) also, with a choppy and drab look that was crying out for more majestic sweep and the production design looking like it was constructed in haste. This is sad because the scenery is actually quite nice.On the whole, definitely could have been much worse but just didn't see the point. Interesting to see so many country and western stars together, who are very talented at what they do in their own way, but some fare significantly better than others while others flounder. 4/10 Bethany Cox

While watching this film, I was really wanting to enjoy the experience. All my favorite country singers were assembled into a cast that would make any fan of music quiver with anticipation. But soon into the film it was obvious that the quiver turned into shivers as most of the acting was low-quality.The idea for the story was actually a nice idea. But what was missing was someone that could write a teleplay that would bring the idea to life and make the story interesting. In this movie, nothing seemed to gel. The writing was weak and the words delivered by people that really were not actors.Johnny Cash, who is one of my all time favorite singers, was stiff as a board and seemed to be reading the lines with little, if any, emotion. Willie Nelson was nearly shameful playing Doc Holliday and having him deliver a baby was absolutely embarrassing and painful to watch. Throw in Waylon Jennings that seemed mortified to be on camera and you have a cast that brings nothing to the table. With the weak script and the poor acting- this movie never had a chance.I will credit Kris Kristofferson, John Schneider and Elizabeth Ashley with their acting ability as they are the bright spots in this dismal cast. Even Anthony Newley and Mary Crosby did a nice job with their character but it was not enough to help the unfortunate situation.It was a movie I so wanted to enjoy but felt uncomfortable the entire time. Not sure anything could have helped this troubled project.

Well, Old Tucson is one of my favorite places on earth, and Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Kris K are classics in their own right. June Carter is fun, too. The track sounds like The Highwayman. John Ford Aside, this is just pure fun. The Sonoran Desert Looks great and there are some fun lines.. "What's an ovary?" "Near as I can tell it's part of their machinery." "Are you saying that you win by dishonest means?" "No Ma'am. I win by any means available." Westerns may have lost some maturity as time has gone by but this is still enjoyable. Anyone who likes westerns and music will enjoy this. It's a treat simply to see some of these favorites in their prime and playing off each other, having a great time.

Great Movie (of course I'm bias) the show was produced at a perfect time. The Cast; Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings's, Willie Nelson and company were legends of country music, were brought together by Jack Thompson to remake the original John Ford/John Wayne Classic for television. It received the highest ratings for its time slot when it first aired in 1986.