APPALOOSA (2008)

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"Feelings Get You Killed"

This is Ed Harris' second directing gig and though it's not as spectacular as Pollock, APPALOOSA is certainly bound to become a favorite among the fans of western genre. I really thought this would be... in the same level as Tombstone but I was mistaken. People who expect lots of gunfights are gettin' their hopes up because even though it does show some smooth handling of the fire arms, the movie is more about the characters and what will make people like it is the dialogue and the conversation and the bits and pieces but frequent humor that happens along the way.

It's always good to see amazing actors come together for a pretty good project. I wouldn't say this is awesome because at the end of the film, you'll feel satisfied but not even close to being in awe.

The story basically centers around two old friends, a U.S Marshall true to his duty and a deputy who's a loyal friend. A woman comes to town and she doesn't necessarily act like a Yoko Ono and messes with their friendship, she just becomes the reason for the Marshall to rethink his life and how he wants to live the rest of it.

Ed Harris gives a certain elegance to his performance as a Veteran lawman who doesn't know quite yet how to treat a woman but would definitely give it a try, he'd even be willing to take care of his woman even after she cheats on him. He's not sick and tired of his job, he's not afraid to die, but he does consider the alternative, the part of settling down. Viggo Mortensen plays the sidekick who always comes up with funny smart-ass remarks, if you say something, he'll be sure make a comeback and you'll laugh at some of the things he says. He's like Doc Holiday without the sickness and the urge to drink alcohol. I like Viggo's stance as he's about to shoot his target, it's like a swordsman stance. His character and Ed Harris' character compliment each other because he would make up for what the Marshall lacks in vocabulary. They're like the cowboy versions of Lennon and McCartney.

Renee Zelweeger in this movie has the weirdest lookin' smile. Maybe it's just my eyes but it looks like she either forces her smile or she just got botox the other day so she couldn't smile just quite right. She plays a woman who captures the Marshall's heart, the problem is she is very insecure, so afraid of not having any man and money that she would just follow anybody who'd give her food, nice clothes, and nice roof over her head. She claims she's not a whore but she sure acts like one. The great Jeremy Irons is the bad guy, as most of his roles in his previous movies. I'm assuming his peculiar voice kinda typecasts him into playing that same type of character again and again, which is a bit sad since he was an Oscar winner at one time in history.

As a western movie, I think APPALOOSA does a fine job of including all the elements necessary. The landscape, the costume, the attitude. I like how it shows the concept of revenge which is an important factor when it comes to Western movies, if you harm somebody either by gunning him down or testifying against him, you best be ridin' as fast as you can to the ends of the hearth because the law eye for an eye comes into play and if you don't disappear, a friend of the victim might lay down his vengeance on you the old fashion way.

3:10 to Yuma was more of an entertainment with just about enough portion for moral aspect and the interaction between Christian Bale and Russell Crowe's characters. Whereas APPALOOSA, on the other hand is more about moral aspect and interaction between the characters and only just about enough portion for entertainment. What does it mean to be a lawman? Remember, in that world, feelings get you killed.