Rating of
4/4
#18 is at the OK Corral..........
Mr. B.K. Tinney - wrote on 05/08/09
This is not just another adaptation of the infamous gunfight that took place at the OK Corral featuring the likes of Wyatt Earp and his brothers along with Doc Holiday but rather an extremely entertaining version that makes it one of the best western films of the last quarter century. An All-Star cast led by Kurt Russell who plays the tough as nails lawman Earp and Val Kilmer who really shines as the very ill yet deadly gun slinging Holiday; this old west action adventure has you wanting more even at the pictures' end. Sam Elliott, who fits this genre like no other and Bill Paxton both turn in solid roles as the two Earp brothers that Wyatt convinces to join him with their families to start anew in the prospering town of Tombstone. Almost immediately there is trouble due to the criminal escapades of a gang who call themselves "Cowboys" and as expected it is up to the Earp's to bring law back to the town. Micheal Biehn, Powers Boothe, Thomas Hayden Church and Micheal Rooker turn in great performances as part of the gang and the film also stars Billy Zane, Dana Delany and Jason Priestley. Veteran Western greats Charlton Heston and Harry Carey Jr also appear and Robert Mitchum even brings flair as the movies' narrator. The cinematography is fantastic throughout, costumes remarkable and the direction by George P. Cosmatos was equally impressive but it is the triumphs of the leads- particularly Kilmer that really brings the movie home. I really enjoyed this western.
