Directors: Michael Feifer
Actors: Val Kilmer, Shawn Roberts, Matt Dallas, Daniel Booko, Scott Whyte, Trace Adkins
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Distributed by: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: March 6, 2012
Running Time: 93 minutes
Film: 2 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1 out of 5 stars
When it comes to Westerns, the topic of Wyatt Earp is one of the most well-known. Although, this one lacks the real Western feel. If you are watching this primarily due tot the draw of Val Kilmer and Trace Adkins, like me, you will be disappointed as they have extremely small roles. Val Kilmer plays old and fat Wyatt Earp, with one of the worst fake mustaches in movie history. He tells the story, which leads to the flashback where the film takes place. Trace Adkins was in it so briefly I blinked almost missed him. Maybe it was a bad idea for me to watch this film the same day as the Clint Eastwood classic “Unforgiven”, only made it look that much worse.
The film is based off the true story recounted from legendary lawman, Earp, as he tells how he formed the best group of men to avenge the vicious murder of his love, Dora. The “best of the west” group was formed of Bat Masterson, Charlie Bassett, Bill Tilghman and Doc Holliday. The group heads after the Kenedy brothers, who are protected by their powerful father and are untouchable by the law. Of course they find out how far Earp and his posse will go to get revenge.
If you are looking special features, this will only disappoint you more. Since there is only one mega brief behind the scenes extra. “Riding Along with Wyatt Earp” runs a mere three minutes and includes on behind the scenes look and interviews with cast/crew. Overall it is too short and leaves you unsatisfied just like the film does.
Sorry to hear the film disappointed you; it would be nice to hear what you consider to be its POSITIVE qualities too. Nevertheless, thanks for reviewing!
This film shows Dodge City, circa 1878, as an under-populated town of brand-new, dust-free buildings. Worse yet is that Dodge City is shown as a town nestled in a mountain valley. Having grown up near Dodge, I can honestly declare the absence of mountains in Ford Co., KS. On a clear day you can see grain elevators in the distance. The nearest mountains are the Rockies, several hours (via automobile) to the west. Accurate scenery would show wind-blown buffalo grass, cottonwood trees (near creeks and rivers) and plenty of tumbleweeds.
I thought Matt Dallas and Scott Whyte were stand outs loved their looks and both so handsome and I love Scott’s new song at the end of the film..
For Tombstone fans, you have to keep in mind the vision of the story and what this film is trying to portray, or rather, correct. If you’re paying attention to the vastly successful Tombstone, it is an interesting contrast. If you are looking at the film thinking it’s going to be a Tombstone2 like film it doesn’t work. I am a big Tombstone fan, probably seen it a hundred times, however, the storyline and drama of this film is 100 times better. The cinematography and the acting is lackluster( excluding Val), but the story is amazing. That is why I enjoyed this film. I give it 4 out of 5 stars because the script is simply awesome, there are so many ways to make this film better. I’d say if this film was done big budget, it would be a classic. On a side note, Val’s roll as Doc Holiday in Tombstone will always be remembered. I believe he saw this script or contributed to it to set the record straight, but political or Hollywood or whatever circumstance has gotten in his way. He is a truly gifted actor and visionary and that can’t be taken away from him. If Hollywood would’ve given him the backing on this film,,,,,,,,,well, like I said, it would have been a classic like Tombstone because the script is gorgeous and shows many opportunities to make it a great movie.