Westerns > Z Westerns

Advantages: Classic western, great cast, good plot, some powerful performances.
Disadvantages: Black and white, but it does fit with the film.

High Noon is a classic Western which was filmed in Black and White, and released in 1952, prior to the spaghetti westerns of the late 1960's which had their own style and sense of realism. High Noon follows the tried and tested formula of good overcoming evil with the hero getting the girl and, despite it's old fashioned themes, has retained an innocent charm. Being released in 1952, the year I was born, it is a film that I have watched many times. ...
...and even the theme music High Noon has class. The theme tune with the words 'Do not forsake me oh my darling, On this our Wedding day' is well known, especially to people of my generation. Sung by Tex Ritter it outlines the basic plot of the film and lead to similar themes tunes and songs being used in later films. The song tells the viewer and Marshall Will Kane's wife that he cannot leave and get on with the rest of his life until he has proved ... Read review

Advantages: Cracking Western
Disadvantages: ..

I loved this film. I've not seen a good western in a long time and it is about time we saw some more. You can't beat some good guy - bad guy action, smith 'n' westerns, lucky hats and obedient horses. This film is about a infamous criminal (Russel Crowe) being transported to justice (the train to yuma) by a honest rancher (ex -army -sharpshooter -Christian Bale) just trying to earn a little extra cash to keep a hold of his land and gain the respect ...
...for any man as russel crowe's gang of theiving crooks are hot on the sheriffs tail attempting to save their leader from the strong arm of the law. Russel Crowe plays an incredable part in this film. Not only is he a lier, theif and killer he also respects Christian Bale for his actions through-out the film. Thus making his role in the film more admirable. Christian Bale's character has much to be admired. He obides by the law and general good will. ... Read review

Advantages: Daft and some funny bits
Disadvantages: weak plot, very bad acting from Arnie

Cactus Jack is one of my hubbies favourite films so when he saw it on DVD he had to buy it and I ended up having to sit through it. THE FILM The film is about Cactus Jack Slade (Kirk Douglas) who is a highway man and has a trusty horse called Whisky. He tries to rob the bank in the small town of Snakes End but he is not successful in doing so and ends up being placed in the towns prison. When he is in prison he gets a visit from the owner of the ...
...and soon behind them is Cactus jack who is trying to steel the money for the owner of the bank. All does not go to plan for Cactus Jack and he is soon consulting his bad mans handbook and trying his next hair brained scheme. Will Cactus Jack be able to steel the money and will Handsome Stranger finally give Charming what she is not so discretely after? MY OPINION I was not all impressed with the film after my hubby had told me how good and funny ... Read review

Advantages: good actors
Disadvantages: if anything a bit too short

Story The story is about the infamous outlaw Ben Wade(Russell Crowe) and the injured civil war veteran Dan Evans(Christian Bale).Dan Evans is struggling to survive on his drought-plauged ranch and needs money, so when he hears that Ben Wade needs escorting to the 310 to yuma Evans offers to go for the money.But it is not an easy jouney and Wade's cold-blooded gang is soon in hot pursuit.What was meant to be an easy odd-job soon becomes a violent ...
...spectacular modern western comes from the director of walk the line James Mangold My opinion I think that this film is a must buy and as a lover of westerns myself i have to say that this is superb.Christian Bale and Russell Crowe work well together and they alone make this film worth while. It is action packed from start to finish and will leave you begging for more. Other opinions "Tough,tense,thrilling.Crowe and Bale are superb" (Daily star) ... Read review

Advantages: Committed performances and capable direction with some decent action.
Disadvantages: We've seen it all before and Crowe isn't at his best.

Dan Evans is an honest man working as a farmer in the Old West, whose lifetime of abiding by the rules has left him precious little to show for it. When notorious outlaw Ben Wade is captured nearby, Dan volunteers to join the posse taking Wade to the next town and the train to the prison at Yuma. But even in chains Wade is a serious threat. Under his charming exterior lies a cold-hearted predator able to identify and exploit even the slightest weakness. ...
...with the intention of wiping out the posse and springing Wade. "Walk the Line" director James Mangold makes a decent fist of this solid yet entirely unnecessary remake of the western. All the elements are in place; the top drawer cast, the authentic looking locations, some decent action and a handful of gunfights. But ultimately there's some spark missing that prevents this from being a truly memorable oater. Perhaps it is Mangold's unassuming directorial ... Read review