The Wild Wild West was a Western TV series set in the 1860's. The series aired for a total of four seasons from 1965 to 1969. It told the story of two characters Jim West and Artemis Gordon, played by Robert Conrad and Ross Martin respectively although these were no run of the mail cowboys. ... Read review
Wild Wild West, directed by Barry Sonnenfeld (Men in Black, Get Shorty), was one of the ... more
box-office smashes of the summer of 1999 but was raked by critics and embraced by audiences. Based on the 1960s TV adventure show that starred Robert Conrad, this f...
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Wild Wild West, directed by Barry Sonnenfeld (Men in Black, Get Shorty), was one of the ... more
box-office smashes of the summer of 1999 but was raked by critics and embraced by audiences. Based on the 1960s TV adventure show that starred Robert Conrad, this f...
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If you think special government agent James West is fast with a six shooter wait until he ... more
lays a quip on you! Megahit star Will Smith plays West re-uniting with Men In Black director Barry Sonnenfield in an effects-loaded shoot-from-the-lip spectacu...
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If you think special government agent James West is fast with a six-shooter, wait until he ... more
lays a quip on you! Megahit star Will Smith plays West, reuniting with 'Men In Black' director Barry Sonnenfeld in an effects-loaded, shoot-from-the lip spectacu...
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America's frontier and pioneer days have given rise to its most enduring legends. An era ... more
celebrated by pulp novels and Hollywood blockbusters alike, it has created its own myths of sheriffs, gunslingers, outlaws, cowboys and native 'Indians'. This acclaimed drama-documentary series re-evaluates three of the best-known tales of the West, uncovering secrets and revealing twists more gripping and exciting than fiction could ever dream up..Custer's Last Stand:General George Armstrong Custer's death at the Battle of Little Bighorn 1876 has given rise to a hundred myths. Was he killed by lance, arrow, tomahawk or bullet? Was he the first or last to die? Presenting a radical new picture of the battle, this film tells the story of a driven man with dark secrets and fatal rivalries.Billy The Kid:Escapologist, lover, joker, father, charmer - everyone loved Billy, but by the time William Bonney died at the age of 21, he had killed at least six men. Drawing from letters and official records, this film reveals an amazing truth and why the Wild West's most infamous son may yet receive a pardon.The Gunfight At The Ok Corral:The gunfight at the OK Corral made Wyatt Earp a great American hero. But, was Earp a villain or a hero? This film recreates the 30 seconds of mayhem that have become so synonymous with the Wild West and the simmering resentments of the 24 hours that led up to it.
Production Year: 1994 - Action/Adventure - Director: Luis Llosa - Original Language: English - Classification: 18 years and over - Starring:Sharon Stone, Sylvester Stallone, James Woods, Rod Steiger, Eric Roberts
Production Year: 2002 - Action/Adventure - Director: Vincenzo Natali - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring:Lucy Liu, David Hewlett, Anne Marie Scheffler, Joseph Scoren, Matthew Sharp, Jeremy Northam
Production Year: 1964 - Action/Adventure - Director: Cyril Endfield - Original Language: English - Classification: Parental Guidance - Starring:Stanley Baker, Jack Hawkins, Ulla Jacobsson, James Booth, Michael Caine, Nigel Green
Advantages: Get back to you on this!!! Disadvantages: Anywhere between the beginning and end!
The Wild Wild West was a Western TV series set in the 1860's. The series aired for a total of four seasons from 1965 to 1969. It told the story of two characters Jim West and Artemis Gordon, played by Robert Conrad and Ross Martin respectively although these were no run of the mail cowboys. These two were slightly different, the reason for this because the writers wanted a new angle to scope the show with, at the time the spy-genre was at its peak ... ...and the outcome was The Wild Wild West. Like all good TV series there was always a reoccurring villain, in this case it was a character called Miguelito Loveless, a dwarf whose only intention was to conquer the world, played memorably by Michael Dunn.
After a successful run on TV, two reunion specials were made in 1979 and 1980, titled The Wild Wild West Revisited and More Wild Wild West respectively these stories expanded the legacy ... more
The Wild Wild West was a Western TV series set in the 1860's. The series aired for a total of four seasons from 1965 to 1969. It told the story of two characters Jim West and Artemis Gordon, played by Robert Conrad and Ross Martin respectively although these were no run of the mail cowboys. These two were slightly different, the reason for this because the writers wanted a new angle to scope the show with, at the time the spy-genre was at its peak in the cinema with James Bond and on the TV with The Man from Uncle. In actual fact they were employed by the American Government as the first Secret Agents in history in a new Department that President Grant had created. So the decision was made to blend the two genres of Western with that of Spy and the outcome was The Wild Wild West. Like all good TV series there was always a reoccurring villain, in this case it was a character called Miguelito Loveless, a dwarf whose only intention was to conquer the world, played memorably by Michael Dunn.
After a successful run on TV, two reunion specials were made in 1979 and 1980, titled The Wild Wild West Revisited and More Wild Wild West respectively these stories expanded the legacy further. So with the trend at the end of the 90's in remaking TV series into a cinematic release The Wild Wild West was a strong candidate with a strong background and a high standard.
Released in 1999 the film takes us back to the very beginning of the West/Gordon partnership as the characters meet and get to know each other when they are assigned their first mission together. The film employs some trademarks of the series by having an updated version of the opening title credits as well as the use of a steam train as the preferred method of transport which looks good on screen.
Although the characters names were kept the same, the actor who played James West was controversial to say the least. Actor Will Smith played West, personally I felt this was a piece of tasteless miscasting, bearing in mind the attitude towards black people at this time in history, it makes watching this film in some places quite uncomfortable to actually watch.
Also like other period piece films, it tends to ignore what was happening in America at that time in history and re-writes history to suit the script; this just shows a level of ignorance that has been employed by the script writers. There are also a number of 'Smithisms' that moves the gravity away from the buddy movie it was supposed to be, firstly the soundtrack contains a Will Smith song and secondly the role of Gordon is not an equal but a supporting role.
Will Smith plays the main character in the film as Will Smith usually does. You get the idea that he doesn't like the idea of having to share the bill with someone else and has the best lines when compared to Kline who seems to be there just as comic relief due to his wackiness and eccentricity as an inventor, West is the complete flipside of Gordon, West is the loner and adventurer who at first id reluctant to team up with someone who is obviously his equal. It just seems that Smith is playing West in the same way as every other character he has portrayed, even going to the extent of wearing sunglasses while riding his horse.
Artemis Gordon is played by Kevin Kline who has really gone off on a tangent with how he fills the role. He is competitive with a large ego and seems to have invented a number of gadgets before the people we know as the inventors, such as an early flying machine and bullet proof vests. The character has the Kline method of acting applied to it and although enjoyable to watch for the first hour can get a bit tedious by the end of the film as he is competing to grab attention throughout as you can see Kline perform small movements that distract the eye away from Smith.
The film also over uses computer generated effects to an extent that you feel the actors were never outside a studio. In some places they are used to good effect, but in others are tending to distract the viewer from what is happening. For example Kenneth Brannagh plays the villain, Arliss Lovelace. Slight name change from the TV series, this time round instead of being a dwarf the character has no legs. So Brannagh's legs have been CGI'd out, so he plays a double amputee. Brannagh plays Loveless as more of a pantomime character than someone who wants to conquer the world while acting in a totally over the top manner. For starters his intention is to put America back into a Civil War, by playing Americans off against each other, a lacklustre plot to begin with at best. It's not that I didn't like Brannagh in the part, but he just isn't right, if the part was played in a similar way to that of the TV show I think it would have had a lot more gravity to it and more interesting to boot.
Direction by Barry Sonnenfield overall is good and does catch the feeling of the Wild West in general as the angles used are basivc and not at all arty in any manner. Sonnenfield had also directed the Men in Black films as well, so having Will Smith in this film is someone who he would be used to working with. Again the amount of computerised effects that he has placed is far too extreme as there is hardly any scene that doesn't contain some sort of effect to alter reality.
Producer Jon Peters has had his fingers in a lot of pies in the past and has the image within Hollywood of being somewhat of a jinx. He was involved with the Nicholas Cage version of Superman, any film that he is involved in usually has some sort of major merchandising campaign behind it. The trouble is that he ensures that the script has these caveats in it, the inclusion in the Superman film was that Metropolis would be overrun by a giant Spider with a number of sub-characters that a range of action figures could be made from.
Well guess what?
This film has a giant Spider and a various number of sub-characters throughout, and yes there was a major merchandising campaign involving a range of action figures. Needless to say that Superman film didn't get made in the end and personally I wish this one hadn't. The trouble is that the film is very loosely based on the TV series and has been changed to such an extent that the magic has been lost and diluted in a major way that renders this film an "anyone could play these parts" type film rather "he played the part well".
In the TV series, West and Gordon were close buddies who worked together and had a great amount of respect for each other. Even though the screen versions are the same in name they bicker throughout the film in an attempt to out do each other and win the hand of the female lead, played by Salma Heyek. They just don't have the buddy/ buddy chemistry of say other films like Lethal Weapon and by the time the end credits appear you are kind of glad that the film has reached the end titles. In fact you are unsure as to whether the film is an action or a comedy movie as the story swings from one to another through the course of the film. Interestingly the original Jim West, Robert Conrad turned down the part of President Grant as he thought the script was poor and didn't respect the source of the original TV series. I the end Kline took on a second pasrt and played the role of the President as well as Gordon.
Overall I thought other than the obvious racial aspects of the film and the overuse of CGI throughout the film made the film rather dull and clichéd in parts and as someone who is a fan of the original series was disappointed with this completely. If you want to see a classic period adventure that is enjoyable to watch then get the DVD's of the TV series. If I had to say another film that I had to mention at the same level then it would be Ben Stiller's remake of Starsky and Hutch as the values and thinking with the script behind this and Wild Wild West has been completely abandoned for that of profit, something that this film didn't really make much off when it was released.
Advantages: good fun story, good acting Disadvantages: Bit far fetched at times
The Wild Wild West is set in 1869 in America. Will Smith plays the role of a special government agent, James West who is teamed up with Artemus Gordon, played by Kevin Kline. The two men do not see eye to eye as West does not like all of the fancy gadget and new inventions which Gordon uses, he is more into the good old fashioned ways. The pair are given a job of finding out where all of the Scientists have been kidnapped to and why they have been ... ...I am not really into Wild West type films, despite having to endure all of hubby’s john Wayne films! I have to say that I surprised by it. The storyline to the film was completely far fetched but I did manage to see past this and watch the film for what it was. I enjoyed how the film was more of a comedy than I was expecting it o be and this did make it better. I could not believe some of the things which the writer were able to get away with in ...
sewbizzie 31.07.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Wild Wild West (DVD)
Advantages: Some good fight choreography Disadvantages: Acting and script leave a lot to be desired, special effects are tired
...disappointing film of the year. Wild Wild West had great potential to be an awesome film. So, where did it go wrong?
The Plot
Captain Jim West and US Marshall Artemus Gordon are two of the most skilled gunslingers and trackers in the US. Trained on opposite sides of the law enforcement spectrum, they must team together in order to rescue the President from the clutches of an evil madman, who also happens to be an inventor with a thousand different ... ...scenery. The idea of a wild west with some futuristic inventions being used by a villain is a good one, and the idea flows through everyone with obvious good intentions. However, something goes wrong between paper and screen, and the film just does not click. The special effects appear too contrived and unrealistic, and some of the ideas are exacted onto the screen with a ridiculous air that makes just made me wonder why they would do this to themselves. ...
pmcds 26.02.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Wild Wild West (DVD)
Advantages: Reasonable Special effects Disadvantages: Plot, Acting
...wall without really trying 'Wild Wild West' the film is self-consciously trying to hard to recreate the 60's chic feel of the original.
On to the performances… as far as Will Smith goes he's one of those actor that you either like of hate and this is true of all his performances (except Ali!) since he ends up playing himself. Surprise, surprise in this we find him as a wisecracking, woman loving not too serious action hero that we are expected to ... ...rap with the theme song Wild Wild West…maybe I won't go there…
OVERALL
Like so many of these TV to film adaptations it just didn't work. Will Smith was just not right in the role of Jim West being more a 'Fresh Prince of the West' rather than Jim West. Kevin Kline almost got away with it as Jim's sidekick but the whole film was unconvincing. Too much emphasis was placed on the special effects and the gadgets, which looked far more impressive in ...
Mauri 31.08.2000 (26.01.2004)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Wild Wild West (DVD)
Advantages: good special effects Disadvantages: its a bit of a flop compared with his other releases
Could this film actually be any good? Could it live up to amount of advertising we had been tortured to? In a word, no. The plot, if you could call it that, involves the president of the United States, Ulysses Grant, teaming together two of his best agents. One is Artemus Gordon, a man who uses gadgets and science to capture the bad guys. The other is Jim West, a typical cowboy like guy, who would rather kick down doors and fire guns to get his man. ... ...everything has a Jules Verne look, a place where everything is powered by steam. Together these two agents mind find out why all of the countries experts on bombs, hydraulics and ironworks have been kidnapped. As if you hadn't of guessed, the two don't get on at all at the beginning of the movie. They both dislike the others style of work. But obviously by the end of the movie they'll be best of pals, just like nay other buddy cop movie. They discover ...
JamieMckeen 25.01.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Wild Wild West (DVD)
...and this is no exception. Wild Wild West is confusing because there really is no aim and no direction in the whole damn 100 minute running time, instead you get a whole heap of occasionally flashy special effects, usually mundane ones and horrific overacting aplenty hung on a hilariously bad script and a plot which goes literally nowhere. Basically, what you get is the 3 minute trailer stretched out over the entire running length. It was panned by ... ...Apparently the original show The Wild Wild West(the movie dropped the 'the' part) was camp, but charming and entertaining with lots of action guaranteed. The remake tries quite hard to appear camp but instead comes across as naff, doesn't have much action and what there is feels lacking in any real 'life' and is about as charming as a...well it ain't charming. Its easy to riddicule this movie, so I'll save your time and mine and stick to a few points: ...
wampyrii 24.01.2002
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Wild Wild West (DVD)
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Advantages: Fun-packed Wild West adventures Disadvantages: A shorter DVD compared to others out
for quite a while. But with all Bob the Builder products it's timeless, and always a source of enjoyment for children of all ages.
This DVD is a WildWest spectacular for your children to enjoy. This is a musical special with Bob the Builder and his crew heading to the WildWest. This is a fun-packed DVD with heaps of adventures! Bob and his team go hunting for a long lost treasure, and between campfires, gold mines and Cowboy action your children can't help but be enthralled and entertained.
Within this DVD new characters are introduced - you get to meet Rio the cowgirl and her horse that is called Dollar! Rio also has a pickup truck called Jackaroo and they join in with Bob the builders adventures. It's a far trek from Bobville for Bob and his crew, but it doesn't detract from any of the usual charm of the television series.
The DVD ...
- MEN IN BLACK
° Editing - Scene Editing Workshops
° Multiple Angles
° Art Gallery
° Filmographies
° Photo Gallery
° Web Links
• Available Audio Tracks: Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital Stereo
• Main Language: English
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Two agents working for the President Of The United States in 1869, are assigned the task of tracking down a doctor who is responsible for kidnapping a group of scientists and who plans to assassinate the President.
Release details
DVD Region
DVD
Studio(s)
WARNER HOME VIDEO; CINRAM LOGISTICS
Release date
21/02/2000
No of Discs
1
Catalogue No
D 017175
Barcode
7321900171755
Production Designer
Bo Welch
Screenwriter
S.S. Wilson, Brent Maddock, Peter S. Seaman, Jeffrey Price
Composer
Elmer Bernstein
Director of Photography
Michael Ballhaus, Barry Sonnenfeld, Stefan Czapsky
Interactive Menus, Theatrical Trailer, Scene Access, Documentaries, Will Smith And Enrique Iglesias Music Videos, Stills Gallery, Behind The Scenes Clips, Interactive Game, Web Events, Chat Room Access
Aspect Ratio
1.85 Wide Screen
Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1
Dubbing Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1 English
Professional reviews
Review
"...Crammed full of outrageous visual effects and careening camerawork that has made Barry Sonnenfeld justly famous..." (Sight and Sound, p.61, 01/09/1999)
DVD Description
Barry Sonnenfeld is reunited with his MEN IN BLACK star Will Smith in this gadget-soaked romp based (loosely) on the 1960s television show. WILD WILD WEST supplies many impressive visuals (thanks to brilliant production designer Bo Welch) and some hearty laughs. Will Smith is James West, a Civil War hero and U.S. marshal inclined to shoot first and ask questions later. His partner is the wacky inventor and pseudointellectual Artemus Gordon (Kevin Kline). The team is created when the world's leading scientists are kidnapped by a diabolical madman named Dr. Arliss Loveless (Kenneth Branagh), and President Ulysses S. Grant (also played by Kevin Kline) wants his two best men on the job. Loveless's machines have the creepy fun feeling of EDWARD SCISSORHANDS (Welch again)--many of them have a spider motif--and Artemus Gordon rivals him with his own fun inventions. An odd but enjoyable blend of science fiction and old-school Western, WILD WILD WEST is packed with cool images and slick action sequences.
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