Seems like we're getting back on an even keel with the rating viewings now. Quite liking the new pag...
Seems like we're getting back on an even keel with the rating viewings now. Quite liking the new pages in a way. Thanks for all your rates.
Member since:07.11.2005
Reviews:461
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In 1999, a good combination of cast and crew got together under the directing prowess of Barry Sonnenfeld to create what was possibility the most 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 toys to throw at the two heroes as they assail him in order to succeed in their mission.
The Cast and Performances
Will Smith heads what should have bee a good cast in this Western with a difference. He plays Jim West, who upholds the law in his own unique fashion as a desperado. The acting is mediochre, and he doesn't even really have anything to get his teeth into. Kevin Kline is his partner, Marshall Artemus Gordon. The actor is stifled throughout the film, the silent and deadly type not really him to be honest. Salma Hayek tries to add some spice but fails, but Kenneth Branagh as a villain is sufficiently menacing and realistic to be considered the better actor here.
The remainder of the cast support well, but in all honesty they are dealt a bad hand with a script that is just lacking in a bit of a kick.
My Opinion
It is plain to see the potential in this film. The plot is nearly there, as is the acting and the 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. It just did not work for me, and I think a lot of people feel the same. The film didn't do too well at the box office, and it is now considered Will Smith's worst film, let alone that of Kevin Kline and director Sonnenfeld. Kenneth Branagh, on the other hand, has some clangers under his belt before this, so he's used to it!
The film is not all bad. There are some pretty exciting chase scenes and some impressive fight choreography, but it is just not enough to make up for the below par script and acting performances. Unfortunately, I'm only giving this a 2 star rating, as that's what it deserves in my opinion.
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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...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
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...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
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...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
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...
![Wild Wild West (widescreen version) [DVD] [1999]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78551340.jpg "Wild Wild West (widescreen version) [DVD] [1999]")
Feb 26th, 2009
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