Iffy for 15+
Old-fashioned Western features great performances.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this film is a classic Western -- full of gunfights, close-quarters shootings, and other violent acts. Although the violence is mostly bloodless, it's quite realistic: You clearly see its consequences in every action scene. There's also a complex depiction of the choices that a female character makes regarding her lovers that at least partially depicts the limited choices available to women in 1882. Characters also smoke, drink, swear, and talk about "whoring," and there's brief rear female nudity.
- Families can talk about the film's central idea: What happens when lawbreakers become lawmakers? Is there a difference between state-sanctioned killing in the name of order and murder in the name of greed and expediency? Families can also discuss the enduring popularity of the Western genre. Are these movies a chance to re-discover America's past, or a chance to re-invent it through fiction?
The good stuff
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Messages: Extensive discussion of the battle between the rule of law and lawbreakers, the settling of the West (including "dealing" with Native American populations), and the nature of violence and the cost it exacts.
What to watch for
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Violence: Fairly extensive, including discussions of rape and murder; many on-screen deaths from firearms (including several seen up close); fighting; scuffles; discussion of "gun work" as a profession; discussion of hanging as a punishment for capital crimes; characters being bound and threatened.
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Sex: Discussions of whoring; scenes of lovers in bed talking; some female rear nudity (briefly and at a distance). Some kissing.
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Language: Occasional strong language includes "damn," "hell," "f--k," "s--t," "piss," and "goddamn." Some discussion of sexual conduct as being "whorish." Native Americans are referred to as Indians.
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Consumerism: Some period firearms are mentioned by name.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Characters drink wine, beer, and hard liquor, occasionally to excess; cigars, cigarettes, and pipes are smoked.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
APPALOOSA should rope in westem-film fans. GRADE: SOLID B by MOVIES REVIEWER
New Line Cinema's APPALOOSA is a 114-minutes movie-adaptation of Robert B. Parker's 2005 novel - directed/produced/starred/co-screenwritten by Ed Harris.
Major themes explored were friendship, justice/revenge/vengeance, honor/betrayal, and sacrifice.
However, do not expect cowboys. Appaloosa is about the friendship/relationship between two for-hire lawmen Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch (Ed Harris and Viggo Mortensen) in a lawless 1880's town named Appaloosa.
In the movie, their characters evolve and develop due to an adversary, Randall Bragg, and especially with the arrival of the fetching seductive Mrs. Allie French (Renee Zellweger).
Tight plot, skilled editing/directing trumped average cinematography - opportunities to showcase the gorgeous - albeit bleak - landscapes were unexploited.
Period authenticity is first-rate - glass windows, furnishings, etc.
Verdict:
Wonderful chemistry/interactions between Ed and Viggo (both SUPERB!)
Renee's performance was average.
4
Appaloosa-Authenic, a Real Western by Jasnyder56
If you are a western movie fan, then you are always ready for a NEW movie. This movie is directed and filmed very well. Not being a Hollywood action packed stereo type is to it's credit. This movie is extremely historically correct and authenic. Much care and attention to detail in this area is made from the extruded glass windows in buildings to how gun fights in the dirt streets of town were actually done. The acting is excellent and captures an authenic glimmer into the social culture and tone of the short lived American Western Frontier.
I recomend this movie to anyone that likes a real western movie.I t might not make an academy award, but does suggest a new standard in western movies. Kids mignt get bored, but to an educated mind it is worth seeing again on DVD. I plan to do so and catch all that I missed at the IMAX.
5
Appaloosa by sunnyfin1
Reviews have been sketchy for this flick, but I found it very entertaining as a western buff with accurate costuming, sets, the prevailing wind through the plains town, and the hesitating conversations, typical of true cowboys. They speak only if spoken to or if they want to say something..then it's short and sweet. The male duo was middle-aged and longed for something stable, but kept doing their thing...killing for hire under the star of a marshal. The vixen was well-cast even though critics say not. She appeared to be sincere, but was willing to do anything to be noticed and "loved." I lived in the badlands of Montana and on the high plains of Wyoming. Appaloosa was right on the money, so to speak, in portraying life in western territories before statehood. The town council of Appaloosa sadly allowed the acquitted murderer to take over, indicative of society throughout time. Most missed, I'm sure, the vixen's wrong notes in her piano playing! That was a hoot!
5
A great western for grownups that care about authenticity! by nicksinclair
Made from the book by Robert B. Parker, creator of Spencer for Hire, you know in advance you're getting a good story underlying the script.
As a critical viewer of Westerns I cannot find any fault with this effort! Many reviewers have commented negatively on Renee Zellwinger's role, however given the actual depth and importance to the story of the part she played, I consider she did well. Her make-up was unappealing, probably to reduce her natural charm in order to convey her sense of desperation at being the "aging beauty" stranded in the West.
The rest of the acting was excellent, photography was first rate and the little additions that add to the feel were fabulous. Ox carts in tthe street, for example ....horse work was marvelous....believable gun fights....meaningful dialogue.
Much, much better than 3:10 to Yuma in every way, though not at Unforgiven level.
Go treat yourself to this on the big screen, it is well worth it.
4
Appaloosa by Lcochran13
Good Western movie but not quite enough conflict or tension generated between the primary characters to make it a great western movie. Not in the class of Unforgiven. Ed Harris is solid as the lead. Viggo Mortensen is very good as a trusted sidekick/partner. Renée Zellweger is interesting in the role of a flawed love interest and Jeremy Irons is great as the heavy-weight bad guy until his turnaround from long-time bad guy to town leader without any apparent effort seemed contrived. All in all a good time but then isn't almost any western movie - but not in the category of clssic western.
4
good classic western by mshin
This isn't your modernized version of a western like 3:10 to Yuma, nor the pretentious kind like assasination of Jesse James nor is it a story that deals with unusual sensitive topics like Brokeback Mountain. No, this is your Grandfathers version of how the west really was back in the day. The story was well done and intentionally slow paced. The action is smooth and deliberate (so don't expect you would see much action from it), the chemistry between the 2 cowboys is honor and the Code of the West.
2
WTF by want_fries with that
I went there to see a Westeren and saw a love story and a not very good one at that. Should have waited till it came out on DVD..
4
Appaloosa by kma1757
For western buffs, and especially for those familiar with Robert Parkers style of story telling, this is an enjoyable shoot 'um up. The characters are simple and straight forward. Not a lot of flashy talk, just bravado where needed and deadly action when the final line is crossed.
Not as much action as 3:10 to Yuma but probably more realistic.
4
Great Story With Fantastic Actors by MrsMomRN
I really enjoyed this movie. I am not typically a western fan but I love Viggio and would see anything he is in. Ed Harris, Viggio, and Jeremy Irons are great is this movie. This movie had a great story line as well as suspense and action which to me, makes a complete movie. Renee Zellweger was good but you couldn't help but not like her character. I highly recommend this movie.
1
Poor acting and slo***w story by needspeed
I can wrap up this movie in two words...DONT GO! I think that my boys and myself could sit around and make up a better western story if we stole little pieces from every other western like this one tried to. The timeline is erratic and moves either way to fast or at worst way to slow. Renee Zewelger is heinous in here role as a widow whore that pretends not to be but will give it up to anyone that looks her way. Ed Harris' role as the tought guy marshall was over acted. The best performance was by Vigo Mortensen and it was average at best.Dont waste your money.