Rating: 
Summary: Three Hour Sermon, desperately in need of an Editor
Review: "Open Range", Kevin Costner's earnest paean to the Old West, is a movie that is so desperately crying out to be regarded as a Great Western Epic, so incessant in cinematically yelling "Look at me! Look at me!", so unwilling to trust the audience, that I was surprised Costner didn't include a little blonde kid yelling "Shane! Come back, Shane!" at the end of this indulgent, ponderous, plodding snorefest. Costner's heart is obviously in the right place, and it's evident that he intended "Open Range" as a salute to the great classic western movies and as a memorial to the passing of the Old West. But Costner should know by now that the best movie cowboys are laconic, silent, drifting types who shoot the bad guy and gallop into the sunset---not self-conscious weepy fellows who break into full-bore confession mode at the drop of a ten-gallon hat. Be warned: this is not your father's Western, this is Oprah's Western. Costner has used "Open Range" as an expansive pallette by which he has, subversively and possibly unwittingly, taken the traditional Old West tale and turned the entire genre on its head, with an insidious result. With that in mind, let's ride out, pardners: THE BASICS: Boss Spearman (played nicely by Robert Duvall) and his partner Charlie Waite (Kevin Costner, who, much like Woody Allen, enjoys directing himself) are cowboys who herd cattle and horses across the prairie. They are 'Open Rangers', men who let their livestock graze anywhere and don't pay for the privilege. This doesn't sit well with town magnate Denton Baxter (played with scene-chewing fury by Michael Gambon), who uses his toadies and henchmen to terrorize Spearman's team, killing one man, wounding another, and even shooting their dog. Someone's gotta pay! THE GOOD: Costner likes his Western settings, and for the most part he has a great eye for the exteriors, the landscapes: relatively new cinematographer Jimmy Muro captures some stellar long-shots of the high prairie that echoes the mindscape of its free-grazing wanderers. When "Open Range" works, it works in spades: the casual, friendly banter between the Open Rangers comes off as completely authentic, though I was sad we didn't get more of Abraham Benrubi(Mose), who reminded me of Dan Blocker's "Hoss" from 'Bonanza'. Robert Duvall's Boss Spearman is a fine, grizzled, well-developed character, and at this point in his career Duvall could act in his sleep. Costner is competent but, oddly, sleepwalks through his role, and talks to love-interest Annette Bening like he had just gotten off the confessional talk-show circuit. The gunfight woke me up, and was surprisingly visceral, realistic, and shocking. Gambon does a fine job as the Irish town boss and manages to out-Albert Finney Albert Finney. It's nice to know we'll be seeing more of him as Dumbledore in the "Harry Potter" series. And it's always nice to see more of the incomparable Michael Jeter (who plays the film's puckish hostler Percy), who died shortly after the film completed shooting. THE BAD: At just under three hours, the film is sleep-inducing. This is a good movie if you need to quickly excuse yourself: you can leave, go to the bathroom, get some popcorn, and come back without having missed much more than interminable dialogue. "Open Range" needed to say less, and do more. Annette Bening is competent and struggles with the thankless role she's given, though her character, and the ensuing romance with Costner, is completely unbelievable. Let's see---Bening's Sue Barlow has medical training, is a pretty woman, and lives in a fine house, and yet she has to apologize for being "too old" to woo Costner, a stinky drifter with violent hallucinations and no aim in life? THE UGLY: Apart from its snore-inducing pacing, "Open Range" manages to turn the Western on its head. When you think of good westerns (from Peckinpah to Ford to Huston to Eastwood), you get the loner, the individual whose integrity and fighting spirit propel him to avenge injustice and evil against nearly insurmountable odds. But "Open Range" is about four guys who graze their horses on someone else's property, which to my mind is illegal and shiftless. They get in trouble with the law, and come to town to settle a score. But wait---unlike Gary Cooper's lonesome sheriff in "High Noon", Costner and Duvall have plenty of allies, and have what feels like an hour to set up an ambush for the 'bad guys'---heck, they even have time to eat chocolate, chat up the townsfolk, and smoke cigars before the final confrontation! Worse yet, after Costner strides into the midst of the understandably panicked bad guys, sixguns blazing, the rest of the town gets in on the act (why?), chasing Gambon's henchmen around and executing them like Czarists in the 1916 Russian Revolution. As a result, Costner and Duvall and their allies actually *outnumber* the ostensible villains, which scuttles any suspense and is also pretty repulsive; far from being sympathetic, the fickle and vengeful townsfolk are some of the most horrifying creatures ever to appear in a western. MORAL OF THE STORY: If a cowboy strides up to you, gun in hand, and growls "are you the one who killed our friend", be certain you have your six-shooter out. With a good editor and about an hour cut from the film, "Open Range" would have been a tight and fairly focused film. As it is, the movie is poorly paced and boring. Circle your wagons and spend some quality time with a classic, like "Unforgiven" or "High Plains Drifter", instead.
Rating: 
Summary: (4 1/2) Wonderful Cinematography and An Excellent Cast
Review: As we view the opening vistas of the wide open range of the Old West, the "freegrazers" who inhabit the range seem almost incidental to the majesty and scope of the scenery. We are quickly introduced to Boss Spearman (Robert Duvall) and his crew - Charley Waite (Kevin Costner), Mose Harrison (Abraham Benrubi) and John "Button" Weatheral (Diego Luna), who live the migratory life of freedom still possible on the OPEN RANGE of the late 1800's. However, the times are changing; a sense of foreboding soon envelopes their lives as they clash with Denton Baxter (Michael Gambon), a cattleman in the town of Harmonville who believes that they will destroy the grazing for his herds and who wants to run them off and fence the land. Gambon controls the town through Sheriff Poole (James Russo), who allows Baxter and his crew of hired thugs to provoke increasingly violent incidents in order to run the "freegrazers" out of town. However, Boss Spearman and Charley (who have been together for ten years) decide that they believe too much in the freedom of the West and the values which their lifestyle represents to be cowed (no pun intended); therefore they decide to make a stand, even at the risk of their own deaths. Thus, this becomes the classic Western - good in the guise of Boss Spearman's underdog crew arrayed against the supposedly superior forces of Baxter and Sheriff Poole. The fearful townspeople try to stay neutral but gradually gain the courage to aid the small band led by Boss Spearman. And, of course, the almost obligatory romantic element develops, as Charlie finds himself unexpectedly drawn to Sue Barlow (Annette Bening), the doctor's sister and assistant. Even more surprisingly, she gradually finds herself attracted to him as well. Finally, the role of the Percy the stableowner is played marvelously by the late Michael Jeter, a wonderful performace in his last film. As the movie gradually builds toward the inevitable and predictable showdown, it takes time (perhaps too much) to develop the characters and their relationships. The final gunfight is truly magnificent non-stop action, and it is made more believable because the Costner the director has taken the time to elucidate Charley's history and make us privy to the planning that he and Boss Spearman do beforehand. Kevin Costner has produced and directed a masterpiece! There is a lot of violence, but it is the violence inherent in an old fashioned Western (e.g SHANE or GUNFIGHT AT THE OK CORRAL), not the violence so common in today's films that emphasize gore and shock value. There is no sex or profanity, this is really a morality play in the tradition of old time Westerns. My only major complaint is the length of approximately 2 1/4 hours. (It starts very slowly, but this is not surprising since Costner is one of the few directors that has consistently opted to include all the elements which he considers necessary to tell his story, even at the expense of brevity.) While the editing could have been tighter, it is time well spent. And in one of the truly magic minor moments of the film which show Costner's deft touch for details, we do finally learn Boss Spearman's name near the conclusion. Tucker Andersen
Rating:
Summary: Duvall excellent/Costner has directed an epic.
Review: Forget "The Postman". Remember the good old days when "Dances With Wolves" arrived on screens (1990). Critics hailed the film as did patrons. Now "Open Range" arrives. Naysayers abounded. But then when the movie finally was seen, people liked it. "Open Range" boasts one of the best western gunfights in modern memory, and Robert Duvall is exceptional as Kevin Costner's elderly saddle companion. Today, westerns are a hard sale, no matter who appears in them. But "Open Range" comes across as an epic - a special film that invites people of all ages to watch, not just because summer films are usually made up of mindless drivel. Once in a while a film comes along that makes you feel pretty good after you leave the theatre. With Costner's western you don't feel you have wasted your money. He gave you your money's worth. What a glorious gunfight. Those shots of the country, wherever it was filmed, were awesome. Even though Costner has been criticized for his acting - he is very good in some things ("Field of Dreams", "Dances With Wolves", "Bull Durham") and very bad in other films ("Robin Hood", "The Postman") - there can be no doubt that he can direct films that he is passionate about. "Open Range" (costing only $20 - $25 million, most of that put up by his company and the rest by Disney), is clearly the highlight of the summer because of it's low-cost, and because nobody expected it to do as well as it did. And most of all, because "Open Range" is an exceptional film. Some other good performances: Annette Bening and Michael Jeter (brilliant - Oscar worthy). See this film. If you like good westerns, don't miss this one. Other than 'Nemo' and maybe 'Pirates' and 'Seabisquit', this is the one to see. The last great western was Eastwood's 'Unforgiven' (Best Picture Oscar). My hat's off to Costner for bringing back the western the way it should be done.
Rating:
Summary: Study In Character
Review: This is an outstanding film. Kevin Costner and Robert Duvall both give excellent character studies of a vanishing breed of men who seem to outlived their usefulness or so they think. This is another one of just a handful of great Westerns where good and bad, black and white cross lines. The pace of this film is slow and methodical but it builds to an outstanding climax full of bravado and emotion. I really loved it.
Rating:
Summary: Duvall, Costner, Benning. 3 star performers
Review: All I knew of this film when walking into it was that Duvall and Costner were in it, and I am so glad I did. i have since read several reviews giving it bad remarks, never listen to the critics. Go and see thismovie, even if you are not a fan of westerns, as I have only recently become, you will enjoy this film. very little cursing, no nudity and a bonus is seeing Micheal Jeeter in his last role, to whom this movie is dedicated. I believe Costner was the intended star of Open range, though Duvall as Spearman steals the film. 2 free Grazing cattle men wander into a town in which they are hated by the head cattle baron simply for being free grazers. He gives them a message to leave town quietly, this is done by beating the tar out of their cow hand, Abraham Benrubi as Mose, the guy is huge like a bear, but gentle as a lamb. Spearman does not take well to being told where he can not go in this free country and decides to get the bad guy after he kills Mose and nearly kills his second helper Button, can not remember his name. They encounter Bennings character Sue, the local docs sis, whom is a romantic interest for Costner's Charlie Waite. Jeter is wonderful as an old grizzly looking blacksmith. The movie is amazing to watch, the scens are great, the acting is superb. For fans of westerns, this is a must see. For everyone else, just see it.
Rating: 
Summary: ADD TO THAT LIST OF GREAT WESTERNS
Review: In the same league as Red River or High Noon, Open Range ranks along with the list of all time great westerns. Duvall gives an exceptional performance as a weathered cowboy and good 'ol boy who is put to the test by unscrupulous ranchers bent on crushing him, his partner (Costner) and his herd of cattle. Annette Bening gives a credible performance as nurse/assistant to her brother, the town's only Doctor whose practice has become brisk since our two heroes have arrived. But the movie belongs to Costner who, above all, pulls in a notably controlled performance -- a good earthy presence in the style we have become accustomed to by now. His direction is quietly superb, the visuals stunning, and the score haunting. Gunfights are refreshingly convincing and well staged. I am pretty sure there'll be academy nominations for Duvall's supporting cast, and for Costner's direction. Recommended weekend fare!
Rating:
Summary: Terrific! Stunning! Amazing!
Review: This is my second review where I use exclaimation points multiple times in the title. The first being Bowling for Columbine, a film I loved so much, that I still use examples from that movie when the topic of guns comes up. But lets talk about Open Range. I never saw Kevin Costner in a film, and I heard bad things about him. But I wanted to see Open Range, so I went. As beautiful as the field was in the beginning, I was starting to think that mabye I made a mistake. Then five minutes passed. I was into that movie straight off, and Robert Duvall's character of Boss Spearman was filled with heart and humor, the perfect mixture of a character. The film stars Duvall and Kevin Costner, who also directed, as Boss Spearman and Charley Waite. They've been fellow cattlemen for about a decade now. With the help of Mose Harrison and Button, they move there cattle. With no land of their own they let the cattle graze in open field. But a man named Denton Baxter, an Irishmen who owns a small town a few miles from the field, doesn't want freegrazer's in his field. After Mose heads down to that town and doesn't return, Charley and Boss go to the town and find out that he was involved in a fight, and was beaten and put in jail by Baxter, and Sheriff Poole. They bring him to the town doctor, Doc, and his sister Sue Barlow. Boss and Charley bring him back to the cattle, but they are not going to give up with fighting Baxter and his crew. Boss and Charley go theatren a few of Baxter's thugs, who have been watching the group. When they return to the wagon they find Mose and the dog dead, and Button wounded. Returning to town, they leave Button with Sue and they get ready for the final showdown to get revenge on those who have hurt them. A strong and powerful film, acted by Kevin Costner, the wonderful Robert Duvall, and the great Annette Benning, Open Range didn't just make me smile at the end, but it had me involved right from the very beginning. With amazing settings, and characters you grow to love, Open Range is on my list as one of the best movies of 2003. For two hours and a half of drama and suspense, Open Range is the best solution. ENJOY! Rated R for violence.
Rating:
Summary: A must-see for western lovers
Review: Don't let the critics keep you away from this one. Most of them wouldn't know a good movie if they watched one.
This film captures the audience immediately with stunning landscape photography, that transports you back to a time when the land was unmolested, and life itself was simpler. The stunning cinematography sets the mood for the whole story. Today's modern camera lenses make for some breathtaking vistas. The film echoes that of Shane, with its mountainous backdrop, its characters and the good vs evil story line. Many have said this is the best western since Eastwood's "Unforgiven." Personally, I think it is better. Although I enjoy Eastwood's style of directing, he tends to be a little more rambunctious using a more deliberate hand in the realism department. Not that that's all bad...It's not. But Costner, to me, strikes a better balance in the gory realism department, still making his point, yet sending you back to the days when movies were more family oriented. In my estimation, they just don't make movies like this anymore. Costner should be commended as the director. As for the characters, Duvall steals the program. He and Costner que off each other very well and make for a believeable pair of cowboys. This film was given a bad rap with its "R" rating...should have been PG-13. Its one of the few films that you don't have to worry about letting your kids see. All the components for a good western are present and even though it's a bit lengthy, it keeps you anticipating the climax. Some say the western genre is not popular with movie-goers anymore. Bull-pucky!! As with Field of Dreams....you build it and they will come...you make a good western and you'll get the same result...people will be there to see it. Kudo's to Costner and all involved with this film. Its the best since Dances With Wolves.
Rating:
Summary: Movie reviewers are all washed up
Review: I don't understand how movie reviewers can be so wrong. This was a western for women and men alike. Just enough of a love story to make it interesting for women and action for men. You don't have to have blood and guts flying everywhere to make a movie, it doesn't hurt to leave something for the imagination. I thought the gun fight was very realistic with the sounds so clear and upclose. It put you right in the middle of it all. It drew gasps and yells from the fellow movie watchers. The scenic background really put you in the old west losing the hub-bub of our daily grind. A must see!!!!!
Rating:
Summary: Should of been rated PG! misrated movie
Review: Since others have already spoke about the movie, I like to mention that this movie is misrated. Disney and the MPAA screwed up big time with this movie! There is little swearing(about as much you would hear in a PG movie) , no nudity at all, and very little violence.The only violence is a gun fight at the end of the movie. Other than that this is a excellent movie everyone should see!
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