The Jack Bull

Rating:
Summary: Honor, Pride, Power & the Law
Review: In pre-Statehood Wyoming one local cattle and land baron is pretty free to do as he pleases, the closest local authority is a judge who is in his pocket. John Cusack plays a fairly successful horse raiser/trader who stumbles into the Statehood debate on the pro side, fairly irking LQ Jones, the landowning bigwig who knows Statehood will bring authorities who will reign in his ambitions. Jones gets his revenge by installing a toll gate charging exorbinent tolls to those he dislikes. Cusack finds himself on the list. Without the cash he leaves two prize horses while en route to a critical horse auction. On the return he finds his collateral purposely mistreated by Jones' thugs and his Native American hired man beat half to death. Without legal recourse thanks to local judicial corruption Cusack raises an army of revenge, paid for by the sale of his horse farm. They ride with the fury of a Mongol army and the ferocity of Sherman's March to the Sea to get payment back from Jones. As Statehood consideration nears, the Territorial Gov't wants this real life wild west show shut down. Through compromise and threat the case is finally hearded into a higher court where John Goodman, born for the role, sits as the Judge. The film could fall into numerous traps - good guy, bad guy, court and government vs. little guy, but it never stoops to cookie cutter devices and everything is a little more complicated then it first appears with personal morality and motivation falling into grey area. Entertaining and interesting throughout, the final scene, with appropriate soundtrack, is simply great American film-making. You hardly need to be a "Westerns" fan to enjoy this movie. I can't vouch for the accuracy of the history (it based on a true story we're told) but I can vouch for the greatness of the film.

Rating:
Summary: Cusack's Lesson of a Lifetime
Review: It is extraordinarily difficult to instill principles into a human soul, and I truly believe that, for Hollywood to accomplish this, the movie must sincerely be great. This film is just that. I know without a shadow of a doubt that it's the best movie I have ever laid eyes on. The atmosphere that John Cusack creates around his character Myrl Redding takes my breath away. Myrl's justifiable audacity and unstoppable character renewed my own sense of the truths I was taught under my family. This movie reminded me that deep down it's not the tangible things we should fight for, it's the abstract ideas of truth and right. Those are the most vital concepts we need to learn. I was tremendously impressed with all involved but especially with Cusack. I was not surprised at his greatness as an artist in this because I have come to expect nothing less from him. I never walk away from his movies unsatisfied with his ability as an actor to believably portray his characters. But he took my level of respect for him (which was already high) to a new level. He is obviously by far the best actor in Hollywood, and I only hope that he continues with pieces that challenge the mind and heart as this one has done. Do NOT miss this film!!

Rating:
Summary: Jack Bull
Review: JACK BULL is a smart and slick tale of frontier justice taken to extremes. John Cusack nails the role of the horse trader done wrong and the acts he takes in retribution.
I especially liked the introduction of the John Goodman character as a no-nonsense frontier judge whose sense of justice is equal to Cusack's. Cusack's acts of vigilante justice work on an individual basis in a lawless society, but Goodman represents the Law. I thought this interesting story became fascinating after Goodman's arrival. What started out as a revenge movie slowly and surely morphs into a tragedy, with two strong-willed characters whose passion for justice negates any other considerations.
This one surprised me some. JACK BULL is a minor classic and immensely enjoyable. I very strongly recommend it.



Rating:
Summary: A REAL cowboy picture!
Review: Like the best of Jimmy Stewart's and Clint Eastwood's work this film shows both the action and adventure of being a cowboy along with the heartbreak that puts a hero in that situation. A great story showing how someone fighting for what's "right" can be clearly in the wrong themselves. This movie, apart from having some cool western style shooting, explores this dichotomy and shows that there are no clear or easy answers. I think it would be excellent for children to see as it is nowhere near "Hollywood" in that this film shows that actions do have consequences and doesn't value the rights to life and possession cheaply. HBO really does get behind some terrific films!

Rating:
Summary: John Cusack at his finest
Review: My father saw this movie when it originally aired on TV and told me about it. So as soon as it was released on DVD I rented it. What can I say except, it was incredible. I would place this movie in the catagory of " The years best" John Cusack did an outstanding job. After learning his father had written the script, you could tell that John Put heart and Soul in to this part. Excellant acting, script, sets, plot! Kudos to Joihn Goodman also!

Rating:
Summary: holds on and never lets go
Review: Originally produced and released by HBO for TV release, this movie could have easily been theatrically released from the quality filmaking found in this movie. But if it was released in theatres, it would have had to compromise its integrity to please a larger fan base. Dick Cusack wrote and produced this movie (Dick is John's father) so we can see where his son gets his incrediable taste and acting talent from. Directed by John Badham (Saturday Night Fever, War Games), this is easily his best directing job in decades.

What does the title "Jack Bull" mean and what kind of movie would have such a strange handle? "Jack Bull" is the title of a Jack Bull terrier, famous for never letting go once it decides to fight. That describes Myrl Redding (John Cusack) perfectly. A hard headed horse breeder that just wants a quiet life amongst the range, or what's left off it with his son and wife. The tyranny of Henry Ballad (L.Q. Jones) stands in his way however. Henry likes to reign his power and influence over people, but he can't control Meryl Redding. Meryl makes it known that he can't be influenced by any man under God. Henry cheats and double crosses Meryl at ever turn, but goes to far when he unfairly claims Meryl's prize stallion as a road tax and shows them cruel and unsual treatment and harms Meryl's Indian friend (Rodney A. Grant) for trying to protect the animals. This starts a crusade for uncompromising justice that Meryl will sacrifice anything for, even his own life if necessary. He sells his stead to raise a vigilante that will stop at nothing until Henry Ballad grooms and repairs Redding's horses to their original condition. As expected this creates a showdown, two strong willed men, one with the law in his pocket, the other with a will of steel. Will Meryl's crusade for justice cost him all he cherishes, or does sticking up for what you believe in worth giving up your life for?

This movie covers many issues seldom covered in most Western movies. It delves into the physche of strong men...men who don't bend for the laws of men but respond to the call of a higher order. The acting in this movie is superb (except for the charicture performance of a judge given by John Goodman) and never have I seen John's acting in finer form. What I love most about this movie as a viewer is that the writers don't make Meryl out to be some shining, stirring hero. He's just a regular guy who's been pushed to far and will not compromise his honor. I admire this character, especially since it's based on a real life occurance. I can't say this movie has a happy ending because then my opinion on this movie would be that it was decent, but not amazing. Life doesn't always have happy endings, but those who live their life to the highest ideals and aren't afraid of what it costs them are the stuff true heros are made of. Bravo to "Jack Bull" which I gladly give a 5 out of 5 as a lover of true movie craftsmenship.

Rating:
Summary: Rented it because I needed one more!
Review: Rented it because I needed one more to get the tapes for the week, and had John Goodman in it. Watched it the first time yesterday, and tonight told my wife she needs to see it with the kids. We watched it with our 3 children and a friend of theirs, We were all glued to the set till it was over. The children, ages 9-11 all enjoyed the movie, my wife insisting that we buy it, she really had to twist my arm on that one! Cusack, Goodman, Grant, McGinley, all were great. Jones, Savage, and Gillie made very good villians also, you just had to hate them. Not your typical shoot'm up western, caught up in changing times were Jones played Ballard a Cattleman greedy for land and not wanting the territory to become a state forces Cusack as Redding to (jump to the other side of the fence) as Redding publicly signs a petition for Statehood to irratate Ballard. Ballard in turn wants a toll of $10 for Redding to cross his land taking his horses to auction, not having the money Redding leaves a pair of matched stallions for collateral. Upon returning from the auction Redding finds his stallions abused and unhealthy. Redding tells Ballard to return his stallions to the same healthy condition that he had left them in and two weeks to do it. Ballard refuses and Redding tries to get it done legally by a lawsuit, this to no avail because of the judge sides with Ballard so Redding makes his own law! The scenery is wonderful, anyone who loves big skies or mountains will like the movies just for that. The never give up attitude will inspire you. The ending will... just rent or buy it.

Rating:
Summary: THE WESTERN FRONTIER AS IT REALLY WAS
Review: THE JACK BULL IS A SUPERB MOVIE THAT CAPTURES ALL THE FLAVOR OF OUR 19TH CENTURY WESTERN FRONTIER - ITS REALISTIC ATMOSPHERE TRANSPORTS YOU BACK TO THE GRITTY WEST OF " UNFORGIVEN " - A GREAT STORY , WITH A GREAT OBJECT LESSON ! -- I HAVE THE FEELING I HAVE SEEN THIS EXACT SAME PLOT IN ANOTHER MOVIE EVEN THOUGH NONE OF THE REVIEWS MAKE MENTION OF THIS, IF ANYONE CAN COME UP WITH THIS ELUSIVE TITLE PLEASE EMAIL ME AT [e-mail]

Rating:
Summary: Cusack's best performance yet. His character was alive!!!
Review: The plot was captivating, very interesting twists that took you off-guard. It truly holds your attention. The scenery was breathtaking! Being a fan of Cusack, I have seen pretty much all of his movies, this one tops them all in the category of plot and acting. (Of note: My favorite Cusack classic will always be: Say Anything, I have this movie and have seen it a thousand times. I actually quote from it on a regular basis.) Getting back to The Jack Bull, this movie lets you see the range Cusack has in his acting ability and allows you to see real growth in him as a talented actor. Kudos to you John! The one area that stands out in my mind was watching his anger....very believable and impressive. It was also good to see John Goodman on screen again, especially in the "morals" role. The ending was a bit disturbing and not what you expect, but it was a good fit to the overall plot. Thumbs up to Dick Cusack for creating such a wonderful movie as this, and for his talented kids!

Rating:
Summary: Genuine, no bull
Review: The storyline and its presentation makes you wonder if this is the way the West really was. So believable. Excellent acting by John Cusack, John Goodman (I think this is one of his best roles)and L.Q. Jones (long time character actor who always gives 110% is genuine as villian, Henry Ballard.) This picture is worth seeing both for the historical value of the real West and for the fine acting abilities of these fine actors.