Rating: 
Summary: Take it for what it is - an entertaining Western!
Review: I really don't understand the standards people are holding this film up to. Does every Western have to be on the level of "Unforgiven" to be a good Western? Following that line of thought, if a basketball team drafted a player who wasn't quite as good as Michael Jordan, I suppose they should dump the player and start from scratch! Does every film have to have a "message"?
I must admit, before I first saw "Young Guns", I believed it would be a bunch of nonsense due to the cast. Afterwards, I felt thoroughly entertained. Of course, the film isn't going to follow Billy the Kid's life down to the letter. Then again, I don't think the film depicts him as some great hero, either. Both sides of the Lincoln County War were guilty of plenty. There are several spots where he easily could have spared someone's life but didn't, or not shown so much joy in killing, but did so anyway. The film is just shown largely from Billy the Kid's point of view.
As with virtually all films based on actual people and events, liberties are taken. Having read three different biographies on Billy the Kid, I can say they didn't take anything away from my enjoyment of the film. Some criticize it for the youthfulness of the characters, but who would they have rather seen as the 19-to-21 year old Billy the KID? Jack Nicholson? If anything, Emilio Estevez was too OLD to play the part. As for another reviewer who disputed whether Billy was at one time deputized and part of the regulators, well, that is a part of the film that is based on fact, as were some of the reasons the Lincoln county war escalated to the extent it did. The final showdown actually involved more regulators in real life than in the movie, the makers just cut down the number of Billy's allies for dramatic effect.
Ironically, this film was closer to the facts than most, if not all, of previous Billy-the-Kid based films. Of course, its no "Unforgiven" or "Wild Bunch"; but if that's a viewer's standard for film-watching, they're missing out on quite a few entertaining movies. Sometimes, one prefers having a cheeseburger instead of caviar.
Rating: 
Summary: A Childhood Favourite that Still Entertains.
Review: "Young Guns" has been dubbed by Many a Critic as the "Brat-Pack Western". Well... Yes, it does star a few of the so-called Brat Packers, does that make it any less of a Classic Western... I think Not. "Young Guns" has All the Requirements needed for Classic Western Status, and in My Books, it's Up there with the Best.Emilio Estevez, Kiefer Sutherland, Lou Diamond Phillips and Charlie Sheen lead the charge as "The Regulators", a Group of Young Cowboys out to Settle some Scores. Emilio plays Billy the Kid, the Self-Proclaimed Leader of the Regulator Posse, and he plays it Well. He is Tough, Likeable and a Natural Born Leader. If Billy the Kid Was really like this, I'd follow him to the Ends of the Earth. (remember, I said "If") Kiefer Sutherland and Lou Diamond Phillips give the Best Supporting Performances, in this one and in the sequel. Charlie Sheen isn't given as much Screen time, but he uses the time he has Very Well. The Climactic Standoff is one worth Waiting for; it's Stylish, Original and Violent... It's a Classic Showdown. The film is Full of Tense Gunfights and Violent Shootouts, and as the Characters have been Well-Developed, the Audience is on the Edge of their Seats Throughout. "Young Guns" Will one day be rated up there with the Best Westerns, it is a Beloved film by many and it Will be Remembered by All who see it.
Rating: 
Summary: Loveable Outlaws
Review: Artisan Entertainment's 1988 Young Guns is a witty story mostly based on part of the life of William H. Bonney (aka Billy The Kid). This film has the traditional Western theme of revenge. This is a common theme within the Western Genre; and why not, it tends to make for good entertainment. The difference with this film is it is (at least in part) based on a true story. This is not to say that this movie should be taken as a true historical representation of how things happened. But, there is a fair amount of fact built into the story. What is really impressive is the way that the filmmaker gets everyone to like this gang of outlaws. It's easy at first to feel good about the characters involved. Most are just misguided youths who have been taken in by a man who helps them better themselves. Our main character, Billy (played by Emelio Esteves), is the newest edition to the group that calls themselves `The Regulators'. Soon after making himself a home with this band of men, William and the rest of the gang sees their mentor slaughtered by a business competitor. The local justice of the peace is then convinced to deputize these young boys so that they can serve warrants to the killers and help expose a long standing ring of corruption. Up until now, there is everything to like about these characters. That ends quickly, though. The group of orphaned men are supposed to serve legal warrants to the murderers. This does not quite happen, though. The new deputy gang takes it upon themselves to avenge the death of their surrogate father. They go across the countryside killing all who were involved. The behavior under is considered to be reprehensible, even under the circumstances. What keeps you from hating this gang that follows Billy The Kid are the wonderful personalities of the men. Billy is one in particular, that a person loves to hate, but cannot get enough of. He is harsh and offensive, cocky and annoying, yet for some reason he draws people to him. His cohorts (played by Charlie Sheen, Keifer Sutherland, and Lou Diamond Phillips) have equally intriguing personalities. Each one keeps the watcher drawn in close to see how everything will turn out, even though their behavior should make a person hate them.
Rating:
Summary: Loveable Outlaws
Review: Artisan Entertainment's 1988 Young Guns is a witty story mostly based on part of the life of William H. Bonney (aka Billy The Kid). This film has the traditional Western theme of revenge. This is a common theme within the Western Genre; and why not, it tends to make for good entertainment. The difference with this film is it is (at least in part) based on a true story. This is not to say that this movie should be taken as a true historical representation of how things happened. But, there is a fair amount of fact built into the story. What is really impressive is the way that the filmmaker gets everyone to like this gang of outlaws. It's easy at first to feel good about the characters involved. Most are just misguided youths who have been taken in by a man who helps them better themselves. Our main character, Billy (played by Emelio Esteves), is the newest edition to the group that calls themselves 'The Regulators'. Soon after making himself a home with this band of men, William and the rest of the gang sees their mentor slaughtered by a business competitor. The local justice of the peace is then convinced to deputize these young boys so that they can serve warrants to the killers and help expose a long standing ring of corruption. Up until now, there is everything to like about these characters. That ends quickly, though. The group of orphaned men are supposed to serve legal warrants to the murderers. This does not quite happen, though. The new deputy gang takes it upon themselves to avenge the death of their surrogate father. They go across the countryside killing all who were involved. The behavior under is considered to be reprehensible, even under the circumstances. What keeps you from hating this gang that follows Billy The Kid are the wonderful personalities of the men. Billy is one in particular, that a person loves to hate, but cannot get enough of. He is harsh and offensive, cocky and annoying, yet for some reason he draws people to him. His cohorts (played by Charlie Sheen, Keifer Sutherland, and Lou Diamond Phillips) have equally intriguing personalities. Each one keeps the watcher drawn in close to see how everything will turn out, even though their behavior should make a person hate them.
Rating:
Summary: Mindless western fun - but a classic it ain't
Review: Brash, loud, and totally rock and roll, "Young Guns" is less a classic western and more a typical late 80s, early 90s action flick. And that's just fine. It's a stupidly fun, turn-off-your-head flick if you're willing to approach it that way. Watch it as a serious western, though, and you're likely to be disappointed. This is an MTV western. No more, no less. Emilio Estevez puts a lot of energy into Billy the Kid, keeping the movie brisk. The rest of the cast are all solid, playing their clichéd characters as well as can be expected. Compared to today's rapid-fire action, "Young Guns'" blast em ups might seem lacking and tame, but it all works pretty well (for what it is). The style is all late-80s -- flashy, loud and rude. Big gun shots, rock and roll soundtrack, and car chases on horses. If that's your thing, "Young Guns" fits the bill. It's pure Bs to the wall action. But take note: If what you want is a strong western that lives beyond the genre as a standout film, western or not, you'd be better off seeking "Once Upon A Time In The West" or "Unforgiven." This ain't it. The DVD is of fine quality. The picture has never looked better, the audio is very impressive, and the packaging will look nice on your shelf. The extras are pretty good, too. A nice behind the scenes featurette, an excellent documentary on the real Billy The Kid, and a decent commentary make this a great bang-for-your-buck buy. You can't beat the price. As a DVD set for Young Guns fans, this is a five-star set (*****). As a film, this is a three-star film (***). For Amazon.com, I'm splitting the difference with four stars (****)
Rating:
Summary: A Flavorful Bubble Gum Western
Review: Christopher Cain directed this adaptation of the Billy The Kid story starring Emilio Estevez, Keiffer Sutherland, Charlie Sheen, and Lou Diamond Phillips. More bubble gum than anything else, it's a good film to chew blow bubbles with until it goes stale.
In this version, Billy The Kid (Estevez) finds his way into a half-way house with other young derelicts (Sutherland, Sheen, Phillips, et al.) under the protection of a polished English patron. After their patron is killed by a competing cattle baron (Jack Palance)and the town's corrupt sheriff, Billy is out for revenge. Carrying out his vengeance with a little too much zeal, Billy The Kid and his friends are marked as outlaws and must live on the run to survive.
Not a terribly great film but it has some good scenes such as the gunfights and the band's peyote experience. The film is more concerned with advancing the careers of its stars than presenting a classic western to the likes of 'The Wild Bunch'. As with chewing bubble gum, you enjoy that fruity taste and blow those big bubbles only for a little while until their gone. Don't expect too much out of this film and you won't be disappointed. A fun film to rent or to watch infrequently for laughs.
Rating:
Summary: Bad history, good movie
Review: Emilio Estevez, Charlie Sheen, and Kiefer Sutherland are just a few of the all-star cast who fill out this film about outlaws set in the old west: The story of Billy the Kid & Co. Aside from the fact that its historical accuracy is more than highly questionable, the movie was more than entertaining. Emilio Estevez plays William H. Bonney, a.k.a. Billy the Kid who was a runaway and an alleged murderer, who was taken in by Mr. John Tunstall, an English cattleman. Tunstall was murdered by a rival cattleman, a Mr. Murphy, played by Jack Palance. The movie goes on from there with a killing spree of those who were responsible for the death of Tunstall. The acting was great. "Dick," played by Charlie Sheen, was very good and one of Sheen's better roles. Lou Diamond Phillips was absolutely amazing as the Mexican Indian: Jose Chavez y Chavez. Charlie, played by Casey Siemasko, was a great and devoted friend, to Billy, and to the rest of the "Regulators." It is said that Billy the Kid was no where near as arrogant, nor as trigger happy as the film portrays, but Estevez was rather impressive in his skills both as an actor and a gunslinger. Sutherland's "Josiah 'Doc' Scurlock" was an admirable man; full of character and class given the circumstances. Terrance Camp's role as "John Tunstall" was short-lived but excellent. This movie is highly entertaining. I recommend it to anyone who likes a good Robin Hood story (who isn't terribly concerned of historical accuracy). It is fun to watch, and the cast is second to none. epc
Rating:
Summary: An AWESOME movie!
Review: Even if it is not 100% historically correct. After all, how do we know what was actually said between the players? Still, it's a great story. A great guy flick: pure and simple.
Rating:
Summary: GREAT ACTION WESTERN
Review: FANTASTIC WESTERN ACTION WITH A GREAT STORY LINE REGUARDING THE LEGENDARY BILLIE THE KID. GREAT MOVIE FOR YOUNGER GENERATION WITH GOOD HUMOR ALONG THE WAY. IF YOU LOVE WESTERNS THIS IS A MUST SEE.
Rating:
Summary: an apology for a western that is not authentic
Review: I always thought of this film as a western for young people. I don't understand the "brat pack" label. I could give some pretty friggin' nasty labels to some John Wayne films I've seen. And please don't tell me there's such a thing as a thinking man's western. Is Young Guns not a quality western since it lacks some vacuous, ponderous shots of deserts with a raspy-voiced squinty eyed god-fearing fat alcoholic moron squinting into the sun and speaking like a disgruntled janitor about how he's going to get his revenge on someone who done wronged him? I always though Young Guns was exciting and funny with a cast of youthfuls who make the 'mistake' of acting youthful in front of the screen. And as for Terrence Stamp? He's friggin' horrible! He gets blown off the screen literally and for which this viewer is eternally grateful. The only other actor miscast is Charlie Sheen. The rest of the cast is great. Jack Palance is comically unhinged as the true psychotic in this film. If John Wayne were in this film he would be a bearded bad guy who gets his brains blown out. And that's the way it should be. And one final word: why is it American films (particularly westerns) are always judged based on films that came before. In this case it doesn't make sense. Young Guns is influenced by some westerns, but in execution, tone, and style it is a complete original. It deserves mention with The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, Once Upon a Time In the West, My Darling Clementine, One-Eyed Jacks, Johnny Guitar, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and Tombstone as one of the great westerns. But if you're over 21 just go get hammered and watch TNT to get your weekly western fix you friggin' republican.
|
