The whole family (4) went out to this one because the premise envelops so many possibilities. The kids and I just thought it would be immensely cool where as my wife was bracing herself for the worst. The promise of wonders that only a childhood imagination can reach is a tough sell. By naming this movie Cowboys & Aliens you would be hard pressed to find someone who was expecting a serious run at a Western or Sci-fi Thriller.
The way that Cowboys & Aliens grabs you is by doing just that. They set upon making a run at a real Western flick and a science fiction thriller that gets you hopping out of your seat. The cinematography is majestic. Quick, switch to the AMC channel! Yeah, like that. The CGI on all the alien's, their ships, and set pieces are superbly well done.
Harrison Ford teeters on the edge of over acting but holds it together. The resident hottie of the area OK 54 Corral, Olivia Wilde, seemed off throughout the film but though it's distracting it eventually adds to the film. It was refreshing to see Paul Dano playing the roll of Ford's son who did so well in Little Miss Sunshine and was a redeeming voice in Knight and Day. He didn't have to flex his acting chops in the one though. I only had a few odd things which I will bring out later after opening day but by no means are they deal breakers.
Many have seen the opening scene with Daniel Craig seemingly disoriented but with serious hand to hand skills and a descent shot. The movie keeps that hard edge small town survival mode and while it makes stops along the way, they are generally important story points that are also much loved western cliches. Even the silly "townsfolk plucking" seen in the trailers doesn't seem silly at all during it's 118 minutes. It's a fun thriller that does well to move the story along to the action so you don't get swamped up in the details or question why you're enjoying the movie so much.
To my relief most of all the questions thrown at you in the movies early minutes get resolved. Daniel Craig did a fantastic job as the silent hero. Harrison Ford, according to my son, "He's still in shape, I'll tell ya that." My wife thought it was "way better than Transformers, but that's not saying a whole lot" and my youngest thought it was scary in parts but loved it the most. It won't win any awards, but that's not what this movie is about.
It's a must see! Bring fun and imagination, not speculation. Either way you'll likely enjoy it.
Losnsa 8 out of 10
Wife 7.5 out of 10
12 Year Old Son 8.5 out of 10
11 Year Old Son 9 out of 10
Audience Applause?: Yes.
