ViewGuide

Created May 05, 2012 08:24AM PST • Edited May 05, 2012 08:24AM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Really Great 4.5

   This epic TV miniseries follows ex Texas Rangers (Robert Duvall, Tommy Lee Jones) as they steal horses in Mexico then get involved in a cattle drive to Montana in the 1880’s. A little Kitschy at times, but endearing to watch the pair banter back and forth and perform their manly cowboy roles. Despite a few Disney-like moments, this miniseries is far from wholesome. Plenty of gun-slinging, saloon whores, stealing, western justice, hard riding over big plains, and of course Injun-fighting. This series is a must-see for anyone who loves the western genre, and it rivals the best of mainstream Hollywood’s own recreations.

4. Acting

   Really Great 4.5

   You really can’t beat this cast. First, the guys: Robert Duvall is a man’s man, as is Tommy Lee. Banding about with the likes of Danny Glover, a young Ricky Schroder, and even though Robert Ulrich seems a bit out of place, he does a great job as well. Also loved performances from Frederick Forest as the crazed Blue Duck, and Steve Buscemi and Chris Cooper are great in their smarmy roles. As for the gals? There’s no better on-screen eye candy than Diane Lane, and Angelica Houston is a standout as the strong ex-Lover now with the role of ranch-mom. Regarding on-screen chemistry: can you beat Robert Duvall breaking Angelica Houston and Diane Lane’s hearts and riding off into the sunset? I think not!

5. Male Stars Really Great 4.5

6. Female Stars Really Great 4.5

7. Female Costars Really Great 4.5

8. Male Costars Really Great 4.5

10. Film

    Really Great 4.5

    This movie has all the things you want in a Western: Gritty cowboys, gunfights, hangings, saloons and whores, mexican ranch-hands, crazed indians, corrupt lawmen, frontier love, and coming of age. All with a top-notch cast. Nuff said.

11. Direction Really Great 4.5

12. Play Really Great 4.5

13. Music Really Great 4.5

14. Visuals Really Great 4.5
15. Content

16. Edge

    Risqué 1.6

17. Sex Titillating 1.6

18. Violence Fierce 1.6

19. Rudeness Salty 1.6

21. Reality

    Glib 1.5

22. Circumstantial Glib 1.5

23. Biological Glib 1.5

24. Physical Glib 1.5