Cowboys & Aliens: Review, Discuss, Grade, Sequel, DVD **SPOILERS**
- Thread starter Captain Craig
- Start date
Not to distract the conversation too far from the film, but I'm curious as to where this is supposed to take place. And let me preface that, yes, I know it's fiction. 
I don't know much about the comic, but the Wiki page says SC, Arizona. Some of the film's info pages say Arizona and some say New Mexico.
Historically, the NM territory which consisted of NM, AZ, and parts of UT and CO was divided on a north/south or UN/CON axis during the war. But after the war, the territories were divided into pretty much the present day states which puts Silver City was back in New Mexico. The film takes place a decade after the war. And, as far as I know, there is no Silver City AZ--at least not one with any significance.
I was just wondering if anyone knew as I'm a bit of a NM historian--not to suggest this has anything to do with history.
I don't know much about the comic, but the Wiki page says SC, Arizona. Some of the film's info pages say Arizona and some say New Mexico.
Historically, the NM territory which consisted of NM, AZ, and parts of UT and CO was divided on a north/south or UN/CON axis during the war. But after the war, the territories were divided into pretty much the present day states which puts Silver City was back in New Mexico. The film takes place a decade after the war. And, as far as I know, there is no Silver City AZ--at least not one with any significance.
I was just wondering if anyone knew as I'm a bit of a NM historian--not to suggest this has anything to do with history.
Not to distract the conversation too far from the film, but I'm curious as to where this is supposed to take place. And let me preface that, yes, I know it's fiction.
I don't know much about the comic, but the Wiki page says SC, Arizona. Some of the film's info pages say Arizona and some say New Mexico.
Historically, the NM territory which consisted of NM, AZ, and parts of UT and CO was divided on a north/south or UN/CON axis during the war. But after the war, the territories were divided into pretty much the present day states which puts Silver City was back in New Mexico. The film takes place a decade after the war. And, as far as I know, there is no Silver City AZ--at least not one with any significance.
I was just wondering if anyone knew as I'm a bit of a NM historian--not to suggest this has anything to do with history.
After a quick browse of the Wiki page for the comic, the story seems almost entirely different from the movie. And while I don't know if they made it clear that it took place in New Mexico or Arizona (the wiki says Arizona, though I thought New Mexico...), I do remember that it took place in Absolution and not Silver City. And neither New Mexico nor Arizona seem to have an Absolution.
Agreed.
It had Cowboys, and it had Aliens. And it was nice to see Indiana Solo back in action.
Not a great film, but I had a lot of fun.
^ Don't know, but she looks nice.
This.Now, the thing that I want to know is whether Olivia Wilde appears naked or not.
And once again, nice av Proc. Even in misery Ally is win.
Ten bucks the sequel to Cowboys & Aliens will be released sooner than Abramstrek 2. 
Haha, most reviews criticize the script. Amazing. Apparently, what was good enough for Star Trek or Iron Man (can ignore plot holes it as long as it is exciting) isn't good enough here.
Well often if a movie is fun or stylish or charming enough (as those two were), it's a lot easier to overlook the story problems.
If a movie like Cowboys and Aliens is completely lacking in those areas, you're only really left with the story to entertain you. And it better be damn good.
B
-Nowhere near as awesome as "Battle: LA." I know others will disagree. That's just my take.
-Olivia Wilde...SCHWINNNNNGG! (My usual reaction to seeing Olivia Wilde on a widescreen.)
-It's always interesting to actually see Clancy Brown act, as opposed to just listening to a voice-over. That's how closely I associate him with Lex Luthor.
-Daniel Craig was okay. Harrison Ford was better-than-okay. Everybody else was okay-but-not-blowing-my-skirt-up, so I'm forced to return to...
-Olivia Wilde...SCHWINNNNGG!!
-The aliens' "second hands" kept reminding me of something I read in a prose book ages ago, where the chief aliens were small simians with a third hand for precision work.
-It was actually kinda cool the way the alien ship blended into the stone bluffs.
-It was actually uncool the way the thing used conventional rockets for take off. Why not do something UFO-glowy instead?
You only see her from the back and all the fun parts are blocked, but yes, she's nekkid in one scene.
-Nowhere near as awesome as "Battle: LA." I know others will disagree. That's just my take.
-Olivia Wilde...SCHWINNNNNGG! (My usual reaction to seeing Olivia Wilde on a widescreen.)
-It's always interesting to actually see Clancy Brown act, as opposed to just listening to a voice-over. That's how closely I associate him with Lex Luthor.
-Daniel Craig was okay. Harrison Ford was better-than-okay. Everybody else was okay-but-not-blowing-my-skirt-up, so I'm forced to return to...
-Olivia Wilde...SCHWINNNNGG!!
-The aliens' "second hands" kept reminding me of something I read in a prose book ages ago, where the chief aliens were small simians with a third hand for precision work.
-It was actually kinda cool the way the alien ship blended into the stone bluffs.
-It was actually uncool the way the thing used conventional rockets for take off. Why not do something UFO-glowy instead?
You only see her from the back and all the fun parts are blocked, but yes, she's nekkid in one scene.
I'd rate it about a B. Competent action story, but it lacks the great characterization necessary to go to the next level.
In particular, Daniel Craig's character is really underwritten. The script doesn't do a very good job of putting us inside his head. He's great in a fight, though. Also, Daniel Craig doesn't have much luck with the ladies for an action star - his Bond averages a measly one shag per movie, and here not one but both of his love interests die on him, having achieved nothing more than first base with the latter.
Harrison Ford did better; this is one of his more memorable parts in a while. He had the most affecting scene in the movie, the death of Adam Beach's character. But the resolution with his blood son just rings false; Percy was a feckless idiot at the start of the movie (though fun to watch Daniel Craig beat up and maim), and there's no story space indicating that's changed.
Olivia Wilde being an alien makes her casting a bit less odd, because early on I was thinking that she doesn't fit very well into the period compared to everyone else. She was deliberately impassive for the most part, but I liked that Ella was her own character and arguably was the real hero in the end, rather than just a love interest.
Oh hai, Faux Aang!
I was surprised at first when it looked like they had killed the dog, but then he turned up.
And last but not least, Clancy Brown as a good guy! A preacher, even. That's not something you see every day.
In particular, Daniel Craig's character is really underwritten. The script doesn't do a very good job of putting us inside his head. He's great in a fight, though. Also, Daniel Craig doesn't have much luck with the ladies for an action star - his Bond averages a measly one shag per movie, and here not one but both of his love interests die on him, having achieved nothing more than first base with the latter.
Harrison Ford did better; this is one of his more memorable parts in a while. He had the most affecting scene in the movie, the death of Adam Beach's character. But the resolution with his blood son just rings false; Percy was a feckless idiot at the start of the movie (though fun to watch Daniel Craig beat up and maim), and there's no story space indicating that's changed.
Olivia Wilde being an alien makes her casting a bit less odd, because early on I was thinking that she doesn't fit very well into the period compared to everyone else. She was deliberately impassive for the most part, but I liked that Ella was her own character and arguably was the real hero in the end, rather than just a love interest.
Oh hai, Faux Aang!
I was surprised at first when it looked like they had killed the dog, but then he turned up.
And last but not least, Clancy Brown as a good guy! A preacher, even. That's not something you see every day.
Many thanks. I love the look on her face; it matches my own misery in this unrelenting heat.
Back to the movie, after reading all the additional comments, I'm now beginning to think that we might let this one become a rental and not a theatrical experience. The review in today's Plain Dealer was less than glowing as well, so I think I'll hold out for Rise of the Planet of the Apes next month.
Oops. Looks like another floppish opening.
I know it's not their fault, but this movie was doomed when Robert Downey Jr pulled out. The daffy premise really needs actors who can walk the action-comedy tightrope. Robert Downey Jr and Harrison Ford can do that, but Daniel Craig is strictly an action guy.
I know it's not their fault, but this movie was doomed when Robert Downey Jr pulled out. The daffy premise really needs actors who can walk the action-comedy tightrope. Robert Downey Jr and Harrison Ford can do that, but Daniel Craig is strictly an action guy.
It took me a really long time to get into this film. I guess I ended up enjoying it for the most part.
This is easily the best role Harrison Ford has had in years. He's plenty involved in the action and definitely has the most emotional moments in the film.
This is easily the best role Harrison Ford has had in years. He's plenty involved in the action and definitely has the most emotional moments in the film.