The mythic settings, the outlaw showdown, John Wayne (dat intro zoom!), the cowboys-and-Indians shootout, the saloons, the individualism and post-Civil War politics: This is a quintessential classic western film, one of the greats.
What really makes the movie so entertaining is the cast of characters and script. With shaded characters that provide a cross section of classes and values, all bouncing off each other in a tiny carriage, this is like a Wild West Breakfast Club.
Of course it’s racist AF towards Native Americans and Mexicans, but that basically goes without saying in westerns.
- Review Project: 2009 Top 100
Is It Good?
Exceptionally Good (7/8)
Note: This capsule review was originally published elsewhere. If I watch this movie again, I might expand this to a full-length review.
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