Starring: Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford and Olivia Wilde
Directed by: Jon Favreau
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 1 hour 58 mins
Universal
Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars
An action, sci-Fi Thriller set in the Wild West, “Cowboys and Aliens” surprises with a plot that combines both the wild west genre with the sci-fi genre while sticking true to the expectations of both styles.
The movie grabs your attention right away with Jake Lonergan, played by Daniel Craig, waking up in the middle of the desert with no memory, a photo of a pretty girl, and a strange metal brace on his right arm that he can’t remove. The story moves on in to your typical wild west story of man against man for self gain and then surprises you with the sudden introduction of aliens in the wild west, swooping in and boldly abducting people. Enemies join together for a common goal, to get their family and friends back and save the world as they know it. And of course what movie wouldn’t have the few surprises along the way.
Daniel Craig is perfect playing the bad boy turned hero Jake Lonergan, Harrison Ford is bold and brilliant as the rich Cattle Rancher and local bully Woodrow Dolarhyde, and Olivia Wilde is alluring as the svelte Ella Swenson.
Although the movie lacks in a memorable soundtrack, the music fit well. “Cowboys and Aliens” makes up for it in its spectacular acting and well delivered lines. This definitely surpassed my initial expectations. The cinematography was beautiful, casting was absolutely perfect, and the story worked well combining two completely separate genres.
