Tombstone

Tombstone
(1993) [Trailer]
Director: George P. Cosmatos (IMDB)

Tombstone is a classic example of despite everything being wrong in the production, by some miracle, the movie Gods, happy accidents or whatever, everything turns out alright. REALLY alright. It was plagued from the git go with delays, script problems, and budgetary problems. But under the strong pimp hand of Snake Pliskin AKA Kurt Russell, the movie got back on track. Kurt's leadership and selflessness, even cutting his own scenes to give his fellow actors more screen time, turned what could have been an epic disaster into an epic popcorn movie.

And the great performaces didn’t hurt. Kurt Russell as Wyatt, and Sam Elliot and Bill Paxton as Virgil and Morgan are our hero Earp brothers.

Set in Tombstone, Arizona, the story is about famous sheriff and lawman, Wyatt Earp and his brothers. Wyatt, who is searching for a life of peace, ultimately has no choice, but to rid the town of the scoundrels named The Cowboys who pretty much do whatever they want. Like killing people. And being drunk annoying buffoons. Great performances by Powers Booth, who leads the Cowboys, and Michael Biehn as Johnny Ringo are vital to the effectiveness of the film.

And then there's Val. Val Kilmer. Val Kilmer as Doc Holliday stole every scene he was in and delivers some of the most classic lines in movie history. Rarely has anyone, in a supporting role, made such an impact on the enjoyment of a film. Doc Holliday is as loyal to Wyatt as any character could be to another. He would do anything for him. Including kill or die. If you needed someone to go into battle with, Doc Holliday is your huckleberry.

The movie builds and builds. After attempts at living a peaceful life are unsuccessful, the Earp brothers have no choice but to confront the Cowboys at the legendary gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Great direction, cinematography, and editing build the drama and tension and make this a tremendously entertaining scene in an already entertaining movie. 

This scene leads into the Cowboys taking revenge which leads into Wyatt going postal. Hell is coming with him.

The movie's third act is a tremendously joyful and entertaining ride. Tombstone is about brotherhood, whether by blood or love, and doing the right thing no matter what you may risk in the process.

If you haven't seen this yet, see it. Unless you don't like entertaining films.

Thank you.