Date Released: 12/25/93 Running Length: 2:08
Rated: R (Violence)
Starring: Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer, Sam Elliott, Bill Paxton,
Michael Biehn, Powers Boothe, Dana Delany, Stephen Lang
Director: George Cosmatos
Producers: James Jacks, Sean Daniel, and Bob Misiorowski
Screenplay: Kevin Jarre Music: Bruce Broughton
Released by Hollywood Pictures
I've loved westerns since I was a child and was happy to join the
Earp Brothers in Arizona once again, in the 1993 version of Tombstone.
We are swept away to 1879 when a retired Wyatt Earp (Kurt Russell) arrives
in Tucson to meet up with his brothers, Virgil (Sam Elliott) and Morgan (Bill
Paxton). One of the first things you notice is the photography in Tombstone.
Sweeping shots of the landscape and postcard perfect scenes throughout the
entire movie.
The Earp's and their wives hope to lead a peaceful life, out of the law business,
content to run a Faro game which Wyatt acquires in a wonderful scene. We soon
learn "The only real law in Tombstone is the Cowboys." As Sheriff White (Harry
Carey, Jr), tells the Earp brothers. The Cowboys, lead by Curly Bill (Powers
Boothe) and Johnny Ringo (Michael Biehn), hold Tombstone in a constant state of
lawlessness.
Tensions mount as we approach the 'legendary' shoot out at the O K Corral, where
the real action begins. The Earp's, joined by Doc Holliday (Val Kilmer) meet the
cowardly Ike Clanton (Stephen Lang) and company in a rip-roaring shoot out; where
Morgan Earp finds out what it's like to shoot his first man. However, this is
only the beginning. The violence doesn't end until one side has killed every man
on the other side.
I fell in love with Tombstone. It's talented ensemble cast pulls together an
enjoyable diversion back in time. I found Richard Jarre's grasp of the lingo
in this time period fascinating. And I found the relationships built amongst
the men in Tombstone uniquely interesting, especially for this genre.
Kurt Russell has limited talent, but he found his place - behind Wyatt's huge
moustache and carried it off well. I found it interesting to see Bill Paxton
in such a quiet role, what a change of pace. Although, his part was small, I
was happy to see him. Powers Boothe and Michael Biehn were well cast as the
leaders of the Cowboys. Biehn's quiet evil was outstanding. However,
Tombstone's Doc Holliday (performed, beautifully, by Val Kilmer) out shined the
rest of the cast. Kilmer has, yet again, given us a well rounded, well studied,
award deserving character. He literally becomes Doc Holliday. It's hard to take
your eyes off of him when he's on the screen. They said: "Every town has a story -
- Tombstone has a legend!" And his name is Val Kilmer...
On the whole, Tombstone starts with a very interesting take of The Earps story.
However, it can't keep up the pace. I found the "let's the kill _ALL_ the Cowboys"
too long and a let down to the story they had started to build in the first part
of the movie.
I give Tombstone a 3 star rating on a scale of 1 to 4.