Video Views Pick: Appaloosa

DVD Release: January 13

Western/Drama/Romance, 114 min.

Ed Harris wrote, produced, directed and stars in this excellent film, which combines a story line true to the westerns of the good old days with an in-depth look into human relationships. When the aldermen of Appaloosa are fed up with how the evil Randall Bragg (Jeremy Irons) and his gang of thugs have abused the town, even murdering the city marshal, they hire professional gunman Virgil Cole (Harris) and his loyal sidekick, Everett Hitch (Viggo Mortensen), to solve their problem. Tough as nails, Cole and Hitch are successful in bringing Bragg to trial, but their efforts are hampered by the appearance of the widow Allison French (Renée Zellweger), whose attempts at wooing Cole are equally successful. Her behavior seems sincere to Cole, not so by Hitch, but certainly results in putting everyone in danger. This fascinating tale takes us down suspenseful trails, full of betrayal, emotion and questions about the wisdom of our heroes and the motives of everyone else.

DVD Extras: Commentary; additional scenes; featurettes include “The Town of Appaloosa.”

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