Cowboys and Aliens

Tough Hombres and Senorita Battle Extraterrestrials
Cowboys and Aliens, ****, PG-13, Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford, Olivia Wilde, Sam Rockwell, Paul Dano. Universal film. Director Jon Favreau. Length 118 minutes.

The movie begins with a bang. Everyone realizes they are in for a ride with a cowboy who means business. Not wasting any time - this western with visitors from outer space supplies action along with an interesting story.
If a western movie is out – I am going to be there. Even though this is a mixture of science fiction, the western characters are realistic and remarkable. Interestingly, all of the individuals we meet are memorable.
Jake Lonergan (Daniel Craig) is a wanted man. Lonergan is an extremely dangerous and capable cowboy trying to remember his past. Unfortunately for some characters, he recalls how to use a gun along with his fists.
At the beginning of the movie, Lonergan wakes up in the wilds of the western land. He has a strange bracelet on his left arm. The bracelet comes in handy later in the movie. Three cowboys find him. Unfortunately for them they challenge his expertise. He does not need the bracelet to take care of these bad guys. A dog traveling with the bad guys follows Lonergan reminding the audience of the John Wayne movie “Hondo.”
Woodrow Dolarhyde (Harrison Ford) is a rancher who has a son Percy (Paul Dano), who thinks his father’s money and power gives him the right to bully and take what he wants. Dolarhyde is arrogant. He believes he is superior to everyone else. Unfortunately, we have individuals like him in today’s world.
Doc (Sam Rockwell) is a typical western character operating a saloon who supplies some humor. Ella (Olivia Wilde) is a woman looking for something. She wants Jake’s help with her mission.
All of the characters in this movie are fascinating. This could have been a great western without the alien aspect. Unfortunately, westerns are not in vogue with the younger generation.
The scenery throughout the movie conveys the look of the old west - rough, rugged, and risky. The beauty of the open country contrasted with the danger and violence enhances the story considerably.
“Cowboys and Aliens” contains messages throughout the movie. Some are symbolic like the hummingbird flying backwards in front of Lonergan. Maybe it means he can look back on his past, but not dwell on it?
All of the characters in the movie learn a lesson. Some discover how to work together; others accept their lives, while some sacrifice to help others. It is our duty here on earth to make things better while working together. The message is clear, and it works.
This unusual and interesting movie has everything westerns need – fights, beatings, bullying, gunfights and shoot “em ups. From barrooms, jailhouses, bad guys, and Indian ceremonies, to action filled fights with the aliens, this movie is entertaining along with giving the western a chance to revive itself.
The cliché about cowboys who are never far from their gun, hat, and horse may be true. Some might even ride off into the sunset. However, this will not be revealed within this review. Saddle up and go for western entertainment and sci-fi demons. The cowboys called the aliens demons. It is an appropriate word for these dangerous creatures.
I recommend “Cowboys and Aliens.” Just remember it is a double edged sword – a double barrel shotgun or two genres in one move. But it works.