Young Guns (1988)

bad story, bad acting, bad western

this was made when the actors were all young and still trying to learn their trade. they had not. i do not know who wrote the story, but he ought not to lose his day job. all those who took part ought to learn about the genre, because they missed the whole point

do not buy this movie unless you like to spend almost two hours looking at nice horses and trying to ignore what is happening around them. June 15, 2008

An Entertaining Movie In More Ways Than One: Truth, History, And Legend

This review is for "Young Guns (Special Edition)" DVD
(Widescreen; "The Real Billy the Kid" Documentary; Trivia Track--"Gunning for the 'Fact';" and Audio Commentary with Lou Diamond Phillips, Dermot Mulroney and Casey Siemoszko)

I am unsure which was more entertaining: the movie "Young Guns;" the trivia track for the movie; or the so called documentary, "The Real Billy the Kid." This is because the one thing that can be said about the historical Billy the Kid is that the "facts" are essentially unverifiable; which has lead to a division of sorts between "historians" writing about Billy the Kid. In all of my own secondary research, I have concluded that Robert Utley's book, "Billy the Kid: A Short and Violent Life," is the most valid interpretation.

Given that "Young Guns" was intended to be a movie loaded with "stars and future stars," more than anything else, the movie clearly demonstrates what great actors can do if they are willing to go the distance ("Young Guns" was shot in only six weeks). Moreover, I--and I am going out on a limb here, as I have not researched this--am of the mind that the movie was also intended to tell the story of the "legend" of Billy the Kid as a metaphor for current popular culture; including the "non-traditional" soundtrack. (However, also see Sam Peckinpah's "Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid" for a "non-traditional soundtrack and more violent interpretation of Billy the Kid). Regardless, I cannot say enough about just how exciting and energetic "Young Guns" is to watch. The "young stars," even the small cameos, all add to the film.

As for the "documentary," I almost split a gut laughing. I am not sure if the "documentary" was intended to present the "truth" about Billy the Kid, but that was not the case, except perhaps from some radical perspective, although some "facts"--and again, all "facts" about Billy the Kid are subject to change--were informative.

The trivia track was a hoot. Again, I must believe that much of the "trivia" was done with tongue in cheek. Whatever the reason, the "trivia" sure made the movie, "Young Guns," all the more fun to watch.

In the final analysis, it is my true belief that "Young Guns" should be--if not already--considered a classical western.

Lastly, for those who want to "quickly" learn (instead of reading Robert Utley's book) about the questionable history of Billy the Kid, go to the Wikipedia site. Or one can watch "Gore Vidal's Billy the Kid" (1989--a year after "Young Guns"), starring Val Kilmer as Billy and Duncan Regehr as Pat Garrett. While this movie is currently available only in VHS format, it is also filmed like a more "traditional western;" but, in my opinion is the most "historically accurate" movie about Billy the Kid.

Update--1 July 2008: If this review was not helpful to you, I would appreciate learning the reason(s) so I can improve my reviews. My goal is to provide help to potential buyers, not get into any arguments. So, if you only disagree with my opinion, could you please say so in the comments and not indicate that the review was not helpful. Thanks. June 14, 2008

One of the few Westerns I love

Being a film buff all of my life, Westerns were the one film genre that I would prefer not to watch growing up. The only westerns I care for are Sileverado, Unforgiven, The Quick and The Dead & Posee. Young Guns is a mixture of semi pop culture from the late eighties and western action. The cast is good and the direction is sharp from Christopher Cain. April 1, 2008

Young Guns (Special Edition)

The movie is a classic. I would recommend it to anyone who likes westerns. I also ordered Young Guns II. Shipping was free, but it took awhile to receive it. February 15, 2008

Great Movie about Billy the Kid

Great action movie. Old western about some true characters that portrays an American outlaw. I purchased both Young Guns and Young Guns II for my dvd collection. I like the history, true story type of movies. August 31, 2007

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