Rustlers' Rhapsody (1985)

A Cowgirl's Cowboy

Rustlers's Rhapsody is great entertainment for any horse opera fan. Singing cowboy Rex O'Herlihan (Tom Berenger at his hunkiest) knows and observes ALL the cliches. Co-stars Andy Griffith, Marilu Henner, and ingenue Sela Ward cooperate in camping it up to the max. A special appearance by Patrick Wayne is a nostalgic treat, too. If you're looking for a serious Western a la "Unforgiven", forget it! This flick is just plain fun. July 13, 2008

An introduction to westerns

When I was a child who insisted on hating westerns, this was the movie my dad showed me to change my mind. A spoof on all westerns from the old depression-era shorts to the "spaghetti" westerns of the 70's & 80's, "Rustlers' Rhapsody" not only pays homage, but injects some modern-day common sense into them. I was hooked from the moment the screen shifted into color and the bad guys who had been fleeing the lone cowboy suddenly realized they outnumbered him and turned around to chase him.

This movie not only taught me that I could enjoy a western, but also (with some help from my dad) served as a sort of guide to the various types of westerns that have been popular. The narration gave a sort of tongue-in-cheek analysis of the variations within the genre, which, oddly enough, has helped me navigate my way through more serious films.
May 6, 2008

Charming, funny movie.

This is a great send-up of all cowboy movies ever made, by someone, I think, who loves all cowboy movies ever made. Every cliche is assembled and self-consciously incorporated into this post-modern/deconstructionist work that comments on it's own cliches. This is much wittier than the Abrams-Zucker (Airplane, Naked Gun) works though perhaps not as pee-in-your-pants funny. Tom Berenger plays a character you actually get to like, and G. W. Baily's town drunk is also a character that rises into a third dimension.

If you like cowboy movies (I do), and I suppose if you hate cowboy movies, this should provide an evenings entertainment. January 2, 2008

Funnier than Blazing Saddles

Remember the days when the color of the hat told you whether a man was good or bad? This film brilliently brings the white-hatted good-guy together with an ensemble cast designed to give you a smile that evolves into uncontrollable laughter! Fun for the whole family. December 6, 2007

The Singing what???

This laugh out loud parody of the 40's and 50's cowboy serial movies is wonderful. Tom Berenger plays the 'less than confident' heterosexual good guy Rex O'Herlihan, the singing cowboy, (the singing what?). Andy Griffith and Fernando Rey portray the 'a-typical' no-good Colonels, and G.W. Bailey, (Rizo in the TV series M.A.S.H.),is the narrator and comedic foil to Rex's innocent character. From the black and white square screen and scratchy sound intro, which becomes super surround sound and lush color scenery, to the 'perfect' sunset that Rex rides into, the entire movie is a non-stop, over the top, fun trip. Written and Directed by Hugh Wilson, who is responsible for the hilarious "Police Academy", this is a 'must see' movie. Not recommended for grumpy people! September 7, 2007

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