For western buffs, and especially for those familiar with Robert Parkers style of story telling, this is an enjoyable shoot 'um up. The characters are simple and straight forward. Not a lot of flashy talk, just bravado where needed and deadly action when the final line is crossed. Not as much action as 3:10 to Yuma but probably more realistic.

Reviews have been sketchy for this flick, but I found it very entertaining as a western buff with accurate costuming, sets, the prevailing wind through the plains town, and the hesitating conversations, typical of true cowboys. They speak only if spoken to or if they want to say something..then it's short and sweet. The male duo was middle-aged and longed for something stable, but kept doing their thing...killing for hire under the star of a marshal. The vixen was well-cast even though critics say not. She appeared to be sincere, but was willing to do anything to be noticed and "loved." I lived in the badlands of Montana and on the high plains of Wyoming. Appaloosa was right on the money, so to speak, in portraying life in western territories before statehood. The town council of Appaloosa sadly allowed the acquitted murderer to take over, indicative of society throughout time. Most missed, I'm sure, the vixen's wrong notes in her piano playing! That was a hoot!

This isn't your modernized version of a western like 3:10 to Yuma, nor the pretentious kind like assasination of Jesse James nor is it a story that deals with unusual sensitive topics like Brokeback Mountain. No, this is your Grandfathers version of how the west really was back in the day. The story was well done and intentionally slow paced. The action is smooth and deliberate (so don't expect you would see much action from it), the chemistry between the 2 cowboys is honor and the Code of the West.

My wife and I loved Appaloosa. It was a good Wild West saga, but different than the usual story line in that neither the good guys or the bad guys seemed to take themselves seriously. There was a lot of humor and irony on both sides of the dispute portrayed. Ed Harris and Viggo Mortenson (spelling?) were great and fed off each other, and Jeremy Irons played the role of the lead bad guy superbly. We found the movie very entertaining, letting us leave the outside world of economic woes and lying sacks of politicians for a couple of hours. The irony, humor and sexual undertones are geared toward an adult audience, so leave the youngsters to play in traffic, freeing you to enjoy the show with a smile on your face.

Made from the book by Robert B. Parker, creator of Spencer for Hire, you know in advance you're getting a good story underlying the script. As a critical viewer of Westerns I cannot find any fault with this effort! Many reviewers have commented negatively on Renee Zellwinger's role, however given the actual depth and importance to the story of the part she played, I consider she did well. Her make-up was unappealing, probably to reduce her natural charm in order to convey her sense of desperation at being the "aging beauty" stranded in the West. The rest of the acting was excellent, photography was first rate and the little additions that add to the feel were fabulous. Ox carts in tthe street, for example ....horse work was marvelous....believable gun fights....meaningful dialogue. Much, much better than 3:10 to Yuma in every way, though not at Unforgiven level. Go treat yourself to this on the big screen, it is well worth it.