Movie Review: 'American Outlaws'
One of the few westerns to come out this year is "American Outlaws." This is the storied epic of Jesse James (Collin Farrell), the notorious outlaw and the best-looking cowboy I've ever seen!
"American Outlaws" takes us back to the days when the railways were being built across America, when outlaws were common troublemakers, and when cowboy hats weren't a fashion statement but a necessity.
Jesse James is the leader of the James Younger Gang with his cousin Cole Younger (Scott Caan) who rebels across the mid-west with six of his relatives and friends. The James Younger Gang set out to rob banks and defy the railway system and their head of security Allan Pinkerton (Timothy Dalton) who has taken away the land rights for the local homesteaders for corporate gain.
Their troublemaking takes The James Younger Gang into Missouri to rob the railway system of their money and supplies. The reason? The railway company has been killing people and destroying homes to gain the land they require, and unfortunately the railway company killed Jesse James' ma (Katey Bates) in the process.
"American Outlaws" is a "shoot-em-up" flick with some humor and drama thrown into the plot. The movie's action was laid out nicely. There was a great ebb and flow to the action that allowed the audience a chance to absorb what just happened and what the consequences were for the characters.
Ali Larter played Zee Mimms, Jesse James girlfriend. Ali's character avoids the typical western ranch wife/daughter you may think of when you think about the Old West. Instead she is a dynamic modern woman with the guts to wear pants and have her hair flowing in the wind instead of restrained in some type of bun. Ali is the perfect Zee, the perfect mate for the infamous Jesse James.
A real surprise is actor Gregory Smith. Gregory portrays Jim Younger, Cole's little brother who wants to be treated like a grown up but has been sheltered all his life. Gregory is a great addition to the cast and acting in shows like "The Patriot" and "Small Soldiers" has given Gregory vast experience to draw from.
Scott Caan is best known for his roles in "Varsity Blues" and "Gone in Sixty Seconds." His outlaw character suits him better than the-know-it-all football player and car thief from the previous movies, although (surprise) in "American Outlaws" his character seems to be a know-it-all here as well.
Realism alert! Colin Farrell and Scott Caan appeared too handsome and clean for mid-1800s outlaws! Their hair is always in place, they take off their shirts and they have these washboard stomachs with perfect pecs and their clothes fit perfectly on their bodies. Hmmm, I just don't see the real Jesse James and Cole Younger looking like this. Do you?
"American Outlaws" was a fun movie. It's a great date movie with drama, action, and humor to keep you entertained.
I give "American Outlaws" 3 out of 5 stars.
