First of all, let me say I don't generally like Woody Harrelson, but I thought he did a superb job in this picture.
Billy Crudup plays Pete, a likable cowboy who returns from WWII to work his own land with some cattle he buys using his GI salary. Harrelson plays "Big Boy," his best friend; they both are averse to working for "Jim Ed" (Sam Elliot in a rare bad guy role), who owns most of the town and environs. It's a typical plot, with the little guys pitted against the fat cat, but one which is developed in a very realistic way. There were no gun fights or barroom brawls -- incredible for a Hollywood western! And the little guys just get by -- they don't somehow crush the fat cat. Quite refreshing.
I'll stop my praise-fest to say that no real Pete could be as stupid as this one. His would-be sweetheart Mona (Patricia Arquette), who couldn't wait for any of the GIs to return and married the first guy who asked her (her hubby works for Jim Ed, of course), flirts unabashedly with both Pete and his best friend Big Boy. Unbeknownst to Pete, who still holds a candle for her, she closes the deal with Big Boy, yet continues to lead him on. Meanwhile, Penelepe Cruz plays "Josepha" (she is obviously Mexican-American, and therefore should be "Josefa"), who loves Pete and waited for him throughout the war. Needless to say, she is HOT. Pete is obviously blind and does not see this.
This is where I have to stop and protest. Since when does Arquette come anywhere near the beauty of Cruz? Let's not even discuss appearances; in the movie Josefa exudes innocent and virtuous yet sexually attractive energy, whilst Mona is obviously nothing more than a cheap slut. Nevertheless, Pete is obsessed with Mona. Almost totally unbelievable. You feel for Pete, yet at the same time you condemn him for his blindness and stupidity.
Eventually, after he gets slapped in the face about a million times, Pete comes to his senses. Even in this reversal, the movie represents reality, because there are smart people who become stupid through the miracle of LOVE, and yet at some point see the light.
I was not prepared to enjoy this movie to the extent I did, having read a lot of reviews, but I have to agree with those who endorse it. It's well done and leaves you feeling good. A most enjoyable film.
Billy Crudup plays Pete, a likable cowboy who returns from WWII to work his own land with some cattle he buys using his GI salary. Harrelson plays "Big Boy," his best friend; they both are averse to working for "Jim Ed" (Sam Elliot in a rare bad guy role), who owns most of the town and environs. It's a typical plot, with the little guys pitted against the fat cat, but one which is developed in a very realistic way. There were no gun fights or barroom brawls -- incredible for a Hollywood western! And the little guys just get by -- they don't somehow crush the fat cat. Quite refreshing.
I'll stop my praise-fest to say that no real Pete could be as stupid as this one. His would-be sweetheart Mona (Patricia Arquette), who couldn't wait for any of the GIs to return and married the first guy who asked her (her hubby works for Jim Ed, of course), flirts unabashedly with both Pete and his best friend Big Boy. Unbeknownst to Pete, who still holds a candle for her, she closes the deal with Big Boy, yet continues to lead him on. Meanwhile, Penelepe Cruz plays "Josepha" (she is obviously Mexican-American, and therefore should be "Josefa"), who loves Pete and waited for him throughout the war. Needless to say, she is HOT. Pete is obviously blind and does not see this.
This is where I have to stop and protest. Since when does Arquette come anywhere near the beauty of Cruz? Let's not even discuss appearances; in the movie Josefa exudes innocent and virtuous yet sexually attractive energy, whilst Mona is obviously nothing more than a cheap slut. Nevertheless, Pete is obsessed with Mona. Almost totally unbelievable. You feel for Pete, yet at the same time you condemn him for his blindness and stupidity.
Eventually, after he gets slapped in the face about a million times, Pete comes to his senses. Even in this reversal, the movie represents reality, because there are smart people who become stupid through the miracle of LOVE, and yet at some point see the light.
I was not prepared to enjoy this movie to the extent I did, having read a lot of reviews, but I have to agree with those who endorse it. It's well done and leaves you feeling good. A most enjoyable film.