OPEN RANGE [2004] Kevin Costner, Robert Duvall ; R 12A

Driving cattle across the plains of America, Charlie Waite (Costner) and Boss Spearman (Duvall) live a free existence in tune with nature. But violence intrudes into their lives when they come up against Baxter, the corrupt top man in a local town. That's when Charlie's inner demons start to rise to the surface. Kevin Costner is hardly the ripe headliner he used to be, but many forget he is also an Academy Award winning director ('Dances With Wolves'). 'Open Range' is as traditional as they come, a film much in the same vein as Clint Eastwood's 'Unforgiven'. 'Open Range' takes the time to develop and grow, allowing the viewer to really connect with the characters and their situation. The film boast a wonderful supporting cast, including an expertly toned performance by none other than Abraham Benrubi (Jerry from ER). It is also wonderful to see Robert Duvall given the chance to really stretch his acting muscles for a change. His performance serves to remind us all that he was and still is, one of the Hollywood greats. Do you remember him in 'To Kill a Mockingbird'? Costner, though hardly as worshipped, does prove once again that he does still have a great screen presence and is overlooked much to often these days. All in all the movie is a great piece of cinema and a welcomed break from the MTV style directing most movies these days suffer from. A great old fashioned western. Expertly directed by Costner. Absolutely worth seeing.

4/5