Cowboys & Aliens Adopts Old Premise, Adds Something Original By Art Byrd

The concept for Cowboys & Aliens is both different and not-so-different from other invading aliens movies. What makes this movie unusual is its Western setting. The cowboys know nothing about technology or aliens; all they have are guns to fight invaders sporting laser weapons and spaceships with long cables that abduct people.

Cowboys & Aliens is a good mix or mash up (A Glee TV Series term) of two genres: a slow Western and a punched-up Action/Science-Fiction movie.

Jack Lonergram, played by Daniel Craig (Casino Royale), wakes up in the desert with no memory of who he is or where he has been, but he’s wearing a strange bracelet on his wrist.

After an encounter with some would-be robbers who he kills, Jack takes their money, clothes, horse and dog and heads to a nearby town.

In town, Jack keeps getting into trouble. He assaults Percy, the son of a cattle rancher Woodrow Dolarhyde, played by Harrison Ford (Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark).

The sheriff discovers Jack is a hard man to bring down, but he’s finally apprehended after Ella, played by Olivia Wilde, gives him a blow to the head with something hard. Jack is taken into custody along with Percy, who accidentally shot a deputy.

I have to say that it was refreshing to see Harrison Ford as a mean and unsympathetic character. He was very good. Woodrow and his posse ride into town to take Percy back. As soon as they arrive, the alien ships begin their attack. Jack escapes and the bracelet he’s wearing comes to life. He starts shooting down the alien ships, but not before people have been abducted -- including Percy.

Woodrow and Jack must now work together to rescue the kidnapped. Cowboys & Aliens take its time to tell the story, but the Western picks up speed as the Sci-Fi action comes into play.

I give director Jon Favreau (Iron Man) credit for taking on a story like this – giving the same old aliens-attack- Earth premise an original storyline.

Craig has the coolness and intensity that makes him come off like an old-time cowboy hero. Wilde’s Ella has a very interesting alien twist with her character -- possibly the reason that she looks beautiful in the dusty Wild West.

Cowboys & Aliens’ creatures are ugly. Hopefully the next aliens that invade theaters will bring a fashion stylist. Cool looking aliens would be a plus.

The movie had great stunts, high-powered action and okay special effects. I’m glad the movie title was Cowboys & Aliens instead of Cowboys vs. Aliens, which could have been a different outcome.

Edited by Michele Ristich Gatts