CATRIONA PAUL at the movies.

ANOTHER WESTERN rides into view, but is it giddy up cowboy or whoa there cowpoke for Kevin Costner’s latest film, Open Range?

With plenty of hits, (Dances with Wolves, Robin Hood (Prince of Thieves), and The Bodyguard to name just a few), yet almost as many misses, (notably Waterworld and The Postman), the actor and director has much to prove to movie-goers with his latest feature. Thankfully, Costner’s aim is true and Open Range hits the mark – an enjoyable Western with likeable leads and no-good rogues.

Introducing the good guys – Spearman (Robert Duvall) and his men herd cattle cross-state, pausing where the grass is good and free. At an encampment near Harmonville, they run into trouble with local rancher, Baxter (Michael Gambon). Baxter objects to free-grazers getting something for nothing. He makes his point with violence, forcing Spearman and right-hand man Charley (Costner), to take a stand. All this shooting reminds Charley of a dark past he’s trying to shake off as he dreams of a better future with local good-woman Sue (Annette Bening).

Open Range succeeds because the oftentimes over-bearing Costner has re-discovered the benefits of sharing the screen. Duval gets as many lines as Costner himself and Benning takes a memorable turn as a Florence Nightingale of the Wild West. The blossoming romance between Charley and Sue, older than your average sweethearts, gives the film plenty of warmth and hope, something which in our cynical times is quietly nice. Indeed, the only danger in this film is too much sugar, especially if you’re accustomed to Clint Eastwood’s loners.

But then, what’s wrong with a little feel-good?  This gal for one is pleased to have romance and romanticism back in the West – thank you kindly and a slice of apple pie to the goodly cowboy Costner.

OPEN RANGE (12A)
General release, selected cinemas.

Director: Kevin Costner
Writing: Lauran Paine (novel); Craig Storper (screenplay)
Stars: Kevin Costner, Robert Duvall, Annette Bening, Michael Gambon, Diego Luna, Abraham Benrubi
Certificate: 12A
Running Time: 139
Country: US
Year: 2003

© Catriona Paul, 2004