Writer: Lester Gan Wai Lun

Writer Ratings:
Overall:
Cast:
Plot:
Effects:
Cinematography:

Watch this if you liked: “Hidalgo” “Indiana Jones” and “Casino Royale”

Director John Favreau ("Iron Man") might seem crazy to most, mashing up two of the most ancient genres together in one film, but strangely it works. Coming up with the film title "Cowboys and Aliens" and filling it with one talented cast after another, John Favreau proves that he can make a ridiculous idea of a film into something highly entertaining.

Already from the trailer audiences can expect the effects to be the epitome of the movie, and that is exactly what they'll get especially for audiences who wish to watch the movie in IMAX 3D. If you have an affinity for alien movies, shooting lasers and unidentified flying objects, then save to say, the effects of the movie can be fully experienced through the IMAX 3D version.

The movie starts off by introducing us to a bloody and battered cowboy. He has no recollection of his name or whereabouts, and strapped to his wrist is a strange metallic bracelet. Through a series of events we soon learn that he's Jake Lonergan (Daniel Craig), a wanted outlaw. He is then thrown in jail, where people are waiting for the arrival of a crusty cattle baron (Harrison Ford) on the mission to retrieve his son (Paul Dano). During the prison transfer, with strange lights surrounding the sky followed by the firing of alien lasers; Jake then realizes that the bracelet on his wrist is capable of taking down UFOs. Having to put all differences aside, the cattle baron Colonel Dolarhyde, forms a team that includes Jake to hunt down the aliens that abducted his son.

The cast was greatly developed and rightfully assigned. Daniel Craig ("Casino Royale") as a cowboy was unimaginable at first, that is until he puts on a pretty good American accent where one will see he is perfect for the part, that and him being paired up with Harrison Ford ("Indiana Jones") in an action flick is really quite perfect. Plus who better to play a grouchy cattle baron with a big heart other than Harrison Ford, adding his previous performance from "Morning Glory" mashed up with some Indiana Jones, making him the obvious choice for the part. Other supporting casts, such as Olivia Wilde as Ella Swenson, Sam Rockwell as Doc and Paul Dano as Percy Dolarhyde, all played their roles as good as it could've been.

Truth be told, the plot was the weakest link in this film, with the first 90 minutes of unanswered questions and then later cramping all of it in the final 20 minutes or so, is really quite unforgivable. The script on the other hand was well written, with a bunch of funny one-liners, one would find themselves giggling on various occasions. Action wise- it was packed full of it, the combination of Daniel Craig's coolness and Harrison Ford's roughness in a fast paced action film is something any moviegoer will appreciate. However, the aliens were disappointing, not what one would expect (think ninja turtles gone bad and you've pretty much got the idea).

All in all, the part sci-fi, part western film is well worth watching on the big screen. Try concentrating less on how ridiculous the story is, watch the film for its unique action scenes (it's not every day that you're able to watch a bunch of cowboys and Indians go all out on some aliens) and you will guarantee yourselves a fun and satisfying time in front of the big screen.

Cinema Online, 10 August 2011