Travis Simpkins

The Wild Bunch (1969): Sam Peckinpah, William Holden and Ernest Borgnine

Directed by Sam Peckinpah, The Wild Bunch (1969) is ranked on both the Best Western list as well as the AFI's Top 100 Films of All Time. The story concerns a group of aging outlaws, struggling to cope with the end of the Old West era in 1913, and looking for one last score. Innovative in it's structure and realism (particularly in regard to violence), the film is still quite relevant and influential. The cast is wonderful, including William Holden, Ernest Borgnine, Robert Ryan, Edmond O'Brien and Ben Johnson.

The Wild Bunch. 1969: William Holden and Ernest Borgnine

The Wild Bunch. 1969

The Wild Bunch. 1969: William Holden and Ernest Borgnine

The Wild Bunch. 1969

The Wild Bunch. 1969: William Holden and Ernest Borgnine

The Wild Bunch. 1969: William Holden

The Wild Bunch. 1969

"The Wild Bunch"- movie trailer

Appaloosa (2008): Ed Harris, Viggo Mortensen, Jeremy Irons and Renee Zellweger

Co-written, starring and directed by Ed Harris, based on the 2005 novel by Robert B. Parker, Appaloosa (2008) is a superb Western film that contains many story elements from old genre classics combined with modern grittiness and graphic violence. The plot concerns a terrorized town that hires a rough lawman and his fearless deputy to stand up to the brutal rancher that causes so much misery. Ed Harris and Viggo Mortensen are great as the good guys. Jeremy Irons is fantastic as the bad guy. Renee Zellweger is sexy as the promiscuous love interest, appearing nude in a distant shot. The supporting cast is good as well, including Lance Hendriksen.

Appaloosa. 2008: Jeremy Irons

Appaloosa. 2008: Ed Harris

Appaloosa. 2008: Viggo Mortensen and Ed Harris

Appaloosa. 2008: Viggo Mortensen, Renee Zellweger and Ed Harris

Appaloosa. 2008: Jeremy Irons

Appaloosa. 2008: Viggo Mortensen, Jeremy Irons and Ed Harris

Appaloosa. 2008: Viggo Mortensen and Ed Harris

Appaloosa. 2008: Viggo Mortensen, Renee Zellweger and Ed Harris

Appaloosa. 2008: Viggo Mortensen and Ed Harris

"Appaloosa"- movie trailer

Open Range (2003): Kevin Costner, Robert Duvall and Annette Bening

Directed by and starring Kevin Costner, Open Range (2003) is a great Western that sparks with realism and true feeling. The film deservedly won critical acclaim. The story concerns two cattlemen who are forced to battle a villainous land baron and his henchmen. Brutal violence and poignant sentiments mix nicely, the film is entertaining throughout. The cinematography nicely captures the vast and beautiful Western landscape in a limited palette. Kevin Costner, Robert Duvall and Annette Bening are great in the lead roles, The supporting cast is great as well, including Michael Gambon, Diego Luna and Michael Jeter (in his final role).