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- The Oddity That Was ‘Cowboys & Aliens’
- What Audiences and Critics Thought of ‘Cowboys & Aliens’
- Is ‘Cowboys & Aliens’ Worth Another Shot?
As a movie enthusiast who has spent countless hours poring over films of all genres and from various decades, I must say that “Cowboys & Aliens” is one of those movies that left me feeling somewhat underwhelmed. Having grown up watching classics like “True Grit,” “War of the Worlds,” and even the quirky “Wild Wild West,” I had high expectations for this seemingly perfect blend of genres. However, it fell short in delivering a cohesive and engaging story that could do justice to these iconic films.
The blend of science fiction and Western genres has turned out to be a challenging combination to perfect; drawing parallels between Westworld and Wild Wild West demonstrates the genre’s vast potential, as well as its shortcomings. Interestingly, even a movie like Wild Wild West can gain admiration over time and attract a devoted cult following. Although it didn’t receive the same level of criticism as the Will Smith sci-fi/Western, Jon Favreau’s 2011 film Cowboys & Aliens also failed at the box office and was generally panned by both critics and fans.
13 years after the debut of “Cowboys & Aliens” allows viewers to reassess and potentially discover a new admiration for a film that initially underperformed. However, some movies are destined to remain as disappointments. So, where does the Daniel Craig sci-fi Western fall? Let’s reevaluate this movie’s commercial flop and poor reception to determine if it deserves another chance 13 years later.
The Oddity That Was ‘Cowboys & Aliens’
1873, Arizona serves as the backdrop for the tale of Cowboys & Aliens. The story revolves around a man named Jake Lonergan (Daniel Craig), who mysteriously wakes up in the desert with no knowledge of his past, save for a peculiar metal band on his wrist. He finds himself in a town called Abandon, where the sheriff labels him an escaped outlaw. However, when this town is invaded by extraterrestrial beings, Jake’s bracelet miraculously transforms into a formidable weapon capable of destroying UFOs. As he rallies with the townsfolk to fend off the invasion, memories of a woman he once loved and his own abduction by the alien force he now confronts begin to resurface.
Gathering anticipation before its debut, Cowboys & Aliens generated excitement with an impressive lineup of talent. Among them was Daniel Craig, taking on the lead character Jake Lonergan after his departure from James Bond in 2008’s Quantum of Solace and his role in Defiance that same year. The cast also boasted heavyweights like Harrison Ford, Olivia Wilde, Sam Rockwell, and Paul Dano, as well as beloved figures such as Clancy Brown, Adam Beach, and Abigail Spencer. Jon Favreau, fresh from directing the first two Iron Man films, helmed the production of Cowboys & Aliens.
As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I’ve always been intrigued by unique cinematic ventures that blend genres, and Cowboys & Aliens certainly caught my eye with its innovative premise combining sci-fi, action, and Western elements. The stellar cast and crew behind it fueled my anticipation even more. But, when the film hit theaters, it didn’t fare as well as expected; despite a production budget of $163 million, it only raked in $174.8 million. Initial estimates suggested that this blockbuster ended up costing the studios involved around $80 million.
What Audiences and Critics Thought of ‘Cowboys & Aliens’
In simpler terms, the film “Cowboys & Aliens” was widely criticized as being dull or uninteresting by moviegoers and critics alike. For instance, Brent McKnight on his blog The Last Thing I See, commented that despite the potential for an exciting, action-packed experience, the movie fell flat and seemed devoid of inspiration. Similarly, film journalist Neil from The Incredible Suit described it as a squandered opportunity with a fantastic concept and talented cast, concluding that the film was essentially void of fun. While some aggregate sites such as RT, IMDB, and Letterboxd show slightly more positive ratings, these scores still indicate that the movie was generally well below expectations.
In summary, the film “Cowboys & Aliens” received a rotten score of 44% from 256 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. Critic Anna Smith, writing for Time Out, wasn’t impressed and likened it to another failed movie. She described it as an attractive film that provides some visual entertainment but ultimately falls short, resembling more the disappointing “Wild Wild West” rather than the anticipated blend of “True Grit” and “War of the Worlds.” Despite its 44% rating, positive reviews for this movie are hard to come by, with most critics awarding it a score around 5/10 or a B grade (depending on the site).
Is ‘Cowboys & Aliens’ Worth Another Shot?
Reflecting on Cowboys & Aliens after all these years, it’s clearer why the film didn’t resonate with audiences at the box office. Despite boasting big-name stars, the acting was subpar and it seemed everyone was left to play a less impactful role. The combination of genres didn’t gel effectively; instead of excelling in any of its intended sub-genres, the movie failed to make a lasting impression. What could have been a fun, campy adventure is mostly somber throughout, making the two-hour experience feel tedious and lacking in humor.
A more casual rephrasing:
Disregarding some questionable aspects like the unconvincing alien motivations (like aliens having a fondness for gold?) and less-than-stellar acting, this movie makes for a passable choice if you’re seeking something light for ambient viewing or just want a blend of sci-fi and Western genres. In case you’re looking for a time-pass option, this film, titled “Cowboys & Aliens,” is now streaming on Prime Video.
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2024-11-25 02:01