Open Range

Set in the early 1880s, this Western directed by Kevin Costner (DANCES WITH WOLVES, THE POSTMAN) is a classic tale of the good guys verses the bad guys with a romance thrown in for good measure. Boss Spearman (Robert Duvall) and Charley Waite (Kevin Costner) are free grazers, riding herds of cattle across the country and grazing as they go. But a local rancher, Denton Baxter (Michael Gambon), considers Boss and his boys thieves, and is determined to run them out of his town by any means possible--even murder. Duvall is endearing as the tough but tender Boss, who has the courage of his convictions and refuses to be intimidated by Baxter. Costner's Charley has worked for Boss for ten years while trying to forget his past, only to find himself drawn back into conflict. Lovable Mose (Abraham Benrubi) and teenager Button (Diego Luna) round out the free grazers' team. Annette Bening stars as the town doctor's sister, Sue, who is drawn to Charley's gentle demeanor and is unfazed by his ability to kill. Beautiful scenery, a script peppered with humour, and solid performances--especially from Duvall and the supporting cast--make Costner's fourth foray into directing enjoyable.