Cowboys
and Aliens
Rated PG-13. Our Ratings: V-4 ;L -1 ; S/N –1.
Running time: 1 hour 58 min.
![]() |
Would this have really been an equal battle? © 2011 Universal Pictures |
Two are better than one, because they have a good
reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up the
other; but woe to one who is alone and falls and does
not have another to help. Again, if two lie together,
they keep warm; but how can one keep warm alone?
And though one might prevail against another, two will
withstand one. A threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
How very good and pleasant it is
when kindred live together in unity!
Psalm 133:1
If this combination of genres sounds ludicrous, I can assure you that it
is—and yet I enjoyed it, even with
its plot’s so many improbabilities. Such as that a posse of cowboys
and Indians (yes, the film should have
been entitled Cowboys, Indians, and Aliens) being able to outfight the aliens
who are armed with such superior weapons. Six-shooters against ray guns?
Horses against jet fighters? Give me a break!
Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford are the main reasons for plunking money down
for this revision of the oater, both of our heroes trying vainly to impart
a measure of believability to the tale. The main moral seems to be that greed
is just as rampant on other planets as our own. Catch it at a cheap seats
theatre if you must see it.
Note: Discussion questions are available with this
review for those subscribing to the Visual Parables journal. The journal
also includes many extras--book reviews, the use of films for church seasons,
a lectionary related column, and more. Hundreds of old reviews are also available
in the subscribers; section. Check out the sample issue.
