A freaking mechanical spider couldn't save this badly realized western retread of the kitchy TV series, with the worst casting ever in Will Smith as the hero. No. Anyone but Will Smith.
This movie couldn't understand if it was going to be a Western or a futuristic movie. Still, the special effects and visuals were good enough distractions.
Following up his Men in Black success this is a decent film for Will Smith. I thought it was funny, and a little strange. But all together a good film.
I like it enough to fish it out of a $5 bin at the local grocery store which is what i did. Besides it has a really big spider, that alone makes it a five star movie right?
This was supposed to be a typical summer action film, but I found it to be far more original. Sonnenfeld puts a refreshing spin on the old Western formula, presenting it in a way that's never been done before (except perhaps the Brisco County Jr. series, which I also enjoyed). I liked how they re-imagined the Wild West to make Loveless' hydraulic wheelchair and a giant robot tarantula a reality, but in a way that seemed organic, with ropes and pulleys and steam engines. I was equally impressed with all of the wardrobe and set design.
Kenneth Branaugh's performance adds a touch of class to the film, bringing a sense of arrogant bravado you wouldn't normally expect from a man without a lower half. Branaugh and Will Smith riff off of each other perfectly, as do Smith and Kevin Kline. Kevin Kline is great at playing dual roles, as both Smith's sidekick Artemus Gordon and President Grant, although he does give away the illusion when Gordon actually disguises himself as Grant at one point, making Kline's presence in both roles easily apparent. Smith turns in his usual action film performance-- smooth-talking, wise-cracking, and suave. And she ain't the greatest actress, but Salma Hayek is so damned hot it just doesn't matter.
I will now admit that I haven't seen any of the original TV series, and from what I hear, this film has almost nothing in common with it. So, if you remain completely ignorant to the original series, as I did, you'll likely enjoy this film.
I love the special effects in this movie. Also I yearn for a simpler time when things were powered by steam and actually had gears and moving parts. None of this high tech sorcery we have today that stores countless, soul-less, tiny rockbands within the confines of a device the size of a deck of cards. Of course, these effects wouldn't be possible without that sorcery, but the CGI designer really captured that great old-timey feel.
I did not get on with this film at all. What was that robot spider all about. I always wondered that until I saw Kevin Smith on YouTube talking about when he did a couple of drafts of the superman movie.
Suprisingly liked this film. Thought it was pretty average the 1st time round but then it grew on me. Don't watch this with a critical eye - just have fun. Also watch the South Park episode where Cartman is playing Wild Wild West. Now that is good.
i only saw the the very beginning and this giant razor blade was chasing this guy sround and eventually decapitated him that was all i needed to see in order to know this movie is no good not to mention the fact that this movie was set in the 18 hundreds
MCT:July 25, 2008
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MCT:May 26, 2008
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MCT:January 27, 2008
