The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance

A civics lesson masquerading as a western showdown movie. This one is not just well-acted and well-written, but interesting in director John Ford's storytelling technique, employing flashbacks and nonlinear plot the way many more recent movies have. Lead actors John Wayne, James Stewart and Lee Marvin portray complimentary and contrasting archetypes, while a number of excellent supporting players flesh out the cast very well. This flick adds to the growing body of evidence to be found in filmdom -- particularly westerns -- about just how important guns were, and therefore are, to this society; it's become clear to this viewer, at least, that understanding this country's explains continuing mania for firearms is impossible if you don't watch old movies. Nevertheless, the film also makes a strong case that law and a civil society must rest upon something greater than a hail of bullets. Finally, the story's climax satisfies, and then its ultimate end delivers a provocative final scent. Really excellent work, and better than many more revered westerns--it should be on everyone's watch list.

The Searchers

John Wayne was once the biggest star in Hollywood--quite a feat if all of his characters were as big a dick as the man hunting for his lost niece in this flick. Wayne is here at his iconic--if dickish--best; he's not the problem. This is almost a really good Western movie, taking in Wayne, the spectacular scenery, some heavy duty cowboys vs. Indians shit...Yet, in the end, there are problems. Both Wayne's character, and his niece, make 180º reversals at the climax which seem all out of step with what has gone before. These inconsistencies seem only to serve the purpose of a (somewhat) happy ending. That weakness pulls down the rest of the movie.