“I’m your huckleberry.” —Doc Holliday
Today’s quick review: Tombstone. Retired lawman Wyatt Earp (Kurt Russell) heads west to the boom town of Tombstone, Arizona, to seek his fortune, accompanied by his best friend Doc Holliday (Val Kilmer), a sickly gambler, and his brothers Virgil (Sam Elliott) and Morgan (Bill Paxton). In spite of their best efforts to stay neutral, Wyatt and his brothers soon find themselves drawn into a conflict with the Cowboys, a ruthless gang of outlaws.
Tombstone is a Western based on the life of famed marshal Wyatt Earp. Now retired from law enforcement, Wyatt wants nothing more than to live a quiet life as a civilian. But a series of escalating encounters with the Cowboys gives him no choice but to pick up his badge once more. Tombstone offers a satisfying blend of action, adventure, and drama in true Western style, all backed by a skillfully written script and a slew of impressive performances.
The heart of Tombstone is its cast. Kurt Russell fits the role of Wyatt Earp remarkably well. Thanks to Russell’s performance, both sides of the character shine through: the noble but flawed man and the gun-toting legend. Russell is backed ably by Sam Elliott and Bill Paxton as Virgil and Morgan Earp. The Earp brothers have distinct personalities but a shared sense of justice, a dynamic that gives the movie a firm foundation to build on.
But the standout performance by far comes from Val Kilmer as Doc Holliday. Holliday is a genteel gambler laid low by tuberculosis. But in spite of his infirmity, he’s a sharp tongue, a quick draw, and a fast friend. Kilmer delivers Holliday’s laconic, sarcastic lines with quiet intensity. The illness is convincing, and Holliday ends up as one of the most interesting characters the Western genre has to offer.
These four men form the core of a well-written story. The plot has the ebb and flow of a biography, but it never loses focus and never stops marching forward. Memorable dialogue, dramatic shootouts, and a bold soundtrack help complete the package. The film isn’t as immediately gripping as an action thriller or as moving as a gritty drama, but it earns the audience’s trust over time. Those willing to invest in the film will be rewarded.
But for all its strengths, Tombstone has one attribute that makes it a polarizing watch: its tendency to wear its heart on its sleeve. Those who like stories with clear, honest emotions will appreciate the way Tombstone hits the right emotional beats without sacrificing craftsmanship. Those who prefer coy, understated storytelling will bounce right off the film. Tombstone delivers what it promises, but in a way that simply won’t click for some viewers.
For another Western with a strong cast and a heavier tone, try 3:10 to Yuma. For an iconic Western with an even grander scope, check out The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. For a more offbeat Western, try The Good, The Bad, The Weird.
7.8 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 for a well-rounded story with impressive acting and a high degree of polish.