6 Unconventional Westerns

Westerns do not have to be set in the mid-to-late 1800s America. Sometimes, a story set in the distant future or other lands can still contain elements of a classic western. Those are the type of movies and TV shows that I highlight today. Also, this is not a list, but rather a collection of fiction that portrays a different take on the western genre.

Firefly / Serenity

Firefly and Serenity are an obvious pick for an unconventional western. Taking place in the distant future where humanity has spread across the stars, space is like a wild frontier with outlaws and smugglers. Everyone knows Firefly as the TV show that ended well before its time. While its short run is unfortunate, we will always have Joss Whedon and company's brilliant first season of television and the feature film, Serenity.

Back to the Future Part III

The third and final part of the madcap time-travel classic, Back to the Future Part III is a fun adventure through the old west with Doc Brown and Marty McFly. It might not be a stellar film by any stretch of the imagination, but it is full of classic western references and witty humor.

The Good, the Bad, the Weird

A South Korean film set in 1800s Korea, The Good, the Bad, the Weird is inspired by Sergio Leone's Spaghetti Western, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Much like the original film, it features a memorable cast of cool and zany characters, with Song Kang-ho as the "Weird" being the standout. This South Korean take adds an eastern action flare with lengthy action sequences with practical stunts and superb direction. If you enjoy westerns, foreign films, or entertaining action comedy, give this one a watch!

Trigun

Yes, I know what you are thinking: "An anime? Who would watch that weird Japanese stuff?" But hear me out. Trigun is a sci-fi action comedy set on a new plant that humanity colonizes, and it is a barren wasteland, just like the Wild West. The series follows Vash the Stampede, a man with a 60 billion "double dollar" bounty on his head. What makes Trigun unique is that it starts out as an action comedy with wacky characters and fun action, and then shifts gears to a serious series with complex themes of heroism. Interestingly, the writer of the original comic (manga) that the anime was based on is a Christian, which is evident by the themes expressed. It explores the consequences of a hero that refuses to kill, like Batman, and how that can lead to even more deaths of innocents.

Cowboy Bebop

Another anime, Cowboy Bebop, a classic that everyone should have at least heard of by now, is set in the future where humanity is spread across the stars where bounty hunters, referred to as "Cowboys," roam the galaxy in search of their targets. That's the premise of Cowboy Bebop, but that is only the beginning. The series is heavily influenced by American filmmakers, and the soundtrack varies from smooth jazz to classic rock with each episode being titled after a style of music. Once you get past the slow start, Cowboy Bebop is an unforgettable classic that should be watched by all; I even own the Blu-Ray set! If you are not sold on it after episode 1, skip to Episode 5; that should sell the show to you.

Rango

An animated film starring Johnny Depp, Rango is one of the funniest animated films of the last few years. The plot is a fun twist on classic western stories with animals and shockingly detailed 3D animation.

What are some of your favorite Unconventional Westerns? Have you seen any of the films on this list? Please let me know in the comments, and do not forget to check out my Top 10 Westerns list in the following links: Part 1 & Part 2.

Unless I think of one final post tomorrow for Emma, Plain and Tall's Legends of Western Cinema week on A Lantern in Her Hand & Meanwhile, in the River...., this is the end of my western posts. Thanks everyone for reading, and I hope you have found a few new westerns to watch. My Top 25 Sci-Fi Movies list continues next week, so be sure to check back for that!

If you want to contact us or have any questions please send an e-mail to johnstarslayer@gmail.com.

Back to the Future Review

On this day, November 5th, 14 years ago Marty McFly traveled back in time to 1955, which makes no time like the present to review the sci-fi classic, Back to the Future.

Despite having seen many of the iconic 80s films like Indiana Jones and Star Wars when I was a kid, somehow, Back to the Future spilled through the cracks of my viewing, but that all changed three years ago when I watched this classic for the first time.

Honestly, there is no reason to hold back my opinion on whether or not Back to the Future holds up as a classic, because yes, it absolutely holds up!

Directed by: Robert Zemeckis

Genre: Sci-Fi, Adventure, Comedy,

Release Date: July 3, 1985

Running Time: 116 minutes

MMPA rating: PG

The Good: Insanely entertaining, Cleverly written plot, Often hilarious Memorable quotes, Timeless soundtrack, Likable characters, Superb use of licensed music, Great chemistry between the cast members, Star Wars reference, Endlessly rewatchable,

The Bad:

Plot: 9.7/10- Back to the Future’s plot is incredibly fun and clever. Not a second goes by when Marty and Doc Brown’s fast pace sharp dialogue does not entertain. 

Despite a few enviable gaps in time-travel logic, the film’s plot cleverly uses almost everything said in the beginning of the film to create smart gags and references when Marty travels to the past, some of which are even funnier on later viewings.

Characterization: 9.5/10- Marty McFly and Dr. Emmett "Doc" Brown are the main characters, and their interaction and dialogue is the highlight of the film. However, it never forgets to add some solid character development. McFly understanding more about his parents after traveling back in time is another strong aspect thematically as well.

Acting: 9.4/10- Michael J. Fox gives the perfect performance for the type of character the film calls for. He is funny, frantic, and has excellent chemistry with Christopher Lloyd, who is equally exceptional. Also, Fox is great at making a shocked/puzzled expression throughout the film; seriously, look at the pictures in this post!

Special effects: 8.0/10- For the most part, the special effects hold up rather well today, with nothing standing out as good or bad. 

Soundtrack: 10/10- Alan Silvestri's soundtrack is one of the best film scores ever composed. 

It adds such an effective sense of adventure and fun to the film. Also the movie had two great songs, "Johnny B. Goode," originally by Chuck Berry, and "Power of Love" by Huey Lewis and the News. The film's cover of "Johnny B. Goode," by Mark Campbell, is just as good as the original, and one of my personal favorite songs.

Humor: 9.9/10- Despite the excellent clever humor, Back to the Future is not necessarily a comedy, at least not in the tradition sense. However, Back to the Future is still an often hilarious film with many clever and smartly written gags and jokes.  

Entertainment Value: 10/10- Back to the Future is, in fact, one of the films that inspired my “Entertainment Value” rating because of its incredible amount of pure entertainment. Few films are so much fun, yet so clever.

Overall: 9.7/10- Unquestionably, Back to the Future is one of my all-time films, and an absolute classic. It has everything that a classic needs, clever writing, iconic characters, and pure entertainment value.

Closing comments: If, for whatever reason, you have not seen Back to the Future, do yourself a favor and watch it; you will not regret it!

Recommended for: Everyone, Sci-Fi fans, Humor fans, Time-Travel fans,

Please check back tomorrow for the final part of my summer anime review and Friday for the last part of my Marvel Phase 3 breakdown.

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If you want to contact us or have any questions please send an e-mail to johnstarslayer@gmail.com.