This movie, rated 35%, might have once been considered a minor classic. All the Pretty Horses was directed by Billy Bob Thornton and adapted from Cormac McCarthy's novel by Ted Tally. The cast includes Matt Damon, Penélope Cruz, Henry Thomas & Lucas Black. Marty Stuart composed the music, and Barry Markowitz served as cinematographer. The story follows John Grady Cole, played by Damon, a young cowboy who travels with his best friend, Lacey Rawlings, from Texas across the border into Mexico. It’s a journey where people come and go, love develops, and the harsh realities of life become apparent to these young characters. Columbia Pictures and Miramax Films lost nearly $40 million on this film, making it a significant financial failure. I think they deserved that outcome because Thornton's original version was a lengthy epic estimated to be around three and a half hours long. However, Harvey Weinstein insisted on substantial cuts, reducing the runtime to just under two hours. That’s a considerable amount of story lost, and it definitely shows; no surprise Damon himself expressed disappointment about losing 35% of his movie, which ultimately transformed it into something entirely different. It's disappointing because even with its current flaws and pacing issues, you can sense that the original version likely contained an engaging coming-of-age narrative at worst. What remains is certainly not a failure, though. The film has a strong period feel and beautiful visuals thanks to Markowitz’s photography. Stuart’s score also captures the right tone, blending the traditional sounds of the West with fitting arrangements for the more tender scenes involving the main characters—and there are some touching moments between Cole (Damon appears youthful but doesn't quite convey the innocence expected for his character) and Rawlings (Thomas is effective and commands his screen time). The central relationship between Cole and Alejandra Villarreal (Cruz feels weak and unconvincing in the romantic aspects) isn’t well-developed, which can be attributed to Weinstein’s editing. Similarly, several characters appear briefly, almost unnoticed, which is a shame considering actors like Robert Patrick and Sam Shepard are involved; it's tragic that Bruce Dern’s judge has so little screen time—around three minutes—despite being important in the final act. That seems ridiculous. Lucas Black stands out as the film’s best performer, portraying young ruffian Blevins with a palpable sense of vulnerability. It’s an essential role that impacts the main character's lives, and thanks to Black's energetic performance, you find yourself eagerly anticipating what fate has in store for this likable rogue. There are so many worthwhile elements to appreciate, even if it feels like having a three-course meal where the main dish is missing. I hope Billy Bob Thornton releases his director’s cut someday; only then will All the Pretty Horses truly reveal its potential. 6/10

Source on TMDB