It’s unacceptable for law enforcement to resort to violence against people without justification. Appaloosa is adapted from Robert B. Parker's 2005 novel, and directed by Ed Harris, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Robert Knott. The cast includes Harris himself alongside Viggo Mortensen, Renée Zellweger, Jeremy Irons & Lance Henriksen. Jeff Beal composed the music, and Dean Semler was responsible for the cinematography, filmed on location in Albuquerque, Austin and Santa Fe. The town of Appaloosa is under the thumb of bully rancher Randall Bragg (Irons), whose actions eventually become intolerable when the current Marshall and his deputies are murdered. The residents decide they’ve had enough and hire traveling lawmen Virgil Cole (Harris) and his partner Everett Hitch (Mortensen) to provide protection. As Cole & Hitch establish order, the arrival of Allie French (Zellweger) creates tension between them, complicating their efforts to secure Bragg's execution. The Western genre has presented a significant challenge for filmmakers in recent times; it’s difficult to name many truly great or enjoyable examples since Costner and Eastwood’s work in 1990 and 1992 respectively. Ed Harris, seemingly undeterred by these difficulties and despite concerns from his studio at New Line Cinema, managed to bring Appaloosa to the screen. And it's a well-crafted film. The story draws heavily on familiar territory, echoing legends like that of Wyatt Earp, so there’s not much in the way of fresh perspective. Those acquainted with Edward Dmytryk's 1959 film Warlock will likely recognize elements of the plot. However, Appaloosa benefits from strong performances and beautiful scenery. The inclusion of action sequences, a romantic subplot, and touches of humor also contribute to making Harris’ movie a worthwhile addition to the genre, embracing traditional Western conventions while maintaining relevance to contemporary issues. The most rewarding aspect of the film is watching the interactions between Harris & Mortensen. Their characters are well-developed and avoid feeling overly contrived by the writing. Cole & Hitch share a deep loyalty; their relationship demonstrates genuine respect and affection. This connection feels authentic, stemming from the friendship they formed while working together on David Cronenberg’s 2005 film A History Of Violence. Zellweger and Irons also deliver commendable performances – she is charming in a crucial role (stepping in after Diane Lane left due to delays), and he portrays a villain of intelligence and cunning. Appaloosa possesses a quiet quality, both in its narrative and technical aspects. Beal’s score is understated, while Semler's cinematography successfully captures the classic feel Harris was aiming for – particularly noteworthy are the interiors lit with low lighting. Harris’ direction is measured and deliberate, interspersed with moments of inspired artistry (the camera angle during a train sequence on a bridge is one example). The production design is also well done, as are the supporting roles featuring Henriksen and Timothy Spall. It's an enjoyable film that reflects the strong bond at its heart. 7.5/10

Source on TMDB