Customer Reviews

Sunset [VHS]

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I must have been one of the few people who actually saw this film in a theatre when it was released. I got the impression I was the only one who liked it, too, and I'm glad to see now that I'm not alone. From James Garner's always-likeable, always-masculine performance as Wyatt Earp to Bruce Willis's engagingly flirtatious performance as Tom Mix (and wearing some incredible outfits - he manages it beautifully and believably!) to a pretty darned good murder mystery, this film always pleases me. I guess perhaps the mix of old West and silent films confuses some viewers, but I found it very intriguing.

Two famous guys play two other famous guys in this fun film. The year is 1929. Bruce Willis plays Tom Mix, clean cut, famous cowboy star of the era. He's every bit his film personna off the set as well as on. He is told he will be playing a role of another famous Western legend, Wyatt Earp. The real Wyatt, played by James Garner, will be arriving and is to be the technical advisor on the film. Mix is not thrilled by the idea, but he and Earp become fast friends.

As Mix is showing Earp a good time around town, their fun is interupted as they stumble onto the scene of a murder. The two work together to solve the case, being "disuaded" at every turn by some real shady characters. The producer of the film, who is a Charlie Chaplin type of guy( He was known as the "Happy Hobo" in this film), and his thugs are making things tough on Mix and Earp. But can you think of two better heroes woking together than Wyatt Earp and Tom Mix(and his horse Tony Jr.)?

Garner and Willis make it a fun ride. There are lots of twists and turns to hold your interest. Willis plays his character cool, and don't miss his great Tango scene. Garner, who is no stranger to the role of Earp("Hour of the Gun"), is perfect as the aging, but still tough lawman(although he does have a little trouble staying on his horse these days). It's a great cast that includes, Kathleen Quinlan, Malcom McDowell, Mariel Hemingway, Richar Bradford, M. Emmett Walsh and Dermot Mulroney. It was directed by Blake Edwards, who has always brought us some fine entertainment.

A good time, with these good guys(it's always fun to watch Bruce save the day), but maybe better for a Saturday afternoon rental, as it may not stand up to repeated viewings.

Saddle up with Wyatt Earp once more...and enjoy...Laurie

more western fun:
Brothers O'Toole

The Over the Hill Gang - AND - The Over the Hill Gang Rides Again

Goin' South

I wanted to update my current review, as the original was published before the DVD was available. The DVD transfer in wide screen is always my first choice, as the richness in sound and video is usually always superior, as is the case here.

I throughly enjoy this film everytime I see it, it's one of those movies you can watch over and over again.

If you enjoy westerns, mysteries and a feel that you may be getting a little known story that was passed down from person to person, this is for you. They do claim that there is no truth to the tale, but I'll let you decide for yourself. As for me, sounds just like it happened, give or take a lie or two....

I happened to catch the last fifteen minutes of SUNSET while flipping through the Western channel on cable. I was so intrigued by the movie that I rented it as soon as I was able to find a copy (not an easy task). The movie stars James Garner as Wyatt Earp and Bruce Willis as Tom Mix. Mix is starring in a movie based on Earp's life and Earp has been brought in to Hollywood to serve as a consultant. The famous lawman and the colorful cowboy quickly become friends and are drawn into a murder mystery that ultimately leads to a shootout on the evening of the first Academy Awards. The movie is funny, has some good action scenes, and even a touch of romance. The film is a tribute to not only the old Westerns, but to the silent movie era in Hollywood. The setting seems very real and there are some great classic cars that are displayed throughout the film. There isn't any sex, hardly any foul language, and the violence is tame. SUNSET is an overlooked gem that's worth mining.

After raking through the dross of over rated and overpriced Hollywood hype,i found this gem.Fine cast,top story line,fine acting,modest price.A little mystery,a dash of comedy,a bit of Hollywood in the twenties when the studios own'd the police and could get away with murder.I know anyone who is a Jim Garner and Bruce Willis fan won't be sorry with this dvd.
PS.If you like classic cars you'l see some beautiful restored Duesenbergs,Caddys,Packards,Rolls,etc.

"Sunset" is one of the best 'odd couple' films I've ever seen. Bruce Willis (Tom Mix) and James Garner (Wyatt Earp) work together beautifully. And the story could be the truth 'give or take a lie or two.' Mix was one of Earp's pallbearers and wept openly at his funeral.

"Sunset's" a funny and heartrending take on Hollywood. You see deadly gunfights acted out with the old gunfighter watching from the wings. You also see cruelty, corruption and sadism in real life that couldn't have taken place in films of that vintage.

My main reason for giving this film less than a 5 is because the video and audio were very poorly dubbed. I'm not entirely sure whether I got a bad press or the whole batch is like this, but it was apparent and distracting from the film itself.

Still, "Sunset" is very worth watching and keeping for your viewing pleasure again.

This is a truly great Film/Western with Bruce Willis as Tom Mix, and James Garner as Wyatt Earp. It tells the true story of a visit Wyatt had to LA, many years before his death, and after the events captured in "Hour Of The Gun", VHS only.

Believeable and as satisfying as ANY film you will ever see, if you like this type of movie.

One question for Mr. Edwards, Producer. Where do those extra guns come from at the shootout?

Sunset is a type of movie I enjoy because it takes people who actually lived, Tom Mix and Wyatt Earp (Bruce Willis and James Gardner), and creates a story to show the times they lived in and who they were. The movie is based on a true story, give or take a lie or two.

Willis plays the silent era movie star and Gardner the aging ex-lawman, who spent his last days in Hollywood as an advisor to the movie studios.

I do not believe this movie received the recognition it should have.

You watch it once and you're hooked.

I am Bruce Willis's greatest fan and he was great in this, I loved the tango scene but after all that, dear old James Garner was THE star of the film. He always makes everything he does look easy and this movie was no exception. Loved it.

When you take 2 natural comedy talents such as Bruce Willis and James Garner how could tou loose. You can't and this movie proves it.
Some people may complain about the historical accuracy, but who can give me FACTS about Tom Mix and Wyatt Earp. Especially Tom Mix. Both these rea people created themselves and were latrger than life.
The cast is great in almost every aspect. I have watched this movie many times and appreciate this true form of comedy by natural talents. Blake edwards once again scores big.