NINETOES VS. YOUNG GUNS

Ninetoes went to the movies, and a gunfight between a bunch of, um, Young Guns, broke out.

A group of young gunmen, led by Billy the Kid, becomes deputies to avenge the murder of the rancher who became their benefactor. But when Billy takes their authority too far, they become the hunted.

Directed by Christopher Cain

Written by John Fusco

Starring Emilio Estevez, Charlie Sheen, Kiefer Sutherland, and Lou Diamond Phillips

Hey there, movie lovers! It is your old pal, Ninetoes, coming to you from Ninetoes HQ. Today, I am taking a look at the late 80s classic Young Guns. I have popcorn in my system and my thinking cap on, so let’s get to it!

August 12, 1988, was a hot night in the mountains of North Carolina, and it got even hotter at the movie theater. I got my ticket for a new western, Young Guns, got my mega popcorn and bladder-buster Pepsi, took a seat…and was blown away!

This is an over-dramatized, action-packed take on the Lincoln County War of 1878-81. That being said, anyone who follows my movie reviews for historical movies knows what I am about to say…Hollywood is gonna Hollywood.

That is not to say they got everything wrong. There was some decent history in this movie. On the plus side were the historical characters: Billy the Kid, “Doc” Spurlock, Chavez y Chavez, Charlie Bowdre, and Dick Brewer. These are the Regulators that worked for John Tunstall (more history). Also mentioned was Lawrence Murphy (brilliantly played by Jack Palance), as well as Sheriff Brady. The relationships these men had were close to the mark, both allies and enemies.

Let’s face it, we did not go to the theaters on that hot August night to see a historical drama. We wanted a kick-ass movie, and that is what we got. This movie is heavy on action. I was surprised there was not a t-shirt vendor in the lobby with a shirt that said, “I went to a historical movie and a gunfight kept breaking out.” But then again, the wild west was, for lack of a better word, a gun nation. In that respect, this movie knocked it out of the park.

This movie also served as a vehicle to showcase the up-and-coming acting talents of its major stars. Some of them may have already been established, but it served as a healthy reminder that they were there, and some wanted to break into a more action-oriented form of entertainment.

This movie is perfect for anyone who loves action and a taste of history.

I give this one 4 popcorn buckets out of 5.

Darren “Ninetoes” Perdue is a book and media reviewer. When he is not reading, he is watching true crime shows, cooking for his family, or working on a plan for universal domination. If you see him on his porch, say hi. He does not bite…much.

PLEASE NOTE: The views and opinions of the staff of Memento Mori Ink do not necessarily represent those of Memento Mori Ink or Crystal Lake Publishing. Thank you for understanding.