NINETOES VS YOUNG GUNS II

Ninetoes caught up with Billy the Kid for Young Guns II. Again…is he saddle sore, or did he learn his lesson in this tie-in to this week’s True Crime Friday?

Billy the Kid and his band of outlaws are pursued across New Mexico territory by Sheriff Pat Garrett, whom the young gunslingers must face off with if they are to reach the safety of the border.

Directed by Geoff Murphy

Written by John Fusco

Starring Emilio Estevez, 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 Young Guns II. I have popcorn in my system and my thinking cap on, so let’s get to it!

The first movie, Young Guns, dealt with William H. Bonney’s involvement in the Lincoln County War.

This movie deals with the death of William H. Bonney…

…and because Hollywood is gonna Hollywood, they missed the boat in terms of historical accuracy. Not totally, mind you. They did get some things right. Here are a few, off the top of my head, that they did get correct:

1)      Billy the Kid did ride with Arkansas Dave Rudabaugh

2)      A man named Brushy Bill Roberts did claim to be the infamous outlaw, Billy the Kid.

3)      Governor Lew Wallace did place a $500 bounty on Billy’s head.

4)      Sheriff Pat Garrett did kill Billy the Kid.

5)      Billy the Kid did kill deputies James Bell and Bob Olinger.

This movie leaned heavily on the legend and lore surrounding Billy the Kid. It definitely captured the spirit of the infamous outlaw, and did so in a stylized manner with over-the-top gunfights and chases through the desert of New Mexico.

The acting was on par with the first one. It is easy to say that Emilio Estevez carried the movie with his over-the-top antics as Billy the Kid, but I would honestly have to say Lou Diamond Phillips (Chavez) and Kiefer Sutherland (Spurlock) helped ground him as his straight men. Christian Slater helped even out the group as the fame-hungry Arkansas Dave Rudabaugh, often saying, “Haven’t you heard of me?”

Personally, the best actor in the movie barely got any credit, and that is the land. I’ve always said you can tell a good western by the land it is filmed in. The land captured the desperation of the chase through the desert and, at the same time, hope beyond the next ridge.

This movie is perfect for fans of westerns, action movies, and chases on horseback.

I give this movie 4 popcorn buckets out of 5!

Until the next time, I bid you happy viewing.

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.