Tombstone (1993)

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a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.

The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

I first saw this in the mid 90s on a vhs. Saw bits n pieces of it umpteenth number of times on Zstudio channel. Just revisited few days back on a blu-ray. There is something about Doc Holliday n Val Kilmer nailed it. Val Kilmer is the first reason to see this flick. He potrayed the fearlessness n daring of a man with finesse n the second good reason is Kurt Russell who with his handle bar moustache was awesome, specially in the last river shootout sequence n the third reason is the splendid star cast, Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer, Sam Elliott, Bill Paxton, Charlton Heston, Michael Rooker, Powers Boothe, Billy Bob Thornton, Billy Zane, Stephen Lang n Michael Biehn as the notorious crazy Johnny Ringo. Biehns facial expression during the last confrontation was very convincing of that of nervousness n insanity. Russells facial expression after Doc tells him that he wont survive Ringos confrontation was top notch. The dialogues r memorable, the theme of loyalty, family n friendship was good, the contrasting cinematography, from the dry set up leading to the river shoot-out n the final confrontation in the green woods. The only drawback is the romantic sub plot n the scene involving Michael Rooker, in one scene he is shown helping the lady climb the carriage along with Russell outside the safety of Charlton Hestons house n ........ u have to see to believe the scene.

Tombstone is a gritty and fun western. It is packed with memorable lines, the best of which all come from Doc Holiday (Val Kilmer). The stacked cast which features talented actors like Billy Bob Thornton and Thomas Haden Church in bit roles. Covering the great story of Wyatt Earp's vendetta ride featuring historic moments like the gunfight at the OK Corral, Tombstone has both the exciting plot and engrossing characters to make a great movie.Doc Holiday is simply one of the best characters in history and Val Kilmer portrays him wonderfully. It is absurd that he was snubbed an Oscar nomination. Every line he says is an instant classic, from "I'm your huckleberry" to "My hypocrisy goes only so far."There are flaws however. The scenes on Wyatt's relationship with Josephine are annoying breaks from the tension and excitement of the rest of the story. It is understandable as to why they are there, since it was an important aspect of Wyatt Earp's life. But they still are a drag of sorts on the rest of the movie.

TOMBSTONE is yet another retelling of the famous story of Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, and the gunfight at the OK Corral. The subject is a well-rehearsed one having been covered elsewhere in the likes of John Ford's MY DARLING CLEMENTINE and the Kevin Costner epic Wyatt Earp. However, TOMBSTONE is well worth a look despite the familiarity of the material, and the reason for that is the cast.This film has an exemplary all-star cast of famous and future-famous faces. Nearly all members of the violent 'cowboy' gang ruled over by a scenery-chewing Powers Boothe are famous; we get the likes of Thomas Haden Church, Stephen Lang, Michael Rooker, the excellent and sinister Michael Biehn, and many others besides. Due to the sheer wealth of numbers not everybody gets much of a look in, but it's still eminently satisfying on a purely visual level.The heroes are given the most depth in terms of characterisation in the movie and the actors don't disappoint. Val Kilmer has never been more convincing in what is possibly his best role playing the sickly Holliday. Kurt Russell is all gravitas as Earp and as good as he ever is. Bill Paxton and Sam Elliott help to make up the numbers and certainly enhance the experience. And yet there are still more actors in support; the lovely Dana Delany as the love interest, Billy Zane as a pompous actor, Charlton Heston in an old-timer cameo, Billy Bob Thornton (back when he was fat) as a no-good card dealer and Terry O'Quinn as the mayor.The film itself is epic in length but the strong production values keep it watchable and engrossing. The Old West is brought to life in a convincing way. The first half of the movie is all build up and occasionally slow, but the suspense builds and pays off in an action-packed latter half with some great shoot-outs and choreography. TOMBSTONE is a violent, vibrant film and a fitting tribute to the heroes of old. It comes highly recommended.

Released in 1993 and directed/written by George Cosmatos, "Tombstone" stars Kurt Russell & Val Kilmer as Wyatt Earp & Doc Holliday focusing on the infamous gunfight in Tombstone, Arizona, on October 26, 1881.This version of the story beat Kevin Costner's "Wyatt Earp" to the theater by six months and stole its thunder. The difference in these two films is in their names: "Tombstone" focuses on Earp's conflict with the 'Cowboys' gang in the Arizona town, whereas "Wyatt Earp" is an epic Western detailing Earp's life from youth to old age, although the Tombstone events are certainly the center piece. At 2 hours and 10 minutes, "Tombstone" runs an hour shorter than "Wyatt Earp." Both are top-of-the-line modern Westerns and whether you'll like one or the other depends on what you're in the mood for. If you're looking for a kinetic, mythmaking rendition of the tale then go with "Tombstone." However, if you want a more realistic, mundane account see "Wyatt Earp." Both are vastly superior to the talky 1957 version of the tale with Burt Lancaster and Kirk Douglas, "Gunfight at the O.K. Corral." I just saw both films back-to-back and it is fun comparing the two. Val Kilmer from "Tombstone" wins out over Dennis Quaid as Doc Holiday, but not by much and not because Quaid is bad but rather because Holiday's role is more prominent in "Tombstone" with better lines. Actually Kilmer is nothing less than fascinating, although Quaid is more believable. Kurt Russell and Costner are about even as Earp, but "Tombstone" wins out overall in cast with Sam Elliott, Powers Boothe, Michael Biehn, Billy Zane and the shining Dana Delany as Josie, although Joanna Going shines just as much in the same role in "Wyatt." There are exceptions; for instance, Isabella Rossellini from "Wyatt" edges out Joanna Pacula as Big Nose Kate.As for the dramatic walk to the O.K. Corral and the gunfight itself I favor "Wyatt Earp," but "Tombstone" has a much better build-up to the confrontation. Unfortunately, "Tombstone" spins its wheels in the last 35 minutes with redundant gunfights between Wyatt & his men and the remaining Cowboys. "Wyatt Earp" maintains better momentum after the gunfight."Tombstone" stands with the best Westerns of all time, but so does "Wyatt Earp." The film was shot in Arizona.GRADE: A- (8.5/10 Stars)