Fred-Schepisi Movie Reviews

With this movie I discovered Steve Martin - and it couldn't have been a better one. In Switzerland, back in 1987, I hadn't heard much of the "wild and crazy" guy. And then two movies came to the local cinemas: "Little Shop of Horrors" and "Roxanne". Since then I am a hooked.

"Roxanne" actually tells the story of the French Renaissance-hero Cyrano De Bergerac, but brilliantly turned into a modern romantic comedy. Steve Martin stars as C.D. Bales, the head of a small village fire department. He has quite a big handicap, or should I say: nosicap? His nose is bigger than most men's... uhm, finger. But don't feel sorry for C.D.! In the first five minutes you learn that he is charming, witty, that he can take good care of himself and that he is by no means a victim of circumstances. However, C.D. is not always sure of himself. Especially when he meets beautiful Roxanne, played by Daryl Hannah. What will win Roxanne's heart: Good looks (which C.D. isn't really blessed with) or sweet and sensual poetry?

Look for the thousands of little details and funny bits. It's a pure feel-good-movie if you ever saw one. Every cast member has his or her big moment and everyone is just simply brilliant. In my opinion "Roxanne" is one of the most perfect romantic comedies ever and one of Martins best performances. I don't know if Steve Martin feels that way. I think he should - he'd have every right to be very proud of this little gem!

Buy it! Enjoy it! Love it!

Steve Martin is absolutely wonderful in this movie. I could watch this movie over and over again. This movie follows how Steve Martins character falls in love with Roxanne. Even though he looks really different he shows that its not whats on the outside that counts but where your heart is on the inside. I would recommend this film to anyone who wants to feel good after watching a great movie.

Of recent updatings of CYRANO DE BERGERAC, this one is one of the best, and is certainly the funniest. Although THE TRUTH ABOUT CATS AND DOGS has a soft spot in my heart, this version is by far funnier and more romantic. The other film focuses more on Janeane Garofalo's feelings of inferiority compared to Uma Thurman, and although funny, doesn't strive for the laughs like Roxanne does. Also, with apologies to Ben Chaplin, he is hardly as adorable as Daryl Hannah. She has never been lovelier than in this film.

This is also probably my favorite Steve Martin film. Despite his surreal schnoggin, he manages to inject his character with warmth, character, and lovability. You like him so much that you find it believable when he and Roxanne end up together at the end. (Interestingly, both this and the Janeane Garofalo film end happily, unlike the Rostand play.) The long scene in which a bar patron insults his nose, and he humiliates the man by coming up with 20 better and vastly funnier insults (this "Cyrano" is not merely a highly capable street fighter, but equally adept at verbal sparring) is easily the highpoint of the film. Even if I have seen the film recently, if in channel flipping I see the movie playing and that it hasn't reached this part of the film, I will wait and watch it.

One reviewer below mentioned the town being dull. I cannot agree. I think the physical beauty of the place stuns most viewers. If I knew I could find a job there, I'd move there tomorrow. The locale definitely adds measurably to the enjoyment of the film.

I have only two negative comments to make on the movie. First, I think they overdid it on Steve Martin's nose. It is impossible to imagine that anyone with a nose that long would not have had surgery on it, and there isn't any believable medical reason to believe the surgery couldn't be performed. Second, the musical soundtrack really sounds dated. The Kenny G. sound today just hasn't stood the test of time, so that the soundtrack reminds one more of elevator music or at best "Lite FM" than anything.

Still, if one can get past the music, this remains one of the most enjoyable romantic comedies of recent years.

Of recent updatings of CYRANO DE BERGERAC, this one is one of the best, and is certainly the funniest. Although THE TRUTH ABOUT CATS AND DOGS has a soft spot in my heart, this version is by far funnier and more romantic. The other film focuses more on Janeane Garofalo's feelings of inferiority compared to Uma Thurman, and although funny, doesn't strive for the laughs like Roxanne does. Also, with apologies to Ben Chaplin, he is hardly as adorable as Daryl Hannah. She has never been lovelier than in this film.

This is also probably my favorite Steve Martin film. Despite his surreal schnoggin, he manages to inject his character with warmth, character, and lovability. You like him so much that you find it believable when he and Roxanne end up together at the end. (Interestingly, both this and the Janeane Garofalo film end happily, unlike the Rostand play.) The long scene in which a bar patron insults his nose, and he humiliates the man by coming up with 20 better and vastly funnier insults (this "Cyrano" is not merely a highly capable street fighter, but equally adept at verbal sparring) is easily the highpoint of the film. Even if I have seen the film recently, if in channel flipping I see the movie playing and that it hasn't reached this part of the film, I will wait and watch it.

One reviewer below mentioned the town being dull. I cannot agree. I think the physical beauty of the place stuns most viewers. If I knew I could find a job there, I'd move there tomorrow. The locale definitely adds measurably to the enjoyment of the film.

I have only two negative comments to make on the movie. First, I think they overdid it on Steve Martin's nose. It is impossible to imagine that anyone with a nose that long would not have had surgery on it, and there isn't any believable medical reason to believe the surgery couldn't be performed. Second, the musical soundtrack really sounds dated. The Kenny G. sound today just hasn't stood the test of time, so that the soundtrack reminds one more of elevator music or at best "Lite FM" than anything.

Still, if one can get past the music, this remains one of the most enjoyable romantic comedies of recent years.

Roxanne is so captivating that I have watched it dozens of times and if I could take one movie to a desert island, it would be this one. Steve Martin's deliciously romantic screenplay and his masterful portrayal of Fire Chief C.D. Bales, combined with breathtaking British Columbian scenery and perfect casting make this movie an experience everyone should have. C.D.'s soliloquoy under Rozanne's window is easily the sexiest, most romantic scene I've ever seen in a movie, and he set the standard for my own definition of the perfect lover. There are many "morals" about love and friendship that inform this story, but the "medicine" goes down with sparkling class and flawless humor. I fell head over heels in love with C.D. Bales, big nose, big heart and all.

This movie is excellent. It's funny, smart, poetic, well-acted, and just a great movie to watch. This is one of Steve Martin's best works. A definate must see for anyone who like Steve's movies. This has some really funny poetry in it, and best of all, a guy with an exceptionally large nose, but it doesn't distract you. You see Martin's character more as a human being rather than a specticle to laugh at and stare at the large snoze he has. If you are thinking about buying this, then by all means do so! THIS MOVIE WILL NOT DISSAPPOINT YOU, UNLESS YOU'RE A NAZI!

I've been waiting for this movie to open since its world premier at the Toronto International Film Festival last September, and I was not disappointed. Based on Graham Swift's Booker Prize-winning novel, the story is somewhat predictable, but engaging and touching, and it had me from the very beginning to the poignant and emotional (but not melodramatic) conclusion. Imagine the British, all-male version of "The Joy Luck Club", and you'll get a vague idea. I think Fred Schepisi tried too hard to cram everything from the book into the movie though, and much of the times the story moves along too swiftly. The movie cuts back and forth between the present and flashbacks so often that individual stories don't really have the time to develop, and sometimes I felt like I was watching a very long movie trailer.

The cast is absolutely superb. As Roger Ebert put it, it's got all the great British actors who are not in "Gosford Park" (Michael Caine, Tom Courtenay, David Hemmings and Bob Hoskins), and one who is (Helen Mirren). Of course, it's always a thrill to see Ray Winstone on the big screen, especially if he's not playing a wife-beater.

During a trip to scatter the ashes of their friend four mates bring their scattered memories together to tell a story of friendship, love, life, and loss. This film shows the pain and struggle of dealing with death and the simple joys and wonders of living life. At the movies end I had tears in my eyes and a smile on my face. I enjoyed it from the beginning to the end. The cast of characters was a wonderful show of talent on both the actors and the writers parts, I was truly involved. This movie is at the top of my list.

It's about kind, happy people who love each other. What more could anyone possibly want in a film?

I've been waiting for this movie to open since its world premier at the Toronto International Film Festival last September, and I was not disappointed. Based on Graham Swift's Booker Prize-winning novel, the story is somewhat predictable, but engaging and touching, and it had me from the very beginning to the poignant and emotional (but not melodramatic) conclusion. Imagine the British, all-male version of "The Joy Luck Club", and you'll get a vague idea. I think Fred Schepisi tried too hard to cram everything from the book into the movie though, and much of the times the story moves along too swiftly. The movie cuts back and forth between the present and flashbacks so often that individual stories don't really have the time to develop, and sometimes I felt like I was watching a very long movie trailer.

The cast is absolutely superb. As Roger Ebert put it, it's got all the great British actors who are not in "Gosford Park" (Michael Caine, Tom Courtenay, David Hemmings and Bob Hoskins), and one who is (Helen Mirren). Of course, it's always a thrill to see Ray Winstone on the big screen, especially if he's not playing a wife-beater.

During a trip to scatter the ashes of their friend four mates bring their scattered memories together to tell a story of friendship, love, life, and loss. This film shows the pain and struggle of dealing with death and the simple joys and wonders of living life. At the movies end I had tears in my eyes and a smile on my face. I enjoyed it from the beginning to the end. The cast of characters was a wonderful show of talent on both the actors and the writers parts, I was truly involved. This movie is at the top of my list.

It's about kind, happy people who love each other. What more could anyone possibly want in a film?

I saw this not long before visiting Down Under and going to Uluru (Ayers Rock). I was amazed to read that, in spite of this film, in spite of the fact Lindy Chamberlain's conviction was overturned, a THIRD inquest was held into the death of poor little Azaria in 1995, and you know what? THEY STILL DON'T BELIEVE LINDY! The coroner would not hand down a verdict stating that a dingo killed Azaria. And I read a statistic that 1 out of every 3 Australians still think - that is, still firmly believe - that Lindy Chamberlain murderered her.

This is a heartbreaking film, especially given that it's a true story. Streep and Neil are superb.

Having recently returned from a month in Australia--with a visit to Uluru (formerly Ayer's Rock), I decided to buy the DVD version of this film, having not seen it since it's initial release. It's such a pleasure to watch a movie well-made. Meryl Streep and Sam Neill are both excellent. It's easy to overlook Neill's pitch-perfect turn, since Streep so dominates the film. This, in fact, may be one of Streep's best performances in a career of great performances. Again, she masters an accent, and she is particularly good at capturing the nuances of complicated women, who are not always our typical movie heroines. Lindy Chamberlain is such a character. Her unwillingness to cater to media expectations is, in part, what lands her in the slammer. The tragedy of this true story is not just that a family is destroyed, but--with the passage of time--we realize that we are still perpetrating such media circuses and trial by rumor at an accelerated rate(O.J., the Clinton scandals, the 'Elian' saga, and now Gary Condit). Seeing (and enjoying) the movie again has led me back to the source material, and I'm now reading "Evil Angels" to gleen more detail than the movie could possibly contain. I heartily recommend the movie--although I wish the DVD version contained the "extras" that we've learned to love about the new medium.

"Cry In the Dark" is based on a true story about a disappearing baby. The mother maintains her claim that a dingo carried her baby daughter through the woods and killed her. As the country listens, rumors circulate that she killed her baby. The family either stays tighter knit or almost separates. Much drama occurs during the turmoil of losing a family member and being called the antichrist. Regardless of what's said in interviews, no one listens.

Meryl Streep deserved her eighth Oscar nomination for Best Actress as the accused mother. Streep gives much of her own nightmare thoughts into the screen. Just her expressed emotions are enough to give the audience chills while causing them to almost cry. Sam Neill gives the best performance of his career as the accusee's husband. All 350 acting extras also give great performance.

The writers greatly informed the audience of the real events. It digs deep into every characters' raw emotions. The director and the producers wonderfully led the cast and crew to their highest potential. This is one of the top ten best movies released in 1988. Its compelling theme will leave the audience with a sense of joy by the movie's end.

I saw this not long before visiting Down Under and going to Uluru (Ayers Rock). I was amazed to read that, in spite of this film, in spite of the fact Lindy Chamberlain's conviction was overturned, a THIRD inquest was held into the death of poor little Azaria in 1995, and you know what? THEY STILL DON'T BELIEVE LINDY! The coroner would not hand down a verdict stating that a dingo killed Azaria. And I read a statistic that 1 out of every 3 Australians still think - that is, still firmly believe - that Lindy Chamberlain murderered her.

This is a heartbreaking film, especially given that it's a true story. Streep and Neil are superb.

Having recently returned from a month in Australia--with a visit to Uluru (formerly Ayer's Rock), I decided to buy the DVD version of this film, having not seen it since it's initial release. It's such a pleasure to watch a movie well-made. Meryl Streep and Sam Neill are both excellent. It's easy to overlook Neill's pitch-perfect turn, since Streep so dominates the film. This, in fact, may be one of Streep's best performances in a career of great performances. Again, she masters an accent, and she is particularly good at capturing the nuances of complicated women, who are not always our typical movie heroines. Lindy Chamberlain is such a character. Her unwillingness to cater to media expectations is, in part, what lands her in the slammer. The tragedy of this true story is not just that a family is destroyed, but--with the passage of time--we realize that we are still perpetrating such media circuses and trial by rumor at an accelerated rate(O.J., the Clinton scandals, the 'Elian' saga, and now Gary Condit). Seeing (and enjoying) the movie again has led me back to the source material, and I'm now reading "Evil Angels" to gleen more detail than the movie could possibly contain. I heartily recommend the movie--although I wish the DVD version contained the "extras" that we've learned to love about the new medium.

"Cry In the Dark" is based on a true story about a disappearing baby. The mother maintains her claim that a dingo carried her baby daughter through the woods and killed her. As the country listens, rumors circulate that she killed her baby. The family either stays tighter knit or almost separates. Much drama occurs during the turmoil of losing a family member and being called the antichrist. Regardless of what's said in interviews, no one listens.

Meryl Streep deserved her eighth Oscar nomination for Best Actress as the accused mother. Streep gives much of her own nightmare thoughts into the screen. Just her expressed emotions are enough to give the audience chills while causing them to almost cry. Sam Neill gives the best performance of his career as the accusee's husband. All 350 acting extras also give great performance.

The writers greatly informed the audience of the real events. It digs deep into every characters' raw emotions. The director and the producers wonderfully led the cast and crew to their highest potential. This is one of the top ten best movies released in 1988. Its compelling theme will leave the audience with a sense of joy by the movie's end.

I saw this not long before visiting Down Under and going to Uluru (Ayers Rock). I was amazed to read that, in spite of this film, in spite of the fact Lindy Chamberlain's conviction was overturned, a THIRD inquest was held into the death of poor little Azaria in 1995, and you know what? THEY STILL DON'T BELIEVE LINDY! The coroner would not hand down a verdict stating that a dingo killed Azaria. And I read a statistic that 1 out of every 3 Australians still think - that is, still firmly believe - that Lindy Chamberlain murderered her.

This is a heartbreaking film, especially given that it's a true story. Streep and Neil are superb.

Having recently returned from a month in Australia--with a visit to Uluru (formerly Ayer's Rock), I decided to buy the DVD version of this film, having not seen it since it's initial release. It's such a pleasure to watch a movie well-made. Meryl Streep and Sam Neill are both excellent. It's easy to overlook Neill's pitch-perfect turn, since Streep so dominates the film. This, in fact, may be one of Streep's best performances in a career of great performances. Again, she masters an accent, and she is particularly good at capturing the nuances of complicated women, who are not always our typical movie heroines. Lindy Chamberlain is such a character. Her unwillingness to cater to media expectations is, in part, what lands her in the slammer. The tragedy of this true story is not just that a family is destroyed, but--with the passage of time--we realize that we are still perpetrating such media circuses and trial by rumor at an accelerated rate(O.J., the Clinton scandals, the 'Elian' saga, and now Gary Condit). Seeing (and enjoying) the movie again has led me back to the source material, and I'm now reading "Evil Angels" to gleen more detail than the movie could possibly contain. I heartily recommend the movie--although I wish the DVD version contained the "extras" that we've learned to love about the new medium.

"Cry In the Dark" is based on a true story about a disappearing baby. The mother maintains her claim that a dingo carried her baby daughter through the woods and killed her. As the country listens, rumors circulate that she killed her baby. The family either stays tighter knit or almost separates. Much drama occurs during the turmoil of losing a family member and being called the antichrist. Regardless of what's said in interviews, no one listens.

Meryl Streep deserved her eighth Oscar nomination for Best Actress as the accused mother. Streep gives much of her own nightmare thoughts into the screen. Just her expressed emotions are enough to give the audience chills while causing them to almost cry. Sam Neill gives the best performance of his career as the accusee's husband. All 350 acting extras also give great performance.

The writers greatly informed the audience of the real events. It digs deep into every characters' raw emotions. The director and the producers wonderfully led the cast and crew to their highest potential. This is one of the top ten best movies released in 1988. Its compelling theme will leave the audience with a sense of joy by the movie's end.

I saw this not long before visiting Down Under and going to Uluru (Ayers Rock). I was amazed to read that, in spite of this film, in spite of the fact Lindy Chamberlain's conviction was overturned, a THIRD inquest was held into the death of poor little Azaria in 1995, and you know what? THEY STILL DON'T BELIEVE LINDY! The coroner would not hand down a verdict stating that a dingo killed Azaria. And I read a statistic that 1 out of every 3 Australians still think - that is, still firmly believe - that Lindy Chamberlain murderered her.

This is a heartbreaking film, especially given that it's a true story. Streep and Neil are superb.

Having recently returned from a month in Australia--with a visit to Uluru (formerly Ayer's Rock), I decided to buy the DVD version of this film, having not seen it since it's initial release. It's such a pleasure to watch a movie well-made. Meryl Streep and Sam Neill are both excellent. It's easy to overlook Neill's pitch-perfect turn, since Streep so dominates the film. This, in fact, may be one of Streep's best performances in a career of great performances. Again, she masters an accent, and she is particularly good at capturing the nuances of complicated women, who are not always our typical movie heroines. Lindy Chamberlain is such a character. Her unwillingness to cater to media expectations is, in part, what lands her in the slammer. The tragedy of this true story is not just that a family is destroyed, but--with the passage of time--we realize that we are still perpetrating such media circuses and trial by rumor at an accelerated rate(O.J., the Clinton scandals, the 'Elian' saga, and now Gary Condit). Seeing (and enjoying) the movie again has led me back to the source material, and I'm now reading "Evil Angels" to gleen more detail than the movie could possibly contain. I heartily recommend the movie--although I wish the DVD version contained the "extras" that we've learned to love about the new medium.

"Cry In the Dark" is based on a true story about a disappearing baby. The mother maintains her claim that a dingo carried her baby daughter through the woods and killed her. As the country listens, rumors circulate that she killed her baby. The family either stays tighter knit or almost separates. Much drama occurs during the turmoil of losing a family member and being called the antichrist. Regardless of what's said in interviews, no one listens.

Meryl Streep deserved her eighth Oscar nomination for Best Actress as the accused mother. Streep gives much of her own nightmare thoughts into the screen. Just her expressed emotions are enough to give the audience chills while causing them to almost cry. Sam Neill gives the best performance of his career as the accusee's husband. All 350 acting extras also give great performance.

The writers greatly informed the audience of the real events. It digs deep into every characters' raw emotions. The director and the producers wonderfully led the cast and crew to their highest potential. This is one of the top ten best movies released in 1988. Its compelling theme will leave the audience with a sense of joy by the movie's end.

"I.Q." pits Tim Robbins and Meg Ryan in a fun and witty romantic comedy that is actually pretty good. Catherine (Meg Ryan) is already engaged to a scientist that is smart just like she is. She shows up at Ed's (Tim Robbins) mechanic shop after the car she's riding in has a problem. Ed falls in love with her instantly, but there's one problem, Catherine loves with her brain, not her heart, so she wouldn't ever give a normal everyday guy like Ed a chance. However, there is hope for Ed because Catherine is the niece of Albert Einstein (Walter Matthau) and Mr. Einstein wants Catherine to go out with Ed instead of the guy that she is engaged to. Soon Albert and his colleagues help Ed get to Catherine by turning him into a seem to be genius even though he's not a genius.

"I.Q." is witty and it's a good movie to watch. It's plot is interesting and the acting isn't bad either. My only complaint is that it wasn't as funny as I was expecting it to be. Parts of it are funny such as when Albert Einstein and his colleagues help Ed answer some multiple choice questions, but it could've been funnier since it had Walter Matthau and Tim Robbins as two of its main stars. But it's still a good movie and I do recommend it.

I have to confess.....I love this movie. I think I've watched it over 300 times, and I'll probably watch it another 300.

Say what you want to about Meg Ryan being too cute, about the plot being predictable, whatever. I think it's just....jivin'. It's a neat love story, about the actions of boy meets girl, fate and love, and Albert Einstien's convertible. Throw in a comet and a few wacky physicists, well, it's just pure fun. I wish to heck I could find the score somewhere; the blend of do-wap and Mozart is as much fun as the movie itself.

I'm prejudiced because Tim Robbins is my favorite actor, but all the acting in this goofy, off the wall film is top-notch. Though it's not one of the late Walter Matthau's most famous roles, I personally think it's one of his best, and I can't think of anyone better to play the eccentric Albert Einstien.

One of the most beautiful things about this film is the accuracy of the set and costumes. Not just Meg Ryan's picture-perfect 50's dresses, but the buildings and vehicles, and especially the heavily wood-panelled bungalows favored by the rich during the late 50's; they're so time-perfect you can almost smell the Lemon Pledge.

Incedentally...look for one of the funniest performances in one of the experiments by Meg Ryan's movie fiance, "Excremental Psychologist" James Moreland. I'm not sure who the actor is, but in the background of his lab is a student driven psychotic by a "time depravation experiment", and his physical humor and antics are about a thousand times better than anything from SNL in the past decade.

By the by, this makes a perfect date movie, and is mild enough for kids...but still fun for adults. It's just all around terrific, and a great buy.

Now this is how to do the genre!

This is brilliantly funny, poignant and tender, but never insipid (the director is Australia...so insipidness is definitely out) movie. Matthau is truly fantastic as Einstein, as are his three sidekicks (especially Godel! and the tree that likes to eat their stuff!) as they try to manuever the two leads together and remove the Lesser Professor, a.k.a the rat man, Chimp Pimp, etc from the picture: the stuffy english fiance of Meg Ryan's Character, played perfectly by Stephen Frey. Of course the Lesser Professor is trying to hang on to Meg Ryan's character and expose Tim Robbin's character as a fraud because of his new found friendhsip with Einstein and the secret paper they're working on so Tim Robbin's character can impress Meg Ryan's charater with 'his genius' because that is what she looks for in a man- a genetic hope of making genius children so she, lacking in her own confidence, can achieve through her children. MEg Ryan's character is Eistein's neice.

I can't understand how Matthau didn't get a best supporting actor nomination for this movie! He is so good, as is all the cast: they fit perfectly, especially the 'four boys'.

The story is fairly linear but well paced. It does deal with a lesser theme of self belief, being yourself, and sexual equality and that brilliant men can be have brilliant women as their equal, or betters. The main theme is not letting the brain rule the heart too much, and to be happy. And that some things-love- defy science!

I can't think of any movie like this one. Its unique, clever, witty and subtle at times (especially the humor: Einstein on a motorbike going wah-hoo...very cool!). So if you like your movies sophisticated, wholesome, honest, stylish and not contrived then you defintely want to see this one! The cinematography and 'fifty-ness' is fantastic!

Definitely 5 stars! More even...!

DVD is very plain: just the movie. No added features or even bio's for that matter. But with a movie this good, who needs them? The picture and sound quality are top notch.

One of the best unknown Westerns of the last 20 years or so, Barbarosa stars Willie Nelson and Gary Busey in a story of revenge and honor. Nelson plays a ex-Texas Ranger, Barbarosa, who's now a lone bandit, preying on rich Mexicans. During a disagreement, he formerly crippled his father-in-law to be, a Mexican landowner and still deeply loves the landowner's daughter with whom he has had a daughter.

Busey is a Texas farmhand who accidentally killed his brother-in-law--his sister's husband--and is now out on his own, pursued by his brother-in-law's two brothers for revenge. Similarly, Barbarosa is being pursued by the landowner's top gun, a fiery Mexican who vows Barbarosa's death.

The two, Nelson and Busey, meet by accident and join up for a time. During that time we get to see the West as it very likely really looked about 100 years ago (more specifically, the Southwest--i.e., southern Texas); the cinematography is magnificent. One of the critical ingredients in any great Western is great cinematography and that is very much in display here. As well, the score by Bruce Smeaton is excellent.

Nelson and Busey do a great job--their accents certainly don't hurt (both men are originally from that part of the U.S.), and so does the supporting cast. Fred Schepisi, the director, has a perfect sense of pacing and momentum that pulls the viewer along with very little tugging indeed. Armadillos figure in the mix, as do old men with guns and younger men buried up to their necks. There's a hacienda, a cantina, and an outdoor festival. The film drips with Western atmosphere, no question.

Highly recommended for fans of the genre.

Obscure western from the early 80s starring Willie Nelson and Garey Busey. Good drama; great cinematography; excellent soundtrack.

Willie Nelson plays Barbarossa, an ex-Texas Ranger kept away from his Mexican wife because of a vendetta from his father-in-law who is also the pueblo's elder chieftain. Nelson soon encounters Busey roaming in the desert as an outcast from his own family feud. They soon join together as desperadoes roaming the Sonoran desert while evading men of the pueblo who seek to carry out their jefe's vendetta.

The acting is excellent and all of the characters are given depth. A very touching story. Definitely worth owning.

this is one of THE best written movies ever made, the acting makes the writing even better, and the music brings it all together. the final scene is simply wonderful. the premise is so odd one gets the feeling it was written on a dare, like "bet you can't write ..." (i don't want to give it away if you haven't seen it). yet it hangs together as a story. and both busey and nelson are just superb. great movie.
and, yes, there was a scene removed before it was mass marketed. the scene explains why nelson does what he does. unlike bladerunner, i think this (director's cut?) version is better.