Watch American Outlaws
- PG-13
- 2001
- 1 hr 34 min
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5.9 (17,869)
American Outlaws is a Western action-comedy film that was released in 2001. The movie features an all-star cast, including Colin Farrell, Scott Caan, and Ali Larter. The film is set in the late 1800s and tells the story of the James-Younger gang, a band of outlaws who become folk heroes after robbing banks and trains throughout the Midwest. The gang is led by Jesse James (Colin Farrell), who is joined by his brother Frank (Gabriel Macht), his cousins Cole (Scott Caan) and Bob (Will McCormack), and their friends Jim (Gregory Smith) and Clell (Ty O'Neal). Together, they form a tight-knit group that is feared and respected by lawmen and civilians alike.
As the gang pulls off more and more daring heists, they find themselves on the run from Pinkerton detectives hired by the railroad company they've been targeting. At the same time, they must deal with the betrayal of the corrupt railroad owner (Harris Yulin) who hires them, as well as the romantic entanglements that arise between members of the gang and the women they meet on their travels.
The film is notable for its blend of action, humor, and historical accuracy. While the James-Younger gang did exist and some of the events portrayed in the movie did happen, much of the film is fictionalized for the sake of the story. However, the filmmakers went to great lengths to recreate the look and feel of the Old West, from costumes to sets to the use of horses instead of cars.
One of the standout performances in the movie comes from Colin Farrell, who plays Jesse James with a mix of charm, danger, and vulnerability. Farrell captures James' charisma and his deep love for his friends and family, as well as the ruthless streak that made him a feared outlaw. Scott Caan is also excellent as Cole Younger, the grouchy but loyal cousin who serves as Jesse's right-hand man. Caan brings humor and heart to the role, making Cole a fan favorite among viewers.
Ali Larter plays Zee, Jesse's love interest, and she is a bright spot in the film. She is tough, witty, and independent, a woman who isn't afraid to get her hands dirty and who holds her own against the boys. The chemistry between Larter and Farrell is palpable, adding a layer of romance and drama to the story.
The movie also has a great supporting cast, with Timothy Dalton playing Allan Pinkerton, the master detective who is hired to catch the James-Younger gang. Dalton brings gravitas and authority to the role, making Pinkerton a worthy adversary for the outlaws. William Sadler plays the sympathetic sheriff who tries to catch the gang but ultimately sympathizes with them, while Kathy Bates has a memorable cameo as the mother of the Younger brothers.
Overall, American Outlaws is a fun and entertaining movie that will appeal to fans of Westerns and action films. It has a great cast, thrilling action sequences, and a good sense of humor. While it may not be the most historically accurate depiction of the James-Younger gang, it captures the spirit of the Old West and the enduring appeal of outlaw heroes.
American Outlaws is a 2001 western with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9 and a MetaScore of 25.