Watch Good Old Boys

Good Old Boys is a 1995 television movie directed by Tommy Lee Jones, who also stars in the film alongside Terry Kinney and Frances McDormand. Based on a novel by Elmer Kelton, the film tells the story of several octogenarian cowboys living in Texas who are trying to hold on to their way of life as modernization and progress threaten their existence.

The movie begins with Hewey Calloway (Jones) reuniting with his estranged brother Walter (Kinney) after the death of their father. It quickly becomes apparent that the two brothers have vastly different personalities; Hewey is a rough-and-tumble cowboy who places a high value on independence and self-reliance, while Walter is an academic who teaches history at a university and has little understanding of his brother's way of life.

Despite their differences, the two brothers agree to accompany a group of their old cowboy friends on a cattle drive. Along the way, they encounter various challenges and obstacles, including a group of modern-day cowboys who laugh at the old-timers' outdated methods, and a series of increasingly difficult terrain. As they press on, they each confront their own demons and wrestle with the idea of what it means to be a cowboy in the modern world.

Throughout the film, the characters are portrayed as fiercely independent, stubborn, and sometimes cantankerous. They embody the quintessential cowboy ethos; they value hard work, integrity, and determination above all else. However, as the group faces more and more difficult trials, they begin to question whether their way of life is still viable in a world that is rapidly changing.

One of the standout performances in the film comes from Frances McDormand, who plays Spring Renfro, a no-nonsense cowgirl who joins Hewey and Walter on their journey. Her character is tough-as-nails, unflappable, and serves as a welcome counterpoint to the more introspective and reserved male characters.

Despite its seemingly simple storyline, Good Old Boys is a deeply philosophical film that explores complex themes such as the nature of masculinity, the passage of time, and the human desire for independence and freedom. The characters are multidimensional and relatable, and viewers will find themselves rooting for them as they battle against the odds.

In terms of the film's technical aspects, it is well-crafted and visually stunning. The cinematography captures the rugged beauty of the Texas landscape, and the music, composed by Lyle Lovett, complements the Western-style themes of the movie perfectly.

Overall, Good Old Boys is a must-see movie for anyone who loves Westerns, the American Southwest, or stories about the human spirit. It is a thought-provoking and poignant film that will stick with viewers long after the credits roll.

Good Old Boys is a 1995 western with a runtime of 1 hour and 57 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.