Watch Rio Diablo
- TV-PG
- 1993
- 1 hr 32 min
-
5.4 (358)
Rio Diablo is a made-for-TV Western movie that debuted in 1993. The film stars country music legends Kenny Rogers, Travis Tritt, and Naomi Judd, and features a classic tale of love and revenge set in the Wild West. The story follows a young couple, Rio (Kenny Rogers) and Maria (Laura Carrington), who have recently eloped and are riding through the desert on their way to start a new life. However, their romantic journey is abruptly cut short when they are ambushed by a group of bandits, led by a vicious outlaw named Red (Stacy Keach).
Red is determined to track down Maria, who is actually the daughter of a wealthy landowner, and hold her for ransom. He sees Rio as an obstacle and orders his men to kill him, but Rio manages to escape and sets out to rescue his beloved.
Along the way, he meets a diverse cast of characters, including a sharp-tongued bounty hunter named Emmett (Travis Tritt) and a tough-as-nails saloon owner named Mattie (Naomi Judd). Together, they team up to take down Red and his gang and ultimately save Maria.
The film is filled with classic Western tropes, from gunfights and horse chases to tense standoffs and duels. However, it also incorporates themes of redemption and forgiveness, as Rio must come to terms with his troubled past and his own capacity for violence.
One of the standout features of Rio Diablo is the exceptional cast of musicians-turned-actors. Rogers, Tritt, and Judd all deliver solid performances, displaying a natural charisma and screen presence that complements their musical talents.
Rogers, in particular, shines as the film's lead protagonist. His gravelly voice and rugged charm make him a perfect fit for the role of Rio, and he brings a sense of depth and nuance to the character beyond the typical Western hero archetype.
The film also boasts impressive production values, with stunning desert vistas and authentic period costumes and set design. The score, composed by Randy Newman, adds a hauntingly beautiful touch to the film's more poignant moments.
Overall, Rio Diablo is a solid entry in the Western genre, with strong performances, classic tropes, and a timeless love story at its core. Fans of Kenny Rogers, Travis Tritt, and Naomi Judd will undoubtedly enjoy seeing their favorite musical icons take on the Wild West.
Rio Diablo is a 1993 western with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4.