August 17, 2001

By Veronica Mixon

When was the last time you saw a Western on the big screen? This is a genre that Hollywood loves and refuses to let fade into the sunset. AMERICAN OUTLAWS, the latest version of the Jesse James story, is a fast-paced, action adventure with a handsome young cast lead by hot Irish newcomer, Colin Farrell. But, if you're looking for a more compelling western, beat a path to your local video store.

The story opens as a group of war weary soldiers return to their Missouri farms after the Civil War and discover that the railroad is forcing people off their land. Of course, everything appears legal but the railroad, protected by the Federal Army and a gang of Pinkerton detectives, are paying farmers a pittance for the land that they are taking over. When Jesse (Farrell) and Frank James (Gregory Macht) lose their mother (played by Kathy Bates in a nice cameo) to a raid ordered by the railroad owner, Thaddeus Rains (Harris Yulin), they team up with Cole and Bob Younger (Scott Caan and Will McCormack) and Comanche Tom (Nathaniel Arcand) to fight the railroad. They begin to steal the railroad's money and even Allan Pinkerton (Timothy Dalton), who openly admires Jesse's panache, can't seem to catch them in the act. The James-Younger gang is having so much fun robbing banks and living on the open road that eventually Pinkerton discovers Jesse's weak link. He's in love with the local doctor's daughter, Zee Mimms (Ali Larter).

AMERICAN OUTLAWS is a charming, high-octane Western with good hammy acting by veterans like Timothy Dalton (James Bond in The Living Daylights and License to Kill) and Kathy Bates (Misery) as well a passel of newcomers like Scott Caan (Varsity Blues and Ready to Rumble), Ali Larter (Varsity Blues and Final Destination), Will McCormick (Boiler Room) and Gabriel Macht (The Object of My Affection.)

Handsome Colin Farrell dazzled critics and fans last year in Joel Schumacher's gritty Vietnam tale, Tigerland. Hollywood was so impressed that the Irish actor, who can also be seen on cable TV's broadcast "Ballykissangel," quickly followed his riveting performance as a malcontent soldier with roles in Minority Report opposite Tom Cruise; Hart's War opposite Bruce Willis and the lead Schumacher's next Indie film, Phone Booth. His performance as the slightly crazy Jesse James is a crowd pleaser and will certainly increase his fan base. Farrell is the kind of young actor that women will love and men will admire because they'll identity with him.

AMERICAN OUTLAWS is a nice bit of fluff and diversion from the lackluster sequels that have populated the summer movie releases this year.