Summary
- Cowboys & Aliens combines the classic Western genre with science fiction elements, resulting in a unique and distinct entry in both genres.
- Daniel Craig delivers a strong performance as Jake Lonergan, an outlaw with a mysterious past, who rises to the occasion to combat The Demons alongside the citizens of Absolution.
- The supporting cast, including Harrison Ford, Olivia Wilde, Sam Rockwell, and Paul Dano, adds depth and fun to the movie, making Cowboys & Aliens an enjoyable watch.
Cowboys & Aliens is a science fiction Western that sees a group of cowboys and Native Americans banding together to combat an alien threat in 1800s Arizona in one of the more obscure comic book movies with a great cast of characters. Directed by Iron Man and The Mandalorian director Jon Favreau, Cowboys & Aliens combines stunning visuals with the strong performances of its leading and supporting cast, thus resulting in interesting takes on both the classic Western genres that are famous for their austere protagonists, and the gadgets and technology the science fiction genre is renowned for.
Cowboys & Aliens stars Daniel Craig as Jake Lonergan, an amnesiac outlaw with a mysterious past, who crosses paths with and eventually joins Harrison Ford's Colonel Woodrow Dolarhyde, a powerful cattleman, in a fight against vicious extraterrestrial enemies known as The Demons. Although the movie isn't remembered as a critical darling, Cowboys & Aliens excels at taking its unique and absurd concept, and playing it straight, thus resulting in what is arguably the most distinct entry in the Western genre. In addition to Craig and Ford, Cowboys & Aliens features a solid supporting cast that helps keep things fun.
Where Was Cowboys & Aliens Filmed?
Cowboys & Aliens was released in 2011, and its blend of different genres meant that more than one location was required when it came to filming.Daniel Craig as Jake Lonergan
Jake is a resolute outlaw with a mysterious bracelet attached to his arm.
At the forefront of Cowboys & Aliens' drama and action is Craig's Jake Lonergan, an outlaw who awakens in the outskirts of Absolution with no recollection of how he wound up where he is. Furthermore, when Jake comes to, he notices a mysterious bracelet inexplicably attached to his arm that he has no recollection of buying - or stealing. Despite his predicament, Jake rises to the occasion and helps the citizens of Absolution combat The Demons. Known primarily for his work as 007 in the James Bond franchise, Craig honed his depictions of hardened heroes with roles in Layer Cake and the Knives Out franchise.
Harrison Ford as Colonel Woodrow Dolarhyde
Woodrow evolves from cruel to caring throughout the movie.
Ford offers support in Cowboys & Aliens as the powerful cattleman Colonel Woodrow Dolarhyde, a man who starts the film off as incredibly cruel to virtually everyone around him, who experiences convincing character development as The Demons' threat worsens. Cowboys & Aliens is one of a few Westerns starring Harrison Ford, but the actor is easily most famous for his work in the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises, as Han Solo and Indiana Jones, respectively. Despite his old age, Ford continues to star in action movies like Cowboys & Aliens and The Expendable franchise, to name a few.
Olivia Wilde as Ella Swenson
The mysterious Ella knows more about the aliens than she lets off.
Perhaps the most intriguing character in Cowboys & Aliens, Olivia Wilde plays Ella Swenson, a mysterious woman willing to help Jake uncover his own mysteries, who turns out to be an alien. While the reveal comes later in the movie, Ella's behavior and ability to understand and speak the Native Americans' language are clever tools the filmmakers use to set the reveal up. Wilde is known for playing complex characters, as seen in her work in Her, TRON: Legacy, and Don't Worry Darling. Wilde is also a director, with her work in Booksmart and Don't Worry Darling being notable examples.
Sam Rockwell as Doc
Doc is an earnest man doing what he can to rescue his wife and child.
Sam Rockwell plays Doc, Absolution's doctor and owner of its saloon, and the best comedic moments throughout the action movie. In addition to his duties as the town's medical professional and saloon owner, Doc is shown to be a man of principle, offering his limited services to help Woodrow and Jake combat the alien forces and rescue his kidnapped wife. Rockwell is a character with many notable roles, ranging from The Green Mile to Iron Man 2 to Seven Psychopaths, and despite his Oscar win for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, continues to star in modest projects.
Noah Ringer as Emmett Taggart
Emmett is the grandson of Sheriff John Taggart and braver than he looks.
Noah Ringer's Emmett Taggart is the heart of Cowboys & Aliens, since he's the grandson of the movie's Sheriff, John Taggart. Despite his contentious relationship with Sheriff Taggart, Emmett loves him dearly and wastes no time joining Jake, Woodrow, and anyone else willing to combat the aliens after they abduct his grandfather. Aside from the critically panned The Last Airbender, Ringer hasn't starred in or even appeared in any movie or TV projects after Cowboys & Aliens, as he's dedicated his life to learning and teaching people various martial arts.