Comfy westerns

Ok, so I did a top 10 post a few years ago and -- while my choices have shifted around a fair bit from back then -- I don't feel like re-hashing all my decision making and/or describing ones that would still be on the list. 

So! I'm gonna make a top ten of my favorite comfort westerns. Not that they don't make you think and feel (obviously), but they're just comfy and familiar as an old hat and/or I just enjoy watching them.

#'s 1&2 are an overlap from what would be my current official top 10 list, but that's kinda a foregone conclusion. The great thing about this comfort watching thing, though, is that I don't have to agonize so much over the lower spots, as they would be much more dependent on a given day than on any strict grading system. 

And yes, Silverado, Lone Ranger (2013), Maverick '94, My Name's Nobody, The Good, The Bad & The Ugly and about 15 others are all runners up, but we're trying to keep this list manageable. ;) There are also sooooo many on my TBW list that I'm sure may eventually find their way onto it, but that's for another day. 

So, at this moment in time, here goes! 

10) Rawhide (1951)

Just re-watching bits this week and realizing how much I really do like this one. The found family elements... and the deceptively slow-burning action leading to massively high stakes and intensity (the ending is probably one of the most intense I've ever seen) -- all contributing to massive character development... Yeah, IMHO it's a totally underrated classic.

9) Angel and the Badman (2009) 

 

I don't blame anyone for not considering this one their cup of tea. Yes, certain casting decisions. Yes, the general B-rated-ness. Nevertheless, this one actually made me like the story better (including actually warming more to the old one as well), and that I find charming. There is one gratuitous and highly irritating change near the end (thanks, filmmakers), but fortunately it's easily skippable, and, if you do, it leaves everything nearly identical in gist to the original. I do love the original too. I mean, how could I not? It's straight up epic, gorgeous, stunning, and classic, which this isn't. But (and more will have to wait for a full review), BUT (with the proviso of skipping that one bit near the end) this one tweaks a few things from the narrative and in the process resolves some of my sticking points with the original, while at the same time being thoroughly recognizable.

Sidenote: it's also filmed in a very similar corner of the world to where I grew up and I didn't realize how nostalgic that would be -- it's actually quite lovely to see it used in a genuine western.

8) Love Comes Softly (2003)

 

All around sweet, this one usually ends up somewhere on my annual watch list.

7) Wanted: Dead or Alive (1958-1961)

(Have you ever looked into how hard it is to find a good pic for this? They're all either like blurry or squished.) Anyhow, I need to delve more into the later seasons, but -- as I always end up on a western thing after LOWCW ;) -- hopefully that'll be in the very near future.

 

6) The Fastest Gun Alive (1956) 

Slow yet stark -- pulsing with the torturous process of battling inner demons and facing down fear -- come the ending, this one always makes me want to alternately cheer and cry.

5) The Apple Dumpling Gang (1975)

One of the first westerns I ever saw and -- as such -- is pretty much the epitome of the comfy definition. 

 

4) The Tin Star (1957)

A weary loner... found family... a young idealistic hothead meeting the steadying (even if sometimes slightly annoyed) mentorship of ripened experience... this one's just entirely endearing.

3) Guy on a buffalo (2011)

Ok this is quirky and funny and an entire rabbit trail, but it's also THE single most played western thing at our house. And my husband has had -- not one -- not two -- but three t-shirts graced with quotes from it, so yeah, it pops up a lot at this establishment. Short of an honorary post of its own, it needs at least some recognition on this list. XD

The music clips are shorts created from the 1976 Buffalo Rider film starring stunt man Rick Guinn. RiffTrax also had fun with it at some point. And yes, don't miss parts 3 and 4. Also to be found on Youtube. xD

2) Open Range (2003)

This one has everything I love in a western. Good comaraderie, loyalty, courage, principles, romance... not to mention gorgeous scenery. Definitely a comfy watch + a top favorite.

 

1) Stagecoach (1939)

Epic. Archetypal. Classic.

<3

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I've reviewed a bunch of these so you can check my list here if you want to see those. Also, last chance today to enter my giveaway here. And if you want to play my guess-the-film game. Have a lovely Friday wherever you are!