Cowboys and Aliens (2011)

Two are better than one, because they have a good
reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up the
other; but woe to one who is alone and falls and does
not have another to help. Again, if two lie together,
they keep warm; but how can one keep warm alone?
And though one might prevail against another, two will
withstand one. A threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!
Psalm 133:1

Would this have really been an equal battle?

© 2011 Universal Pictures

If this combination of genres sounds ludicrous, I can assure you that it is—and yet I enjoyed it, even with its plot’s so many improbabilities. Such as that a posse of cowboys and Indians (yes, the film should have been entitled Cowboys, Indians, and Aliens) being able to outfight the aliens who are armed with such superior weapons. Six-shooters against ray guns? Horses against jet fighters? Give me a break!

Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford are the main reasons for plunking money down for this revision of the oater, both of our heroes trying vainly to impart a measure of believability to the tale. The main moral seems to be that greed is just as rampant on other planets as our own. Catch it at a cheap seats theatre if you must see it.

Note: Discussion questions are available with this review for those subscribing to the Visual Parables journal. The journal also includes many extras–book reviews, the use of films for church seasons, a lectionary related column, and more. Hundreds of old reviews are also available in the subscribers; section. Check out the sample issue.