"Quigley Down Under" is one of those movies in which a few seemingly ill-fitting pieces come together and form a pleasing whole. Magnum P.I., Hans Gruber, and that chick from "Pretty Woman" in a Western? In Australia? What brand of voodoo is at work here?
But it works, and as it turns out, it's a fine movie. This is partially due to casting, with Selleck riding comfortably in the saddle as the self-assured title character, Alan Rickman as the sinister Aborigine- hunting smug prick, and Laura San Giacomo who possesses her own daffy likability (which gives way to a very scarred character). But also partially the gorgeous (and well-shot) scenery, the sense of throwback to the really old Hollywood Westerns, and some pretty nice shootouts. It's a thrill to watch Selleck work that enormous Sharps rifle, and Basil Poledouris' heroic score is surprisingly remarkable (probably the most rousing use of the banjo I've ever heard).
I was surprised by how entertaining this movie is.
7.5/10
But it works, and as it turns out, it's a fine movie. This is partially due to casting, with Selleck riding comfortably in the saddle as the self-assured title character, Alan Rickman as the sinister Aborigine- hunting smug prick, and Laura San Giacomo who possesses her own daffy likability (which gives way to a very scarred character). But also partially the gorgeous (and well-shot) scenery, the sense of throwback to the really old Hollywood Westerns, and some pretty nice shootouts. It's a thrill to watch Selleck work that enormous Sharps rifle, and Basil Poledouris' heroic score is surprisingly remarkable (probably the most rousing use of the banjo I've ever heard).
I was surprised by how entertaining this movie is.
7.5/10