Vashirdfel Simply A Masterpiece

CrawlerChunky In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

Nayan Gough A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

Allison Davies The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

lthes81 *****Spoiler Alert*****Overall, a good movie with astonishingly exceptional scenery. The plot makes a good start but as an amateur writer I would have changed that first scene to include more detail and provide some proof that Selleck's character could have used later. But then...where would the story end up... Yeah. That proof would have destroyed the conflict. Oh, well. So much of the rest is melodrama that made me think of the old nineteenth century stage act with a mustache-twirling villain and a helpless damsel in distress: 'I can't pay the rent!' 'But you must pay the rent!' Madsen's character is insipid in my opinion, shallow and wishy-washy. If I were confronted by an obviously honorable man such as Selleck instead of Harmon's barely concealed duplicity, I'd believe him. All that aside, for me the plot was greatly enhanced by the lesser characters. They MADE the movie. The Irishman and his hilarious jokes, which no one but 'the kid' appreciates, old crusty Brimley as the 'father figure,' adorable Christian Kane as 'the kid and sacrificial lamb' and the sweet but brave bartender. These guys carried the movie and I watch it just for them. Their performances, subtle and heartfelt, were exceptional, especially for one of Kane's first movie performances. (Was that really him riding that bronco??) All of the minor characters contributed a much-needed comic relief element in their own ways. I frankly tend to watch their scenes and fast forward past the rest. What I did NOT like was the 'Sioux language.' That did not sound like Sioux to me. I think some linguist either got it all wrong or made up words like Klingon in Star Trek. If you're into plain westerns with no real plot twist, this is for you. If you're a Kaniac this is REALLY for you. Tom Selleck fans will not be disappointed. Pretty good movie!

oldgal67 All of the comments about Tom Selleck that have been made by other posters are absolutely right - he is the ultimate western hero. This film is the other half of "Quigley Down Under" and comes very close to being as 'painterly' as regards locations, lighting and photography as "Heaven's Gate". There was nothing about this film to alarm even the most delicate sensibilities and, for those with sons growing up, exposure to these two Selleck films might give the lads a glimpse of the kind of man it could be a matter of pride to emulate rather than the dubious 'heroes' of modern film and fiction whose crass brutality does none of us any good. L'Amour had a very precise understanding of what it took to be a man and everyone involved in "Crossfire Trail" translated his ideal perfectly onto film.

gatsby06 If this had been made AFTER "Monte Walsh" I would have said Simon Wincer had gone senile, to put it politely. But since it was made before, I will forgive him.This is the ultimate collection of tired cowboy clichés, whereas Monte Walsh breathes fresh life into the western. I guess it was something of a warmup.Nothing wrong with Selleck's acting, but the script is hackneyed. The bad guy even wears a black hat. Hmmm, maybe this is supposed to be a comedy.My advice: watch Monte Walsh, and while you're at it, "Quigley Down Under," and don't spoil your appetite with "Crossfire Trail."

ccthemovieman-1 This was an excellent western that was beautifully photographed. This looks absolutely stunning on DVD and provides some of the prettiest scenery I've ever viewed on film.With Tom Selleck in the lead and supporting help from Virginia Madsen, Wilfred Brimley, Mark Harmon and others, this is a good cast for this made-for-cable TV movie. There wasn't much action in here but a lot of tension as Selleck fights off bad-guy Harmon, who is trying to marry Madsen because of the oil-rich property she owns (and is unaware how valuable it is).My only complaint is that this is a frustrating story to watch at many intervals because for most of the film Madsen does not believe Selleck, who is just trying to help. Selleck does his normal excellent portrayal of a rugged cowboy.Overall, a good movie and highly-recommended for western fans.