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Colin Farrell, Scott Caan, Ali Larter, Gabriel Macht, Gregory Smith ... see more see more... , Harris Yulin , Will McCormack , Kathy Bates , Timothy Dalton , Ronny Cox , Terry O'Quinn , Nathaniel Arcand , Ed Geldart , Muse Watson

This loosely fact-based oater attempts to mimic the youthful heartthrobs in Western garb formula of Young Guns (1988), as well as the cheeky humor and some plot elements of Butch Cassidy and the Sunda... read more read more...nce Kid (1969). Colin Farrell stars as Jesse James, who returns home from the Civil War to his small hometown to find that a crooked railroad baron (Harris Yulin) has been illegally forcing the residents from the homesteads to make way for a new rail line. Enraged, James leads a band of outlaws including his brother Frank (Gabriel Macht), Cole Younger (Scott Caan), and Younger's brothers Bob (Will McCormack) and Jim (Gregory Smith) on a criminal spree of bank robbing. Although their Robin Hood-style tactics soon make them local heroes, the James-Younger gang members find themselves pursued by the dogged Allan Pinkerton (Timothy Dalton), the world's first "private eye." Along the way, Jesse also finds romance with Zee Mimms (Ali Larter), the daughter of a local doctor (Ronny Cox). ~ Karl Williams, Rovi

Flixster Users

68% liked it

43,319 ratings

Critics

14% liked it

102 critics

PG-13, 1 hr. 33 min.

Directed by: Les Mayfield

Release Date: August 17, 2001

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DVD Release Date: December 4, 2001

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Stats: 1,103 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (1,103)

  • puffchunk
    September 28, 2008
    puffchunk
    A run of the mill western adventure that was fun but a bit too corny.
  • superclerk25
    January 8, 2008
    superclerk25
    Pretty good action keeps this one afloat. It's like a young Guns for the new generation but just not as good.
  • allan913
    October 15, 2007
    allan913
    A hip, smart, funny and action-packed adventure. A full-on fun movie ride
  • sanjurosamurai
    January 25, 2007
    sanjurosamurai
    decent flick
  • fb704730572
    December 2, 2011
    fb704730572
    American Outlaws is a corny, silly, ill-conceived, and extremely inaccurate depiction of the Jesse James gang. It should not be considered a western, as it disrespects the genre immensely with its' lackluster execution, embodying nothing of what makes a good western film. The ac... read moretors look good to okay on paper, but ultimately only achieve the level of a made-for-tv movie (if not quite equaling some of the better ones). How it got green lighted is a more interesting question than the movie itself is.
  • xxdebxx
    September 29, 2009
    xxdebxx
    I wanted to see this movie because Colin Farrell was in it and he doesn't disappoint heating up the screen as a charismatic and mesmerizing Jesse James. The supporting cast was pretty attractive as well consisting of mostly new-c omers with the exception of Timothy Dalton (Licenc... read moree to Kill), Scott Caan (Gone in Sixty Seconds), Ali larter (Obsession) & Kathy Bates (Dolores Claiborne). Jesse comes back from war with his brother Frank James played by Gabriel Macht and finds out that the railroad is buying up all the farms. They decide to stand up against the railroad and raise a gang called the James Younger gang to rob all of the banks that the railroad has money in. So the railroad gets the famous Allan Pinkerton played by Timothy Dalton to hunt down the gang of outlaws.

    This is a Western/Action/Comedy where the storyline itself was a creative spin on the story of Jesse James and enough hot guys to make it a "chick" flick. There is lots of action, tongue-in-cheek humor, bit of romance and the good guys win! American Outlaws is nice clean movie, good fun and specifically designed to just entertain you, not make you think.
  • fb25827189
    April 10, 2010
    fb25827189
    While not historically accurate, the cast is a lot of fun to watch. There are some really great shots and action sequences as well that make this worth a look. But overall, this a forgettable Western movie that loses it's charm near the end of the film.
  • johnattridge
    June 23, 2008
    johnattridge
    Never before have I seen such an abysmal attempt to revitalise the Western genre. 'American Outlaws' could very well be a parody, but it is not; the drama takes itself overwhelmingly seriously, yet everything seems to have a teenage, adolescent edge as though the action belongs i... read moren the 21st century.

    The film attempts to chronicle the life of outlaw Jesse James and his gang, but for the acting involved they could very well be mistaken for a bunch of schoolboys or a boyband. Colin Farrell, Ali Larter and Timothy Dalton are all good actors, but simply wasted talents on the embarassing script. And why Kathy Bates chose a role in the film has no conceivable explanation.

    The film is essentially an action-comedy that is deeply conventional, but poorly executed. There is minimal tension, the action scenes are repetitive and too light-hearted to invoke any adrenaline while the comedy is simply not funny. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of unintentionally amusing moments, but we laugh at the film; not with it.

    The film's one asset is the scenery - it captures audience attention more than anything else on screen. Even the costume and set design have a repulsive, pantomime feel to them, only increasing your levels of hatred toward this picture.

    In short, 'American Outlaws' is not engaging, interesting or well made. The acting is poor, and the script just about of the worst kind you get in Hollywood. It makes Jesse James' gang of criminals seem less daunting than a junior school playground. A waste of time for everyone involved, but mainly paying audience members; I am still suppressing my raging hatred of everything about 'American Outlaws'.
  • logged81
    October 11, 2009
    logged81
    To be honest, it was a real struggle to get through this movie. I did like to watch Colin Farrell, I just like the way he moves. Acting seemed forced and the comedic elements were mediocre at best. The dramatic scenes did not have emotion. Would not recommend this.
  • BASiQ
    June 21, 2009
    BASiQ
    Awesome portrayal of Jesse James! Portrayed by the perfect actor who not only did not botch it up, but in my opinion, made an almost better Jesse then the original!

    Larter as stunning as ever, for once that I have ever seen, was not some psychotic female or some evil temptress, ... read morebut a cheerful specimen of womanhood, a part rarely played by her, but a part well played by her nevertheless. If she had parts more akin to this in other movies, I would like her more as an actor...

    Caan, oddly enough was not portrayed as a douche in the film. Surprisingly he played the part perfect as a jealous outlaw who also had a professional side. Though as a personal side note, I believe he gave the movie a bad taste. IMHO the movie would of been just as good without him.

    I Highly recommend this movie, the only reason for a 1/2 star notch off, is due to the unnecessary swearing. But, I would say disregard that and go watch it!

    and PS:
    "Better...
    ...slow down.
    Dynamite ahead.
    Too late.
    You're dead."

View All American Outlaws Reviews

Critic Reviews

Rex Reed
August 31, 2001
Rex Reed, New York Observer

A big yawn that only reminds us why movie westerns are six feet under and not likely to make a comeback. Full Review

David Hunter
August 22, 2001
David Hunter, Hollywood Reporter

The bizarre result of another in a long line of westerns tailored for rising actors, who no one really takes seriously in such projects.

Michael Atkinson
August 21, 2001
Michael Atkinson, Village Voice

The movie's presumption of ignorance on the audience's part is monumental. Full Review

August 20, 2001
Entertainment Weekly

The blandification of the puppy-stud Western reaches its nadir. Full Review

Stephanie Zacharek
August 20, 2001
Stephanie Zacharek, Salon.com

Picture 1860s Missouri as Ft. Lauderdale during Spring Break and you've got the idea. Full Review

Desson Thomson
August 17, 2001
Desson Thomson, Washington Post

There's no escaping the hackneyed plot or Mayfield's conventional hand.

Stephen Hunter
August 17, 2001
Stephen Hunter, Washington Post

So brainless it's a wonder it can find its own ending.

Susan Wloszczyna
August 17, 2001
Susan Wloszczyna, USA Today

A weak whinny of a horse opera tailor-made for those who can't quite locate Young Guns or The Long Riders in their video store. Full Review

Geoff Pevere
August 17, 2001
Geoff Pevere, Toronto Star

Ol' Jesse James has sure seemed a lot of things in a lot of movies: crazy, heroic, desperate, psychotic, villain and victim. But dadburnit if he's ever been this cute. Full Review

Wesley Morris
August 17, 2001
Wesley Morris, San Francisco Chronicle

This plot leaves ample room for viewers to sweat the small stuff, like whether Trevor Nunn's score is more Marines ad or deodorant commercial. Full Review

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