Johnson County War (2002)

The open range is any person's game. At least back in the 1800s where Manifest Destiny was the main rule of the land. Naturally, there were plenty of disputes about rules and regulations, and one of these conflicts was the Johnson County War: a short civil war in Wyoming. This account could make up for a great piece of historical fiction for a movie to be made. Instead, we got a made-for-TV movie running nearly three hours long in 2002, and is a really fictionalized account of what happened. Based off the book Riders of Judgement by Frederick Manfred, Johnson County War is a fictionalized account of what happened during that particular moment in history. The main problem is that the movie does not have focus on what's going on, and takes it time being that it is a made-for-TV movie. Johnson County War tries to tie in a historical event, but doesn't bring forth the full history that it intends.

The story involves the Hammett brothers: Cain (Tom Berenger), Harry (Luke Perry), and Dale (Adam Storke), settling down and raising cattle in Wyoming. One day, however, the government decides to illegally accuse settlers of stealing and trespassing on their land. Soon, the brothers are at a battle with the government, and major conflicts arise.

The whole production is one mixed bag of a reception.

First off, as stated before, the title and plot of the movie, have nothing to do with the actual Johnson County War. This is more of  dramatization of the events that took place during that time frame. Also, the actual event is rather interesting as it ends with President Benjamin Harrison ordering the United States Calvary to come and stop all of the fighting.

Next, the acting isn't all the engaging, and the cast, while they do try their hardest, are not that convincing in their roles that they are given. Especially Burt Reynolds, who plays a corrupt lawman; had he been replaced with another actor, then the role would have been just fine. As for everyone else, they are all right, and nothing really impedes their performances. This, in turn can be also be contributed to director David S. Cass Sr., who just tells the actors to just act like they have read the script for the first time.

And speaking of the script, when the movie starts, one feels like the story does have potential and feels like this is going somewhere with its history. But then it decides to add the "revenge my family" subplot, and it kind of goes downhill from there.

The movie does go on a little too long. At nearly three hours, it does test one's patience. Yes, this is a made-for-TV movie, but the movie does drag, and it tears at your eyes to see how much longer you can watch this.

Now, onto the good stuff.

For starters, the music by Sheldon Mirowitz isn't too bad, when the orchestration is needed. The costumes fit the time period of the late 1800s, and the little attention to detail in the sets and scenery is a nice addition. And speaking of the scenery, the movie looks really amazing; even for a made-for-TV production.

It seemed as if the filmmakers actually went out to Wyoming and filmed it there. But Canada is a nice replacement, right? Still, the feeling of winter is effected in the movie, and the usage of snow and cold really complements film well. This is one of those movies where the viewer looks at the scenery, and wishes that they were there themselves.

In conclusion, while Johnson County War may not be a really engaging made-for-TV production about the actual event, it does look nice and it makes viewers wish for something greater. Like heading out and claiming land like in the past.