Tombstone Review - Off The Shelf Reviews

[@Luvie1980]

Underrated film. Val Kilmer should have gotten an Oscar for his performance in this film. He stole the movie!

[@KTKZon58]

Yes! He got snubbed SOOO bad. He didn't even get a nomination!!! One of the worst snubs in Oscar history

[@Kakashi2Gaiden]

We fans remember. We fans do not listen to “critics” we experience it and judge for ourselves

[@HonzoRich]

An Oscar can't buy the love of fans. I wager more people remember Val Kilmer in Tombstone tham whoever won the Oscar that year.

[@KTKZon58]

"I just want you to know that it's over" "Well....bye"

[@aleaanderson6600]

What a birthday present for me!

[@mariolopez3728]

Happy Birthday Alea! 🎂

[@Lexyboogie]

Tombstone has a very special place in my heart. But even so, I really wish that John Carpenter had directed it instead. It's definitely got a few flaws here and there.

[@rosefarrell2440]

John Carpenter should have Directed this.

[@cdevil9488]

An important detail Gary and Iain (and most other people) miss concerning the gun vs. cup scene between Johnny Ringo and Doc Holiday is this: when Johnny does his gun twirling tricks, Doc's eyes are locked on his, rather than following the gun. When Doc then replicates the exact same movements with his cup, this is why Johnny is visibly unnerved (even while everyone else is amused), because he realizes just how sharp and focused Doc really is.

[@backwardzhatguy9953]

You guys forgot one of the funniest scenes! When doc challenges Ike to a spelling contest. After you see doc just cracking up wasted. Lol my favorite part.

[@SurferCaliSoca]

Agreed! 👍

[@thomasbabilon9146]

This is one of the greatest westerns ever. 9/10

[@Galantski]

For those new to this channel, lest you be confused by Gary and Iain, Kurt Russell's middle name is Vogel. _Vogel!_

[@jackcraven2266]

One of the best westerns of all time in my opinion, great review guys! Btw, about that epic three hour version; Russell said that there was a three hour cut of the film (apparently he still has a copy of it) but of course, studio cut it down, that's why some trailers show parts of deleted scenes.

[@ydcee3123]

Yes. Don't know anyone who likes westerns that doesn't like this film. But then westerns are purely an American phenomenon.

[@ZomboneTheBassist]

I saw Tombstone for the first time in 2002 on VHS. I couldn't sleep, so I randomly chose it from my friend's VHS cabinet. Best. Decision. Ever.

[@Mjuxtapose03]

Idk why I can picture this. Such a vibe.

[@4833-o1b]

That's what's up. I never look for it but watch it all the way thru when it comes on. Val Kilmer out here stealing scenes and shit.

[@chrissams6230]

4833 4833 man he stole the whole damn movie!! Especially when he had that cup in the Saloon drunk

[@killerb6792]

In the US huckleberries grow best in wild conditions. There was also Huckleberry Finn from Adventures of Tom Sawyer that had come out a few years prior. The slang back then went a few ways : I'm wild, I'm your friend, I'm game. It's still used to describe someone too clever for their own good, in the South. But since he was a Georgian, it would've made just as much sense to be a pall bearer. Incidentally, the pall bearers wore huckleberry boutonniers on their lapels.

[@MB20978]

This is bizzarre as I love you guys and literally watched this movie for the first time days ago. Just perfect. 😎 P.s. LOVED the movie. My westerns are mostly spaghetti based but this one kicked arse with the best of 'em. Val Kilmer and Kurt Russell at the top of their game. 😍

[@acegrafik]

"And Hell's Coming With Me,You Hear?HELL'S...COMING...WITH ME!" Still keep the VHS next to the Director's Cut DVD. Great movie!

[@jamesbrooking1287]

Sam Elliot has the best moustache in Hollywood and he can read the phone book and make it feel like a novel

[@renemies78]

This is one of my all-time favorite movies ever! I'm so glad you guys reviewed it. The length of the movie never bothered me. But I agree with Iain, the ending is lackluster. But damn those performances were amazing! Great review guys!

[@mrg3241]

You said it was Billy Bob Thorton, you even showed the clip, and yet I still don't recognize him... but that figures. Just look at his mechanic character from U-Turn. And Val Kilmer... Yes I loved him in Tombstone. I thought he was great in Heat. Real Genius is also up there. But oddly enough I enjoyed him the most in Top Secret. Those dance moves....

[@MrLorenzovanmatterho]

Great film, Val Kilmer's best, he steals it, just knocking 6's past the boundary every time in the 90s. Love the scene where Doc and Ringo face off at last and Ringo looks scared but then his expression shifts as if to say "Alright then Doc, screw it, let's do this!". Wyatt Earp ended up in Hollywood in the 20s, enjoyed success all through his life, you should watch Sunset with James Garner and Bruce Willis which depicts it. It's a marvellous film and what a cast!

[@bryanburton6087]

"Skin that smokewagon." -Kurt "Motherfucking" Russell

[@blackderby80]

This film might very well have the greatest cast of any movie, ever.

[@bonniescott6470]

Kurt Russell is so amazing in this movie I love him 👍

[@DOYLETWAT]

One of my favourites. I’m not a huge fan of westerns but I watch this movie every time it is on.

[@afrosamurai5588]

"Well I got two guns.... One for each of ya"..... Why are you guys just now covering this movie especially since you guys love Kurt Russle balls so much lol... This is my favorite western of all time, and im a man who is named after the movie "SHANE"... SALUTE🖒

[@avalangrin4904]

I’m your huckleberry! Love this movie!!! 😆😆😆 My favorite scene: Wyatt’s speech at the train station threatening Ike. “Run you curs...”!!! 😁😁😁

[@1987MartinT]

I love this movie. My favorite western is Silverado. This movie's great too though. And yeah, there are SO many great actors giving unforgettable performances. Powers Boothe was always legendary when playing villains. I think Curly Bill is tied with senator Roark as his best villain performances. Michael Biehn is fucking terrifying as Johnny Ringo. He doesn't even seem human. Michael Rooker is here as Sherman McMaster. I like how it's hinted at the start that he's already having second thoughts about staying with the Cowboys. Kurt Russell as Wyatt Earp just radiates this aura of being someone you don't want to mess with. The first time I saw it I didn't catch the start of it were he said he didn't carry a gun, and it never occurred to me, until I saw the full movie later, that until the O.K. Corral he'd been walking in to most situations unarmed(the exception being the gambling table confrontation). Sam Elliot as Virgil Earp is... Sam Elliot as Virgil Earp. Roles like this are perfect for him. Bill Paxton did a good job portraying Morgan Earp with the right level of Naivete and fierce loyalty to his brothers. Stephen Lang is great as the scruffy disgusting cowardly short-tempered Ike Clanton. It'll probably come as a surprise to anyone who's used to seeing him as for example Colonel Quaritch from Avatar. Although he isn't in it for long Thomas Haden Church is great as Ike's even more hotheaded younger brother Billy Clanton. Even Charlton Heston does a lot with a bit part as Henry Hooker, going from letting the heroes stay just for one night, to extending the invitation when he sees how bad a state Doc is in, to saying to Wyatt that if the Cowboys come for Doc him and his men will defend him. Billy Bob Thornton is funny as wannabe badass Johnny Tyler. Billy Zane is really charismatic as Mr. Fabian. Terry O'Quinn does a good job as Mayor Clum. He really comes off as desperate for some law and order in his town. I also like how he points out to Behan that he's the sheriff when Behan complains to him about a troublemaker in the streets. And even with ALL these great actors giving great performances Val Kilmer still steals the fucking show as Doc Holliday. The guy seems like a drunk, high, mess of a person, who spends most of the movie painfully dying from tuberculosis. And yet at the same time he's still extremely dangerous, charming, sophisticated, arrogant, provocative, and fucking hilarious. I know that to a lot of people his iconic role is Iceman but to me it's Doc Holliday.

[@LoneWolf81684]

One of the best westerns ever!!!!

[@tjenahoj]

Great stuff! I watch this in a double feature every year together with Michael Manns Last of the Mohicans

[@iammwh936]

Past Eastwood and Wayne I generally do not like westerns. I did not go into this film with high expectations. Two weeks ago my son and I sat down for our regularly scheduled movie time and he chose this film from my collection to watch. His 3rd viewing and my 7th, I think. Man I love this film and would have loved 3 hours or more of it. Great cast, great photography and a great script. Kurt "motherfukin" Russell is a bad ass as Earp. And Kilmer as Doc, loved him! And Sam Elliot is always a favorite. Thanks for the review guys!

[@SoullessAIMusic]

I have seen this movie so many times I know every single line in the movie.

[@scottbelmont8005]

“Kurt motherfucking Russell” #proudshelfer

[@davydevilution7297]

Anytime you guys Review a Film starring Kurt Russell, you should be wearing : *'KURT MUTHA FUCKIN' RUSSELL'* t-shirts !!

[@johnriley9742]

Wow never fancied watching this before but I'm sold. Looks like a good one, cheers guys.

[@tecumsehcristero]

Huckleberry is also someone who takes up a fight on a friend or woman’s behalf. It is said to come from a long time ago when a man fought to defend a woman she would pin a sprig of huckleberry to his shirt to signify that he is brave, honorable and her defender and that he committed and act of bravery on her behalf

[@JesseWolfboy]

Kevin Jarre was the writer who got CREDIT for writing the film. John Fasano (who was only credited as associate producer, I believe) did all the re-writes and worked with Kurt and Val on their dialogue. But because of a Writer's Guild arbitration bullshit, Fasano was not granted co-screenplay credit... Also, there is a better extended cut available somewhere.

[@jenniferbrewer5370]

Actually Maddie wasn't Wyatt's legal wife. She used his name for the sake of respectability.

[@AarenJable]

I haven't seen this in years, great choice for a review.

[@aghadmtl]

finally a review of The Thin-- ah god damn it

[@emmetgram3901]

Great review guys. Definitely in my top 5 westerns. Would love to hear your thoughts on The Quick And The Dead. In my opinion, an underrated gem!!

[@CopiousTurtle]

I only enjoy a few western movies (and at least one only loosely considered a western by setting) such as Silverado, Young Guns 1 and 2, Bone Tomahawk and the king - Tombstone. I actually watched this in theatres as a kid and loved it. It makes me sad to hear that it was originally slated as a 3 hour epic, because that goes down as one of the biggest missed opportunities in film history for me. Also, Val Kilmer’s performance dwarfs every other performance in the movie, including Kurt Russell. Kurt Russell had the better career, but as far as best performance I think Kilmer as Doc Holliday bests ANYTHING Kurt Russell has done. Yes, that includes MacCready and Burton (his best roles IMO).

[@kimchi2780]

Val Kilmer got robbed for an Oscar. The Oscars should have 1 Oscar a year where they go back and reward actors who were robbed. Val Kilmer for Doc Holloday and Joaquin Phoenix for Walk the Line deserved it.

[@elguitarTom]

love this movie! Badass music and acting

[@eldorados_lost_searcher]

There's a KZbin channel called Arizona Ghostriders, and some of the guys who worked on Tombstone make appearances on the channel. Just fyi for anyone interested.

[@jorel4477]

Wow, I’m gonna sit down with a beer and enjoy this once I’ve got the kids to bed. Yay

[@jollyjakelovell4787]

Kevin Jarre was let go because he couldn't rein in the budget, couldn't figure out a shooting schedule, and since he had written it, didn't want to cut any scenes out to get it down to a movie length time. Oh yeah I remembered the Kevin Jarre version was online, the script that is here go boys www.dailyscript.com/scripts/tombstone.pdf Well ... Bye.

[@shauntetley9287]

Great movie, not sure I would be unhappy about what could have been. Also a great fact is that Kurt mother fucking Russle is now a leading historian about tomb stone!

[@TheSuperQuail]

I've seen this film so many times and NEVER realised that was Billy Bob Thornton

[@cocobeware9442]

Review the changeling 1980, seems to be forgotten.

[@vanpelt2321]

I'm late to the party but you guys still have me hooked. I'm watching all your reviews and mightily enjoying them. Kudos to the legendary Harry Carey, Jr., playing Marshal Fred, in one of his last performances in a western. Worked with John Ford and Duke Wayne from the late 40s to the early 70s in films like "Three Godfathers", "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon" and "The Searchers". The last great star to set in the Western Sky.

[@afrosamurai5588]

IKE WAS FUNNY AS SHIT..😂

[@MasqueofFlesh]

I'll be your huckleberry.

[@tecumsehcristero]

I totally forgot Jason Priestley was in this movie until Ian said his name. OMG this movie had everyone, even the guy from 90210 and the guy from Wings. Those would be Priestley and Church respectively

[@RogueDragon05]

There is an Extended Cut of Tombstone on DVD it's kinda hard to find but it's abit of a better cut of the movie. I highly recommend it. Technically it's called The Director's Cut though I doubt that names appropriate.

[@gardeningandlife137]

I got it

[@okiejewels4560]

One of my absolute favorite movies! One could only hope as a friend as loyal as Doc Holiday.

[@DragonSlicer]

I hope that you two get a lot more subscribers, I've been subscribed for quite a while and i think you guys are good!

[@danlord7717]

New sub here. This is my favorite movie review site on KZbin.

[@andyfenton5798]

Thanks for this one Guys!

[@Stormwern]

Have you played FFX or FFX-2? Those would be fun games to hear an analysis of.

[@theoptimist4771]

1,006th view!!!!!

[@skkahl3400]

I think if they had given the other Cowboys deaths' time, the last confrontations would not have seemed as epic.

[@mattirealm]

Lots of myths around Wyatt Earp, and frankly, Earp himself created a lot of those. He knew people in early Hollywood and would talk to folks like John Ford and definitely influenced his "legend" quite a bit. Basically each movie has nuggets of truth, but none are completely the truth, because nobody knows the entire story. And there are MANY movies on Wyatt Earp, but I like My Darling Clementine best. The Earps were not necessarily the good guys and the Clantons were not necessarily the bad guys. The truth is somewhere in the middle, from what I have read. That being said, I love the performances in Tombstone. Also a bunch of great lines: "Oh I'm sorry Johnny, I forgot you were still here. You may go know" Doc Holliday....LOL

[@rosemaryfarell5264]

Bill Paxtons Morgan in this was a bit of a Doofus I think under Wyatts thumb but in the Film Wyatt Earp Linden Ashby plays Morgan so Different.

[@theuserwithnoname7688]

Allman Brothers top Iain?

[@DemoSonicScreamer1]

I kinda know what you guys mean. When I first saw Tombstone at the theater I remember being baffled when the Gunfight at the OK Corral happened about midway through the film. The trailers were actually misleading on this since they hype it as though it will be this big showdown there at the end, and every other telling of this story ends that way. It kind of weirded me out on first viewing, but on subsequent viewings I got the tempo better of what they were going for (namely the Gunfight itself was an incident that triggered a larger conflict). But yeah, I'll never forget the day I saw this. It was at River Falls Mall (Clarksville, IN across from Louisville) at a matinee showing and then my dad and I went to see The Pelican Brief at the night showing at the Showcase Cinemas back in Louisville. It was the only time I've ever seen two movies at two different theaters in the same day, and in different states no less. I think back then there were still theaters that didn't have certain movies. Wanna hear the funny thing? At the time I probably preferred The Pelican Brief (a far bigger hit than Tombstone), but as time went on I think I watched that movie maybe one other time when it came out on VHS. In the years that followed I've seen Tombstone countless times.

[@neonsmoviereviews7969]

It’s not much, but there was a Director’s Cut that only released on DVD that included about 6 minutes of extra footage. It doesn’t fix all the issues but it helps smooth over some. Having seen it I now find the theatrical unwatchable the same way I do James Cameron films after the extended cut comes out

[@destynova4512]

Love the movie not just because of performances, but because I was born and live in Arizona around the areas. Lived in Tombstone when I was a kid. But now it's just a tourist trap. But guess it has always been a tourist trap for many decades.

[@rosefarrell2440]

Much Prefer this too Unforgiven which is way too slow and too dark for me.

[@faithhoneybeesetley77]

I saw this movie for the first time just a few precious mnths before my Dad passed away...watched it with him. And totally agree...Val Kilmer basically was the movie...for me anyway. Showing the life of a chap everyone could relate to. You could tell he wanted a better life and to have friends...which he stated he never really had. But life dealt him a ton of crap. So he was trying to not only survive-albeit I think he did alot of the things he did secretly hoping that "stuff" would take him out before the sickness did--so yeah--he could die with his boots on and hopefully be remembered for something...anything. Don't know what sort of life he had growing up...but think this was a chap felt...a tad insignificant. And wanted so bad for to change that. He was also true blue in the fact that he stuck by the one person-Wyatt of course...who he felt he truly was important to. Stellar performances by all in this film and top notch cast and effects no doubt. When I saw this review I just had to watch as it brought back sitting on the sofa with my Dad and for a moment...time sort of stood still. Makes me think of all the people in the history books what have been gone so very long now...and wonder if they ever realised...even if they felt unimportant at the time...just how significant they would become ages later. Fab review guys...glad you did this

[@karaslam]

Thanks for sharing some of the historical accounts.

[@mikeserna3342]

I would have loved to have seen this movie as a 3 hour epic. Only closer to the reality of what happened.

[@williamdufort176]

Used to be my favorite western. Until I watched Unforgiven. Now Tombstone seems a bit too Hollywood-ized. Still an enjoyable watch though.

[@haltidwell6275]

If you bothered to listen. At the start of the film, it layed out the movie.

[@theuserwithnoname7688]

Fucking yes!

[@tecumsehcristero]

You guys gotta review Bone Tomahawk

[@GamesWithBrainz]

wow i wish we could see what the movie would be like directed by john carpenter

[@UltimateNinja-fe6yh]

Nice review, Blue velvet review eventually?

[@rosemaryfarell5264]

Love this Western. Think its my favourite tbh.

[@KelBig17]

WTF all this time I never knew Michael Bean was in this film

[@UnCreativeDeconstructionism]

*Turn up*

[@justinmontana7218]

There is a directors cut that shows what happend to michal rooker

[@feno12]

Great Review, agree with most of your points.

[@jmcgonnell]

Nice T-Shirt Gary!

[@Darek_B52]

I feel that Tombstone is like a western legend. Yeah it's not 100% accurate but thats a legend...especially one told around a campfire. Needless to say this film is just a good comfort film that I can watch any day and simply sit back and enjoy.

[@andrewsreed03]

I watched this in the cinema. I remember enjoying the performances of many great actors but not following the slightly disjointed storyline which Off the shelf reviews have now highlighted as being somewhat shortened from what should have been a 3 hour movie. I never did watch this a second time and it's unlikely that I will unless I happen to catch it on TV. I wonder whether John Carpenter would have made it more schlocky if he was involved? Greedy studios seem to be solely interested in selling to an audience who they must believe to be idiots.

[@connormckinney2070]

Please, please review Andrei Tarkovsky's Andrei Rublev 1966, Solaris 1972, and Stalker 1979. Thank you for your time.

[@handsomestik]

I actually like the Costner characterization of Wyatt more than Kurt Russel. Costner interpretation was dark and brooding.

[@Mama-Dee1969]

Have always loved this movie saw it in theaters when it was released. I later that year made a Trip down to actual Tombstone just to see the actually sights and yeah the movie set does sorta look like the real tombstone. Now on my return trip home I stopped at olde Tucson Tombstone and was shocked when I realized I knew the sets from the Movie. So if ever in Arizona hit up Olde Tucson to see a Lot of Western film sets its really amazing walking through there and seeing old sets. Also hit up Tombstone as it is very very interesting and the lot the shoot out happened in is reeeeally small, Smaller by a little then what you see in the movie.

[@Grandmastergav86]

I'll never understand people asking you to cover films that have been reviewed to death cough The Thing cough cough I love it but I've grown to understand your tastes well enough to envisage how it would play out 😀

[@AubreyTheKing]

Outstanding Review guys! I love this movie!

[@subitman12]

'Unforgiven' was a greater western. This is just an off the cuff comment because you mentioned 'Unforgiven' the movie.

[@susyward581]

You miss and miss read many aspects of this film. One example, he didn’t look at Mandy and say to himself oh my good you are beautiful which is superficial, he thinks - it’s you. He looks at her from deep within, it’s you. Plus his mrs didn’t just suddenly become addicted, it was obvious in the opening of the film that she was addicted and panicking at the thought of have no opiates. Amazing film, amazing cast, and that one brother was playing the part of a less aggressive man and he played it perfectly. I could go on

[@hansoloiamnot378]

Can u guys review Batman Mask of the phantasam please?👍

[@jeffn4836]

Did they discontinue gaming Friday’s?

[@porkflaps4717]

This movie is wall to wall awesome idk what you guys are on about

[@dougquaid570]

Good one. Still ain't seen this one yet.

[@ivanaradic7354]

i would love to hear you guys take on my favorite western - korean, a marvel of cinematography, thee good the bad the weird.

[@Grandmastergav86]

They need to cover A Bittersweet Life first. Watched it when it was first released, amazing film.

[@kirk1701]

That music is sooo badass.

[@brenair4480]

Gonna climb out on a limb here, but Kevin Costner "Wyatt Earp" is the better film. It's the three hour epic you're looking for. The better performance is "Tombstone", but if you want a better hollywood attempt it's going to be Kevin Costners take on it.

[@gardeningandlife137]

Kevin Costner? you suck!

[@logofilm8644]

3 hour movie?! I don't think so, Mr. Adams. Fuck Kevin Costner.

[@missuelovesdisney1]

I so disagree regarding your continued argument wanting a 3 hour film, NO film should be 3 hours long...the movie did romanticize a bit and yes, there was a clear good guy vs bad guy element that in real life was not so clear cut. The problem I have with any movie that runs longer than 2 hours is so much of the material ends up feeling like unneeded filler. The only way to make it work is if EVERY scene feels needed and a film running that long almost always ends up with scenes that feel too extra and it ends up dragging the movie and slowing it down to where it can become boring...I think the shortened time keeps the movie chugging along, I never felt bored or disinterested and that is why this is one of my favorite not just westerns but movies of all time

[@PapaYo4XXX]

Pretty sure " I'm your huckleberry " was supposed to reference Huckleberry Finn, that he could be talked into anything? Great review boys!

[@eldorados_lost_searcher]

It's actually a shortened version of the phrase, "I'm your huckleberry to your persimmon," but not used in its original context. Sort of how a phrase in use becomes so prevalent that the meaning turns it into the opposite of its original message. Huckleberry originally was used to indicate something small or insignificant, hence Twain naming the character that to indicate his social standing. Eventually it became to mean "the right person for the job." Which is how Doc uses it here.

[@Galantski]

Except that the shootout occurred in 1881, and the book didn't come out in the United States for another four years.

[@chrissams6230]

I thought it was debate on Huckle bearer or huckleberry