There’s a lot to like about this comic Western from writer-director William Phillips, a film that’s nothing if not eager to please. The central gag—Paul Gross plays an American gunslinger who can’t find himself a gunfight in a small Canadian town—is a winner, and the mix of laughs, love story and western conventions is clearly designed to appeal to a broad range of moviegoers. But this kitchen-sink approach works against the film, as the toe-dipping in multiple genres denies the audience a satisfying immersion in any one. What’s more, Phillips deflates any sense of tension with his depiction of a violence, sex and cuss-free Wild West, a sanitized portrayal that also takes the bite out of his satire. To be gunless is fine, but toothless? Not so much.
This article appears in Apr 29 – May 5, 2010.
If you break this film down into it’s pieces, it works quite well. As a film, not really so much though. I don’t think the problem is that it’s too “G-Rated”, I think it relies too much on Paul Gross’ charm to be successful. But if you don’t walk into it expecting “Unforgiven” just because it’s a western, it’s a has decent enough conclusion to see it through to the end.
What’s wrong with G-rated? There are plenty of ribald comedies or gory action movies to choose from, but very few sweet and gentle comedies for those of us who prefer them. Much like “Local Hero”, “Gunless” is inoffensive but it’s also charming and quirky and tells a nice story about one man being changed by the kindness of his new neighbors and the beauty of his new surroundings. Paul Gross is an excellent dramatic actor and a masterful light-comedian and this film makes the most of his talents. Go see it and have some fun!