Movie Review: The Jack Bull

Myrl Redding is a Wyoming horse trader who is desperately trying to make a living to support his wife and son. Times are tough for horse traders and ranchers. Rancher Henry Ballard is a powerful man who runs just about everything in town. When Redding speaks up about Ballard’s business practices in front of the town Ballard exacts revenge on Redding, abusing two of his prize horses he arranged to sell to another rancher. Redding is a man of integrity and seeks compensation for Ballard’s actions, in the process he must walk a fine line between right and wrong in order to bring Ballard to justice.

I always look for films starring John Cusack or John Goodman, the fact that they were both in this made for television movie was very appealing. The Jack Bull was written by John Cusack’s father, providing a chance for father and son to work together. Although the screenplay could be much stronger the acting is good and the overall look and feel of the movie is well done. The performances are good, especially those of Cusack and Goodman.

This is a very traditional western movie, really a fable of the old West. The movie can be violent at times showing the true nature of the old West, proving life can be unfair even if you deserve justice. If you are a fan of traditional old style westerns I think you will enjoy this movie.

1999. Directed by John Badham. Starring John Cusack, John Goodman, L.Q. Jones, Miranda Otto, John C. McGinley, John Savage, Rodney A. Grant, Kurt Fuller, Rex Linn and Jay O. Sanders.

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