alright guys. i have officially viewe the movie. here's my thoughts: (warning....major spoiler alert for those planning on watching this movie)
it's about two male best friends, (john and lacey) on horseback, in a western/country setting that form an even stronger bond through their wild and dangerous expediton.
there are some parellels between brokeback and the movie, especially some visuals that will ring a bell. heck, there's even talk of "i can't quit you", and hopes of each "gettin' their own spread", which i thought was rather amusing.
are they gay? no.
matt damon's character (john) falls for penelope cruz, and it's fairly obvious that's where his attraction lies. as far as 'lacey', perhaps there may be some more affection, or love towards 'john'.....not sure, but at times, is implied.
the movie did not captivate me in the least, or surprized me in any way, and i was not sold on the love affair between john and cruz's character. i didn't find myself rooting for their love to pan out in the end, and frankly didn't really care what happened to the characters because the script didn't take you inside their life or thoughts enough to possibly feel any connection to them. cruz was a disappointment, and played a predictable role in which made you almost glad they didn't stay together. they're "situation" was made to seem far worse than it actually was.........so in a sense they 'made' a problem, when there really wasn't one, and you're expected to buy into this and actually mourn the seperation. she left him to 'keep her word' to her family that she would not see him anymore, and to keep her honor.........which, seems insignificant compared to the 'love' she has for him.
basically, the movie lacks substance.
apparently 35% was cut out, and perhaps that's the problem. matt damon, who i admire as an actor, did his best with the lackluster script....but not his best movie. without him however, the movie would've bombed far worse.
i give it a 5 or 6.
i have to wonder if bbm was just so good that it's ruined my opinion of any other movie?
however, fellow brokies, you may appreciate the scenery, the visuals, and some of the paralells to bbm.
if you do watch it, i'd love to hear your opinion.