Genres

Visitors Review

Bob Stout 2012-05-25 05:42:14

An excellent traditional western in an unlikely locale

In my review of "Silverado", I commented that it's a pity that westernshave largely gone out of style. Like good SF, the setting in a westernis sufficiently divorced from current day reality that its lessons aremore easily assimilated."Quigley" is every inch a traditional western in most respects. Only inits setting, Australia, does it stray from its roots. Anyone who's readthe synopsis or seen the trailers will know the basic plot - westernsharpshooter Quigley is brought to Austraila by evil land baron. WhenQuigley arrives, he finds he's been imported for some particularlynasty blood work and that sets the dramatic events in morion.Tom Selleck is charming and personable as usual, even with the scruffyaccouterments. Alan Rickman does his usually expert job of playing anamazingly 3-dimensional sociopathic villain. The weakest link in thecast is Laura San Giacomo, but that's largely the fault of the scriptand not her acting.In summary, if you like traditional westerns (or just like Tom Selleck,as my wife does), this is a film you should see.

deni2730 2012-05-24 15:57:17

In my top 10

Didn't hear much about this movie when it was in the theatre, butcaught it on HBO and absolutely loved it. Quigley, as previousreviewers have mentioned is hired by Marston to come to Australia,presumably to kill dingos, but in actuality, to kill the aborigines.Like one other person on here mentioned, that didn't make a lot ofsense to me as Marston had plenty of people on his payroll who couldhave done the same job.Matthew Quigley refuses, throws Marston out of his window and fromthere the fight is on. He gets left in the Australian desert with"Crazy Cora" who was put on a boat by her husband to Australia afteraccidentally smothering their son to quiet him during an Indian raid.I can't think of anybody better to play Quigley than Tom Selleck. Hislong legs and perfect posture make him so believable as the good guy.Laura San Giacoma was excellent as Crazy Cora & Marston plays his usualbad guy role to the max. It's exciting, romantic and fun to watch.Couldn't help but compare what the Australians were doing to theaborigines to what the Americans were doing to the Native Americans.The musical score and scenery are top notch. It was a western withhumor thrown in. It is definitely my favorite western of all time. I amgoing to buy it on DVD because I watch it every time it comes on TV.

2012-05-19 07:46:36

A Must for Rickman fans

I was recently introduced to Alan Rickman when I rented his film, Snowcake. Since then I have made it a point to view his extensive body of work, and it has been a most enjoyable adventure. I noticed in the the reviews that people are most impressed with his past portrayels of villains and and vipers. What a shame that they aren't aware of his astounding range; Rickman is wonderful in comedic roles (Galaxy Quest, Dogma). He is equally comfortable in romantic leads (Truly, Madly, Deeply, Sense and Sensibility). Every part he touches, he turns to gold, and I am certain that he will show us even more hidden talents when Sweeney Todd opens in December.Quigley was enjoyable to watch, but one viewing was satisfactory for me. Rickman polishes each one of his scenes to a high shine. Selleck is a natural for this role. San Giacomo did not fit into her character, but not for lack of trying. I think she simply was miscast.

2012-05-18 22:52:54

Tom Selleck makes an excellent western hero

I own this film and thoroughly enjoy it. For under 15 dollars it is a must have for any DVD collection. The film was beautifully made by Simon Wincer who directed it and Lonesome Dove. This is a great western with Tom Selleck as it's hero. The story is action-packed, heart wrenching, full of adventure, love, hate, suspense, drama and so on. For the merits of the film as well as the price, I would highly recommend it.

Chad 2012-05-17 07:30:58

A Campy Western

If you want to watch a good cowboy flick, this is your film. The film adds in humor where most cowboy films left that void. It pulls off the humor quite nicely much like "Army of Darkness" did later on.Selleck has a commanding performance as Quigley and his co stars hold their own as well.The music is quite memorable as well, i found myself humming a couple of days afterward.great flick!

ccthemovieman-1 2012-05-16 21:15:02

A Memorable Western, Eh Mate?

This is a bit a twist: a western in which the setting is Australia, notthe United States. Yet, the film features two American characters,played by Tom Selleck and Laura San Giacomo. It's a simple, well-donerevenge story with a nice slow-developing romance as the subplot.Meanhile, Alan Rickman, who was good at this sort of thing, plays thehated, despicable villain.The movie is appealing because it has a good mixture of action (andthat is mixed, too, not just the same kind of fistfights or gunbattles), romance, nice scenery and a little comedy thrown in. There'salso a little PC thrown in as the good guys help out the downtroddenAborigines, victims of racism by Rickman and his henchmen. Warning: this a rough film in parts with a couple of harrowing scenes,such as people being pushed off cliffs, Selleck brutally beaten severaltimes and wild vicious dingoes threatening San Giacamo and a littlebaby, but the action never goes on too long.All in all, I found it one of the more memorable westerns I've watched.If for nothing else, the awesome sound of Selleck's Sharp Calibre .44rifle makes this film hard to forget.

Barbara 2012-05-09 20:30:35

Great old fashioned type Western

If you're looking for meaningful characterizations and complex plotting,pass on this one. But if you're looking for a good, old-fashioned Westernmovie with an indestructible (and gorgeous) hero, a strong and interestingheroine, a dastardly villain, and enough action to fill a dozen Saturdaymatinees, this one's for you.I adore Selleck, so this film already had that point in its favor, but Iwassurprised to see than Laura San Giacomo could actually act. Her work onthetelevision series "Just Shoot Me" doesn't showcase hertalent.I wish they'd make more like this -- it would help bring back theWestern!

2012-05-09 13:12:41

Exciting Action Movie

Tom Selleck shines in his role as Matt Quigley, an American sharpshooter, who claims to be the world's best long-distance shot. Hired by a big landowner in Australia, Quigley shows up only to discover a very disagreeable condition of his employment. The movie is the story of his decisions, the steps he takes and their repercussions on him and involves a lot of shooting and horseback riding across the desert and a lot of the bad guys biting the dust.This movie should hold the viewer's attention all the way through, as it is fast paced, and filled with unexpected plot developments that keep the viewer just a little off balance. The scenery shows off the Australian Outback with drama and severity reminding one of the desert Southwest in the United States.In summary one finds a first class action/adventure film that draws one into the action; well done.

XweAponX 2012-05-05 09:34:23

Excellent Cinematography

Great mostly due to the incredible scenery, Tom Selleck stands up withveteran films actors like Alan Rickman and Laura San Giacomo and holdshis own. His Magnum PI Style mixed with a small amount of "RobertMitchum competence" gives him a bit of flair, and contrast to theAustralian actors.The feel of this film is that of a big-time Hollywood western, this isabout as far west as one can get. Along with the familiar horses andguns, there are also dingos and kangaroos. Instead of Native Americans,there are Native Australians, and there is as much of a parallel hereas there is with the western United States. Alan Rickman is thequintessential bloated bad-guy.The score by Basil Poledouris is very "Magnificent Sevenish" - You canhear strains of Quigly is Basil's other work, like Starship Troopers-Actually, a LOT of Quigly's themes were reproduced in StarshipTroopers, but this is why I liked Composers like Alfred HitchcocksBernard Herrman and Sergio Leone's Ennio Merricone.The director of Lonesome Dove Simon Wincer sells the story, written bynovelist John Hill...And all of Australia is the set.Favourite quote from the film is "Got no use for a Colt, never said Icouldn't use one". One very pleasant moment in the film is whereQuigley makes a very Clint-Eastwoodish/Josey Wales gesture by spittingon the ground- Watch for that.

2012-05-04 20:44:42

Tom Selleck Westerns are authentic and action packed !!!

Tom Selleck is one of the Best Hollywood cowboy since John Wayne. Selleck makes it his job to portray and with his asserted effort makes his western characters very believable.In "Quigley Down Under" beautifully shot in Austrailia. Selleck plays an American sharpshooter (Matthew Quigley)who answers a want ad regarding the needs for a sharpshooter. Quigley's ability to shoot and hit accurately targets greater than 1000 yards is a very interesting twist to this 1850's Austrialian western.In Summary: This movie provides all the "John Wayne ingredients". From the beginning brawl upon Quigley's arrival in FreeMantle to his departure with heroine sidekick (Laura San Giacomo) the story moves quickly and the action constant.Quigley is hired by a villian ranch owner (Alan Rickman) to kill varmits which are cluttering his land who have learned to stay out of range of the conventional rifles. Quigley quickly demonstrates his ability to hit targets in access of 1000 yards with his special custom rifle and ammunition. He finds out quickly though the varmits are Aborigine's (the native Indian type people of Austrialia) and he protests and fights the owner. Overtaken and beaten by many ranch hands / gunfighters is cast in the Austrialian outback with crazy girl to die. With the best story line and heroic abilities survives and seeks vengence with the help of the Aborigines and the crazy girl. A great action pack western beautifully photographed with a twist. Excessive violence PG-13 is the only precaution for the young observers.Widescreen Anamorphic makes it outstanding for viewing on those widescreen HDTV's. A nice making of extra is included. The musical score adds to the enjoyment.Tom Selleck is one of the great new Hollywood Cowboys. So buy this (a great value) and watch his other westerns they're great!!!

2012-05-02 16:07:43

Not the correct region for DVD players

DVD arrived promptly and in good order, however, due to Australia being in the Oceania region our DVD players cannot play US type DVDs. Amazon did warn me that this was a possibility - however, no option was given by Amazon to choose a DVD for this region - Oceania. I am stuck with a DVD I cannot watch

djbrown19 2012-05-02 09:40:09

Plot and action lack realism

No one shoots like this off set. Everyone misses shots now and then. Iprefer screen writing that reflects real life. For example, in thewestern "Unforgiven", actor Clint Eastwood tries several times to hit acan with his six gun, then uses his shotgun with better results.Acting, shooting, stunts, and photography are well done. Supportingactors such as ranch hands and aboriginals do a good job, as does thebad guy, rancher Marston. Giacomo saves the movie from itsunbelievability by providing romantic interest and comedy as the madwoman in need of rescue by the handsome hero. So, "Quigley Down Under"is passable as comedy.

2012-05-02 03:43:49

Quigley Down Under (expanded)

More than ever, scores like Quigley Down Under demonstrate just what a talented but under-used composer Basil Poledouris is. The movie failed to set the box office on fire, and the score itself is largely undiscovered by film music fans. Anyone with a fondness for expansive adventure scores with memorable themes should track down a copy of this album at all costs.Track listing: * 1. Main Title (03:19) * 2. The Fight (04:57) * 3. The Redcoats Move On (01:54) * 4. The Arrival (01:52) * 5. The Test (01:03) * 6. Marston's Game (01:00) * 7. Quigley Pans Out (00:48) * 8. Quigley Gets Beat Up (01:50) * 9. The Stabbing (02:02) * 10. Desert Trek (02:56) * 11. The Aborigines (01:18) * 12. Native Montage (02:12) * 13. Cora's Story (03:19) * 14. Marston's Attack (03:33) * 15. Royus Interrupts (01:34) * 16. The Cliff (01:08) * 17. The Bodies (00:33) * 18. The Baby (01:50) * 19. You'll Be Back (01:13) * 20. Dingo Attack (02:41) * 21. The Fire (02:59) * 22. Under The Boat (03:00) * 23. Quigley & Cora (02:37) * 24. The Gift (05:26) * 25. The Warning (01:37) * 26. The Attack (02:51) * 27. The Capture (02:44) * 28. After The Gunfight/Freedom (03:35) * 29. The Aborigines Return (02:56) * 30. Matthew Quigley/End Credits (05:24)

aimless-46 2012-05-01 13:59:51

Solid Acting - Weak Story - Pacing Problems

1990's "Quigley Down Under" is basically a western parody of "Die Hard"(1988) , so if you liked "Die Hard", then you are this film's targetaudience. I would have liked it a lot better if I was sure that it wasan intentional parody but I suspect that the director blundered aroundwith little focus during production and the parody elements just cameout accidentally; probably unrecognized by anyone but the editor. Onthe other hand, the fact that Alan Rickman simply reprises his HansGruber character lends support to the possibility that much of theparody stuff was intentional. If you view the film you will have plenty of time and mental energy toexplore the intentional vs unintentional parody question because therunning time is long and it drags in many spots. Also there is noeffort to incorporate suspense into any of the story so you will rarelyget so caught up in things that you lose the detached perspective of aviewer. Some mental energy is required to suspend disbelief at theextremely contrived story elements and implausible action, but thiswill only be necessary for reasonably intelligent viewers (fortunatelythey are the ones with enough functioning brain cells to expend themental energy). "Quigley Down Under" stars Tom Selleck, as the titlecharacter-basically playing a gritty version of his Thomas Magnumcharacter. Quigley is an American sharpshooter who goes to 19th centuryAustralia in answer to an advertisement placed by a rancher namedMarston ( Rickman). Things get very "Joe Kidd" (1972) at this point asQuigley has moral objections to his new job duties, exterminating (atlong range) the local Aborigines who regularly rustle Marston's cattle.Of course there is no plausible reason for Marston needing a long-rangerifleman for this activity (mounted men could easily catch a runningAb), but the less logical thinking you do while viewing this film themore you will like it. Quigley throws in with Crazy Cora, (Laura San Giacomo) a ditzy Americanwith a tragic past. She really is crazy but gets better when they fallin love. I liked both their performances. Quigley is invincible against a sea of bad guys (the movie issimplistic good vs evil). The only times he gets overpowered is whensomeone sneaks up on him from behind and knocks him out. The directorapparently thought the shock to the audience from the completelyunexpected conking was worth losing any suspense factor from thestalking-it wasn't. Any suspense anywhere would have been a welcomeingredient. Also bleeding out any suspense is a tendency to have thebad guys pontificate endlessly when they have the drop on the hero. Theproblem is that the outcome of such a scene is a foregone conclusionand the speechmaking just makes you tired. Finally there is anoverworked tendency for the bad guys to try one final trick after theyappear to surrender. Which rapidly gets old, lame, and stupid becauseit is entirely predictable. Again, they don't set these up to buildsuspense; instead the action comes out of nowhere; substituting a shockfactor for a suspense factor. But it doesn't shock. The good acting and production design is wasted. If only the producershad expended a few more resources in pre-production to make the filmsmarter and more original. And then done some major trimming inpost-production to pick up the pacing. Then again, what do I know? I'm only a child.

2012-04-30 13:00:33

i recieved it one day to late

This review is from: Quigley Down Under (DVD) i received it one day to late but it was exactly what i wanted i was trying to surprise a friend for a birthday

2012-04-30 01:12:57

Great Western

Yes, Quigley is unbelievably macho and competent and his markmanship is impossible. Yes, Rickman is unbelievably venal. Yes, the aborigine mysticism is ludicrous. And, yes, add this all together and you get a simply great western. Expecting accuracy in westerns is a losing propostion as they are all fairy tales, especially the ones that claim to be accurate. Laura San Giacomo is perfect as the crazy lady and she is terminally cute as well. Suspend your belief and enjoy. This movie is simply one of the best westerns ever made.

UpRightApe 2012-04-28 06:45:36

Flawed plot

Excellent cinematography and acting, but fatally flawed by unbelievablystupid plot content. Example: the Aborigines are subjected to horriblemistreatment by the local bad guy. At the end, an entire army ofAboriginesappears and manages to intimidate armed British troops into retreating.Where was this army when their people were being mistreated earlier in themovie? Another: Quigley lets the bad guys get the drop on him for nodiscernable reason (that's right, he lets them - by standing out in theopenand talking during a firefight); but not to worry, the leader of the badguys is one of those B-movie writer creations who hands Quigley a gun andtalks until Quigley can shoot him. Too bad the qualities of this moviecan't outweigh the utterly stupid script.

ironside 2012-04-27 16:46:28

It's Tom Selleck at his leading-man finest…

Matthew Quigley, a stoic rifleman arrives in Australia in the 1860s aworld far away from his home Wyoming… He is answering an ad from aBritish landowner who will use his talents as an expert marksman… But things don't go according to plan and, at supper, and after we hearthese words, "Nobody knocks me out of my own house," Elliott Marstonbecomes his arch enemy… Quigley's arrival sets the tone of the motion picture perfectly, cominginto a fight with an evil plantation owner before he has even set footon Australian soil where some genuinely funny moments happenedespecially when he met Crazy Cora right off the ship… After a showy display of his talents (continuously hitting a bucket atabout a thousand yards) Quigley discovers to his horror that he hasbeen hired for sniping Aborigines encouraged by the local authorities… Tom Selleck is excellent in the role of a cowboy, exuding naturalcharm, cool spirit and dignity… He perfectly suited to the role of thefinest sharp shooter hero with a moral… There is a moment when heteaches local Aborigines a secret, and it hits the correct note...Alan Rickman is perfect as Marston, the arrogant, clever bad baron whothinks himself the fastest six-gun… Laura San Giacomo believes Quigley to be a man she once loved and whosename is Roy… She has her own tragic past as obviously her romancebetween Quigley and herself… San Giacomo proves to be a lovableheroine… Director Simon Wincer creates outstanding scenery with the desolateAustralian landscapes...

James Hodgson 2012-04-25 01:51:34

Injun good...White man bad

I am quite weary of the ever-so-popular Injun good... White man badmovie genre. (Bury my Heart at Wounded Knee, Little Big Man, many more)Nevertheless, this movie gives you everything you go to a movie for.Intriguing plot, good acting, takes you to a place you have nevervisited before, plot twists, great villain, outstanding cinematography.Tom Selleck is weak in many of his chosen roles, but he excels in aWestern.The director also directed the highly acclaimed Lonesome Dove series;no surprise there.Does anyone out there wince a little at the terrible aim that all ofthe villain's minions are afflicted with? Just like all of thoseminions in the James Bond movies, the minions can't seem to hit thebroad side of a barn with a firearm. Therefore they are expendable andsoon they pass on to that great nearsighted minion land in the sky.

2012-04-25 01:03:31

An unusual sort of Western

Quigley arrives in a strange place for an American cowboy, in a shipyard in Australia. He's there to check out a possible job, to shoot dingoes--or so he thinks. Unfortunatly, he is dropped into a cultural conundrum. He's seen the slaughter of native Americans, and here he is in Australia and his prospective boss wants him to kill native Australians, not dingoes. What does he do? Well, being that he is a "good" cowboy...he's soon on the run. Somewhere along the way, he rescues a semi-lucid woman who seems to be struggling her way out of a personal Hell. Then the movie slows down for awhile as he tries to escape the bad guys and deal with the woman who thinks he's someone else. More adventures ensue, with a final showdown, of course. It is a "thinking" western, that is, the cowboy has seen some very bad things in the past, and he wants to make things better, if only temporarily. It isn't all bang,bang,bang gunfire all the way, there are times for some talk around the fire as well. Some might think it is a slow movie because of that. I'd rather have some slowness and thought than simple brainless constant action and reaction. This is a good movie, don't miss!