Wild Wild West

THE GOOD: 1) It's funny 2) Got good action 3) The music video is awesome 4) It stars Will Smith and Kevin Kline THE BAD: 1) It didn't live up to the original series 2) Over the top storyline 3) I hate spiders! THE UGLY: 1) This rating right here!

**_A wild, WILD Western_** This has to be one of the most notorious films ever made. Released in 1999, it's a blockbuster parody of the late-60's TV series with Will Smith in the starring role, which should tip everyone off that it's not meant to be taken seriously (not that the TV series could be taken all that seriously either, just more serious than this movie). Kevin Kline plays James West's reluctant partner and he's a wiz with gizmos. Many complain about the "lack of chemistry" of the two stars, but I think it's a bunch of Barbra Streisand (BS). What these people don't get is that these characters are NOT SUPPOSED to like each other. As far as I'm concerned, Smith & Kline make an entertaining team and are perfectly suitable for this cinematic parody. Kenneth Branagh and Ted Levine are also on hand as villains, but it's sassy, petite Salma Hayek who wins the prize for best supporting actor. This is only the second film I've seen her in and she just absolutely shines. I don't get what the whiners are complaining about, unless they were uber-fans of the TV series and were expecting a serious film adaption. "Wild Wild West" is an energetic goofy spoof with all the requisite blockbuster trappings, like 1999's "The Mummy" and 2004's "Van Helsing." I call these types of flicks "big dumb fun" movies because they're not meant to be taken too seriously; they're "Summer blockbusters" and solely exist to entertain & amuse the viewer. Knowing this will help you appreciate "Wild Wild West." Turn off your brain and enjoy the colorful ride. It runs 1 hour, 45 minutes, and was shot in California, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona and Idaho. GRADE: A-/B+