Geoff Murphy’s sequel to the brat pack MTV cowboy Young Guns feels bigger than its predecessor. It has a more filmatic look and the characters are a little meatier. It’s interesting to see it told through the eyes of Brushy Bill Roberts who attracted attention in the 50s claiming to be the western outlaw Billy the Kid.
Set just after the original, it follows the last years in the life of William Bonney/Billy the Kid. Again, Emilio Estevez’s witty central performance is a scene stealer, however, he’s a little more wiser, even if still jovial.
It has the staple funny lines and exciting set-pieces, it’s well-shot and acted. MKiefer Sutherland and Lou Diamond Phillips return. New comer to the gang is Christian Slater who shines, understated Alan Ruck and Garrett played by William Petersen delivers a good innings as the turncoat. There’s a fine supporting cast of familiar faces. Excellent James Coburn gives a welcomed cameo along with a blink and you’ll miss it Jon Bon Jovi.
The film's original score by Alan Silvestri is memorable. Murphy’s offers the sweeping landscapes of the West and the grubbiness of the wooden shacks.
As with it’s predecessor is doesn’t hold up to the likes of Leone and Ford but it’s a well paced, entertaining tribute to the classic Westerns. That said, to it’s credit it did popularise the line, "I'll make you famous” and “You are not a god!”
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