Johnson County War

I thought that this TV miniseries was really great. It starts out a little slow, but it makes perfect sense as the plot advances further. The characters were developed and likely, and some repulsive (in a good way). The acting was highly professional, and i think the casting for the film was right on the mark. Tom Berenger did a spectacular acting job with the lead character of Cain Hammett. Luke Perry, Burt Reynolds and Jack Conley also acted quite admirably.

I especially enjoyed the last hour of the movie. It was highly action packed as much as any pure action movie would be. I was very tense just watching it all, i was cheering when the bad guys got gunned down in the epic end battle...which is unusual for me to do so. This was a major gun battle!

If you like Westerns made right, then you'll love Johnson County War.

Johnson County War: The Series Based on a true event, is in a class with the likes of movie greats, Tom Horn, Lonesome Dove or The Jackbull. Coherent writing, attention to detail of the period for which the series took place, i.e.: clothing, set decoration, realism. Staring Tom Berenger & Luke Perry who play brothers, are completely believable cowboys comfortable on horseback or living in the back and beyond, play out this drama. The acting was excellent for the entire cast with the benefit of the great Wyoming vistas. A seeming look at the way it must have been, because it feels real.

This movie inspired me to do further research. There really was a Johnson County war in Wyoming. A number of events in the film, which I thought had to be fiction because they were so unbelievable, actually did happen although the names of the characters had been changed. The range wars of the West were extremely vicious.

Tom Berenger does a very good job and is very much the hero. The rest of the cast are also very good, particularly Michelle Forbes, Luke Perry, and Christopher Cazenove. Frankly, the scenery steals the picture. The mountains and the surrounding forests and streams are incredible and beautifully shot by the cinematographer.

If you love the wide open space of horse & cattle country, you'll love this mini-series!

Spoiled rich cattle barrons in the 1800's want to drive out the poor squatter/settlers who gather up & keep any stray calves they may find. But that's not the real reason they have to be driven out. It's just plain greed & prejudice.

Rachel Ward is always likable & here plays a harlot w/a newspaper-writing husband.

Tom Berenger is clearly the star of this series & is the eldest & most respected of the 3 Hammett brothers doing battle w/the barrons & trying to keep the peace. Luke Perry is certainly playing a different role here & deservedly so. I heard he didn't know how to ride a horse before he signed on for this part. You'd never know it watching him do practically nothing BUT riding in this! (Goodbye, 90210!)

The ending is too long for my taste & is very disappointing. I will not spoil it here by telling you who else is killed though.

One romantic scene I must comment on: When Berenger is getting his hair cut out on the porch by his widowed sister-in-law. Ladies, you will totally melt...

This is an expertly made TV western with a top notch cast.

A grandiose kind of story involving cattle ranchers and their feuds with cattle barons gets a first rate production and presentation from Hallmark. The cast is great, Tom Berenger terrific as always, Luke Perry surprisingly tolerable and a very feisty and evil Burt Reynolds looks smashing.

One of the better recent westerns to have come out in long while. Beats out most of these big budget Hollywood releases by a long shot. Highly recommended.

8 out of 10.