Open Range

Proving definitively that he should stick to sports and cowboys, Costner revives the glory of the classic Western with overwhelming success. Cowpokes Boss (Duvall) and Charley (Costner) peacefully graze their cattle on the open range during the late 1800s. That is, until they run up against cranky, land-grabbing rancher Baxter (Gambon) who dislikes the free-spirited, free-grazers and Boss's posse in particular. Bening is excellent as Costner's love interest. Their chemistry is only slightly less palpable than that of lone rangers Costner and a superb Duvall. Actor Costner handles familiar role with aplomb, while director Costner displays an eye for detail and a reverence for the genre. Alberta, Canada subs for the Wild West. Based on the novel by Lauran Paine.