All the Pretty Horses

REVIEW
The wide-opened vistas of Texas and Mexico set the tone for a picturesque tale of a West in transition, but the majestic scenery can't compensate for a thin story of romance, friendship and the search for adventure. Based on the acclaimed novel by Cormac McCarthy, the film -- set in 1949 -- follows cowboy John Grady Cole (Damon) as he and best friend Lacey Rawlins (Thomas) leave their San Antonio birthplace for the unknown wilds of Mexico. Finding work as a horse wrangler at a sprawling hacienda, Cole soon begins a forbidden love affair with the beautiful daughter (Cruz) of his cattle-baron boss. Though the film features beautiful cinematography and an involving subplot of a jailed comrade, All the Pretty Horses offers little else for the eye or the heart. Its romantic scenes lack sizzle, mainly due to the minor chemistry between Damon and Cruz; and the pacing veers towards lethargic. Thornton has assembled a good ensemble, however; what they do may not be all that interesting, but everyone sure seems sincere doing it.