Comanche Moon

This is a simply outstanding made-for-television movie about the lives of Texas Rangers Augustus McRae and Woodrow F. Call. Although it the second part of the four-part series and was filmed last, it is every bit as good as its predecessor (Dead Man's Walk) and almost as good as its successor (Lonesome Dove). The complete story finishes with Streets of Laredo. One of the most interesting parts is the depiction of the state capital, Austin, in its early years. Additionally, what makes all four movies of the series so compelling is the character development of the main characters, so that it is not just a "shoot 'em up" with a lot of action but no story to tell, but rather, a tale that leaves you wanting to know what happens to Gus and Woodrow in the next stage. I highly recommend this to Texans, peace officers, and anyone else who loves the Old West.

Finally we have the last chapter in the lonesome dove saga
after years of supposed adaptations of Larry mcmurtry's final lonesome dove tale to close out and link up the middle years of McCrae,Call and cronies. Simon Wincer
the original miniseries director has returned to bookend
the series and does an estimable job, while not on the scale of the original , Wincer talkles amuch broader canvas especially in regard to the comanche who at the time were still quite able to vigourasously defend their culture and territory. Val Kilmer as Inish Skull has been critized as portraying the eccentric ranger leader as over the top when in fact scull is exactly that as created by McMurtry. Kilmer seems to enjoy the character as is a off the radar contrast to most of the main characters. In Dead Man's Walk Woodrow Call recieved a bit more story time at least in character building while in Comanche MOON Augustus McCrae is given substantive screen time via Steve Zahn to project the beloved ranger
we have come to know throughout the series. In Comanche
Moon zahn's gus is his ownand does succeed in bringing
a familiar character with his own nuances recognizable
but new. Karl Urban also succeed's but in a lesser degree
but he has less to work with as Call's make up has been
established in previous stories what Urban has left is aman who is in pain for being who heis and pain in being unable to truly embrace a future with a woman he clearly loves and who desperately loves him . His dedication to
keeping the Texas republic safe and his friendship with gus are his only respite. Ryan Merriman is miscast as
Jake Spoon and in fact is given even less to do than in the novel. Wes Studi is probably the most talented of native actors today and brings a dignity of character and
time to his portrayal of Buffalo Hump. Technically i do not think ,however he was the proper choice for Buffalo Hump. Though aging the comanche apearance should be closer though older to Eric Schweig's in Dead Man's Walk
an actor like Steve Reevis who actually has a the role of worm or Gil Birmingham from Into the West i would have prefered tom keep in line with previous versions though
if any of these actors could match studi's acting chops
is debatable. Jonathan Joss is wasted as he is hardly seen inthe miniseries as kicking wolf a major adversary of the rangers. Linda Cardenilli does afine job as Clara
andin fact brings in such more to the characterv that could be expected, the character of Maggie Tilton ,always
heard of and seen for a few scenes in Dead Man's Walk now comes to the fore and MS. Banks work is admirable and tragic to watch. The locations are used wonderfully filmed in New Mexico and used to the greatest effect.
My Rewiew is apostive review with resevations regarding some casting and the much of the story edited out from
novel ,some of which has been restored in the dvd .
Part 1 moves along slowly with thoughts of a dis appointing adaptation,however that changes soon and the next chapters depicted reaffirm this western as a fine
sweeping ,exciting, tale . while again not 1989's lonesome dove or even Dead Man's Walk it is finally
a welcome version of a saga long awaited for to close out
a hell of a tale

A missing chapter in a great saga. It fills in the chapter between Dead Mans Walk and Lonesome Dove. Great Story, good acting. The actor playing Gus must have studied Lonesome Dove many times as he had Robert Duvall's portrayal of "Gus" down perfectly.

I must admit I was Leary of this movie. I didn't think anyone could pull off Robert Duvall's role as Gus McCrae in Lonesome Dove. However Steve Zahn did just that! I couldn't believe how well he mimicked Duvall's behaviors. My hat's off to him... Also Val Kilmer played a magnificent role as Inish Skull ( reminded me of his sleeper of a role as Doc Holliday in "Tombstone" ).

Excellent! Follows the story line of the book, with a few deviations. Good finish to the rest of the collection, which I have.