High Noon -2000

Directors: Rod Hardy

Producer(s): Ted Bauman, Karen Sharp

Writer,Story: John W. Cunningham ,"The Tin Star"

Writer,1952 screenplay High Noon: Carl Foreman

Writer(s) T.V. : T.S. Cook, Carl Forman

Cinematographer : Robert Maclachlan

Production Company: Rosemont Productions
Runing Time: 88mins

Rating: Pg-13

Genre : western/action/drama

Cast:  Tom Skerritt, Susanna Thompson, Reed Edward Diamond, Maria Conchita Alonso, Dennis Weaver, Michael Madsen

                   A remake of the old classic, High Noon. This version stars Tom Skerritt as Will Kane, a dedicated town sheriff who will do anything in the name of justice.  I was hoping for a more hardcore solid film here but did'nt get it and this remake of High Noon has apparently stayed true to the original films plot.  High Noon, a remake of the 1952 film starring Gary Cooper, puts Skerritt in the role of the now-immortal cop on the eve of his retirement. Newly married, our sheriff hero finds that his arch-enemy (Michael Madsen) has been pardoned by the governer, and he's on his way to the town to exact his revenge. The train arrives at noon... will he stay and fight or run away like the rest of the town?
     Remaking a classic is always a tricky proposition, especially when the classic is so well known and has such a singular style of its own. The original High Noon was overall a great movie, but it was'nt just the great story. It was also the excellent cast, and the use of camera work, and of course Tiomkin's score that makes the emotions and scenes of action climatic. This new remake falls short on all of the above.
    All the performances in High Noon are pretty good, especially when you consider that this film was originally made for television.  Tom Skerritt portrayed a viable Will Kane and Maria Conchita Alonso (the Eye Candy) was superior as Mrs. Ramirez. Even Dennis Weaver was credible as Martin Howe, but I never felt for him and his circumstances the way I felt for Lon Chaney Jr. in the 1952 version. In fact, throughout the entire program, I never got to where I really cared for the characters as I did in the original. And this is always crucial to me when watching a film.
Overall I like this one, but its still a remake and Skerritt........is no Gary Cooper.

4/10 Stars