Remake of the '60s TV series about a couple of intrepid secret agents in the 19th century who work directly for the President (Grant, in this case). Now, the thing is - and I'll say this up front - to me, agent Jim West IS Robert Conrad ...and always will be. I mean, Conrad is THE MAN, all right? Now, modern filmmakers, being the doofy flakes that they are, probably thought: is there any reason why James West cannot be ...Will Smith? Well, I could have told them why: because for all these years he's been Conrad! And Conrad certainly brought a unique sensibility to the role: the way he carried himself makes it difficult to imagine ANYONE else as West, let alone an actor specializing in easygoing comedy. Will Smith's comic timing worked well in "Independence Day" and great in "Men in Black", but is totally inappropriate for this part. They might as well have given him a different name, maybe as a replacement for the real Jim West. Of course, modern filmmakers, being the doofuses that they are, also thought, is there any reason we cannot include a giant spider in this movie, but the other Smith (Kevin) has already explained enough on that subject. Will Smith's chemistry with partner Gordon (Kline) is OK, but seems strained at points. English actor Branagh plays villain Loveless with a thick Southern accent to the point of self-mockery. Hayek is there as eye-candy, but I'm struck by how short she is, almost little-person size. The FX are good, as should be for such a huge budget (last I heard, about $180 million!). And there's nothing really that bad about the plot. But there's no sense of real danger - and therefore, no real tension. Here's where Smith's limitations show: all the kidding around make for a pointless story. I guess it's supposed to be plain fun. Hey, just for fun, let's get the real Jim West to beat up the Director.

There's no hiding the disdain for this movie from many of the reviewers here on IMDb. The worst I'll say about the movie is that it's no Western in the traditional sense, and as for the best, it's got some great cinematography and cleverly detailed stunts and special effects. However the teaming of Will Smith and Kevin Kline probably didn't accomplish what the film makers set out to do if they were looking for a cool buddy movie, because the chemistry just wasn't there. And Kenneth Branagh's portrayal of Dr. Arliss Loveless was overwrought in his attempt to take over the government. Hard to believe this film is over twenty years old, but now that I've seen it, it doesn't surprise me that I was wise enough to delay watching it all this time.

Honestly, what most people didn't like about this film is that they cast Will Smith in a part previously carried by a white guy, a popular actor, and the lead of another popular television show, Ba Ba Black Sheep. It insensed many people, and others felt outright insulted. If they had named this ANYthing else, it would have been MUCH more successful. But alas! No one listens to me. LOL

It made its money back, barely, but has a horrible rating here at IMDb. I personally think it deserves better than the 4.whatever rating it holds today, but there is further cause for this phenomenon. The South was depicted as insanely ignorant, and the north was given victory only by virtue of Southern capability gone awry. Neither the North NOR the South liked THAT one, I can guarantee it.

Me? I don't take sides. The Civil War stops here, with my family line. I had kin who fought on both sides, so I don't share the same prejudices, even though I'm from the South. Otherwise, this is a good movie...a little preachy, but enjoyable nonetheless.

I like it. I watch it. I own it. It rates an 8.2/10 from...

the Fiend :.