SWEETWATER is a nicely-done noirish parody of the old spaghetti western. Plot-wise, it's rather predictable, without many big surprises, but it keeps your attention and incorporates steady humor without turning into a complete slapstick joke. Best of all are the very colorful cast of characters: Crazy charlatan cult leader; beautiful, now-married former prostitute who's out to settle down and lead a quiet, simple life; unstable yet nobly maverick sheriff; perverted clothier; and a whole bunch of sheep who contribute a great deal to the story (really, they do).

Intelligently simple entertainment--nothing to be taken too seriously. Great performances by Ed Harris (sheriff) and January Jones (former prostitute).

The film starts out with three subplots. Prophet Josiah (Jason Isaacs) has lead of group of followers from Utah to New Mexico. He preaches righteousness, has multiple women share his bed, and has no problem killing. He also raises sheep.

A young couple who are farmers have lands that are adjacent to that of Josiah. The sheep come over and graze to the dismay of Miguel (Eduardo Noriega) and Sarah (January Jones of "Mad Men").

The third subplot involves Sheriff Cornelius Jackson (Ed Harris) who has just arrived in town. He is brutish and unorthodox, but knows a guilty man when he sees one. We later find out he hung Sarah's father.

The preacher is in the role of the antagonist as the film turns into a "I Spit on Your Sweetwater."

It was not your ordinary western, but it was one that held my interest even with the formulaic script and ending.

Parental Guide: F-bomb, sex, rape (off screen) nudity (January Jones, Jiji Hise, Jenny Gabrielle-full frontal)