Young Guns II Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Billy the Kid and his pals run from his ex-friend turned sheriff because… reasons involving a cattle baron and maybe a pardon, all while Jon Bon Jovi sings about it.

🍿 Young Guns II: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Brushy Bill’s Claim

The film opens in 1950 with an elderly man, Brushy Bill Roberts, claiming to be Billy the Kid. He recounts his adventures to a lawyer, seeking a pardon promised long ago. This framing device sets up the narrative as a flashback, leaving the audience to question the authenticity of Brushy Bill’s tale.

The Gang on the Run

The story flashes back to the late 1870s, where Billy, Doc, Chavez, and new recruits like Arkansas Dave are on the run from the law. They evade capture while wreaking havoc across New Mexico. Their actions lead to a growing legend surrounding Billy the Kid.

Pat Garrett’s Betrayal

John Chisum, a powerful cattle baron, hires Pat Garrett, a former friend of Billy, to hunt him down. Garrett accepts the offer and becomes the new sheriff, putting him on a collision course with his old comrades. This sets up a classic tale of friendship turned to rivalry.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• William H. Bonney (Emilio Estevez): Billy the Kid, a charismatic and rebellious outlaw, leads his gang while evading the law.
• Pat Garrett (William Petersen): A former friend turned sheriff, Pat Garrett is tasked with hunting down Billy the Kid.
• Doc Scurlock (Kiefer Sutherland): A former gunslinger trying to leave his outlaw past behind, Doc is drawn back into the conflict.
• Chavez y Chavez (Lou Diamond Phillips): A loyal and spiritual member of Billy’s gang, Chavez stands by his friends through thick and thin.
• Arkansas Dave Rudabaugh (Christian Slater): An ambitious and volatile outlaw, Arkansas Dave seeks to make a name for himself alongside Billy the Kid.
• John Chisum (James Coburn): A powerful cattle baron, John Chisum manipulates events by hiring Pat Garrett to eliminate Billy the Kid.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• William H. Bonney: “I’ll make ya famous.” – Billy says this to a man before engaging in a gunfight, highlighting his growing notoriety and willingness to embrace his legend.
• Josiah Gordon “Doc” Scurlock: “You son of a bitch! You’re starting to believe what they’re writing about you, aren’t you?” – Doc confronts Billy, accusing him of letting the legend get to his head and losing sight of who he really is.
• William H. Bonney: “Why don’t you pull the trigger and find out?” – Billy responds to Doc pointing a gun at him, showing how confident he is.
• William H. Bonney: “We’re gonna have to do what nobody has done before. We’re gonna have to outrun our reputation.” – As Billy and his gang head south to escape the law.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $20,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $44,143,410
• Worldwide Gross: $44,143,410

💥 Young Guns II Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching ‘Young Guns II’ as a kid and being completely captivated by the wild west. Emilio Estevez just embodies Billy the Kid so well! The whole ‘pals’ dynamic is super compelling, even if the historical accuracy is questionable. I still get chills during the Blaze of Glory scenes. A definite re-watch for anyone who grew up loving these kinds of films. And the ending? Wow, that hits hard, man!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of the first ‘Young Guns’ movie.”
  • “Western enthusiasts seeking an action-oriented take on the Billy the Kid legend.”
  • “Viewers who enjoy 80s/90s action films with a strong ensemble cast.”
  • “Jon Bon Jovi fans.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Gun violence and shootouts.”
  • “Some profanity.”
  • “Brief nudity and sexual situations.”
  • “Knife violence.”

Professional Reviews

• FandomWire: “While it’s debatable whether it surpasses the original, ‘Young Guns II’ continues the story with charismatic performances, showcasing the evolution and challenges faced by Billy the Kid and his gang.
• ScreenRant: “The film balances action and character development effectively, offering a deeper look into the complex relationships within the gang. The visuals capture the harsh beauty of the landscapes.
• IMDB: “Fans of the first movie will find the sequel engaging, with the familiar cast delivering strong performances. It adds layers to the Billy the Kid legend but fails to improve on the original formula, thus leaving some disappointed.

Audience Reactions

The enduring friendship and loyalty among the main characters resonated deeply with viewers.: Viewers frequently praised the movie for its fast-paced action, memorable characters, and iconic soundtrack.

The film’s emotional depth and themes of betrayal had a strong impact on audiences.: Audience members highlight the film’s ability to capture the spirit of the Old West, blending action with deeper themes of friendship and loyalty.

Overall Consensus: ‘Young Guns II’ is a well-loved sequel appreciated for its strong performances, engaging story, and memorable soundtrack, although some criticize its historical inaccuracies.

Awards

1. Golden Globe Award (Best Original Song – Motion Picture)- 1991

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The opening scene, featuring Brushy Bill Roberts claiming to be Billy the Kid in the 1950s, is a nod to a real-life figure who made the same claim, adding a layer of mystery to the film’s historical narrative.”
• “Jon Bon Jovi originally intended to contribute ‘Wanted Dead or Alive’ to the soundtrack, but decided to write ‘Blaze of Glory’ specifically for the film after reading the script. He also makes a cameo appearance.”

🖥️ How to Watch Young Guns II?

Currently, “Young Guns II: Blaze of Glory” is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check these services for the most up-to-date availability and pricing in your region. Physical copies (Blu-ray/DVD) may also be available for purchase through online retailers like Amazon and major brick-and-mortar stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Young Guns II, you might like these similar films:

• Young Guns (1988): The original film that introduces the characters and events leading up to Young Guns II, providing essential context.
• Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid (1973): A classic Western that explores the complex relationship between Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid with a more somber and realistic tone.
• Tombstone (1993): Features a similar ensemble cast facing off against the law in the Wild West, with iconic characters and memorable quotes.
• The Long Riders (1980): Another Western that focuses on a gang of outlaws and their exploits, emphasizing camaraderie and the challenges of their lifestyle.

🛒 Young Guns II Related Products

• Young Guns / Young Guns II – Double Feature [Blu-ray]: High-definition viewing experience of both movies to enjoy the story of Billy the Kid and the Young Guns.
• Young Guns II: Blaze of Glory (Soundtrack) [Audio CD]: Features Jon Bon Jovi’s Oscar-nominated title track and an original score by Alan Silvestri.
• Western Cowboy Revolver Toy Gun with Holster: Allows fans to immerse themselves in the Wild West world and create their own adventures.
• Young Guns Movie Poster – Emilio Estevez: A stylish addition to any fan’s collection or home decor.

🎧 Soundtrack

Young Guns II features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Blaze of Glory” – performed by Jon Bon Jovi
• “Billy Get Your Guns” – performed by Elton John

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Young Guns 1988 cast then and now#charliesheen #emilioestevez #90’s #classics #nostalgic #90smovies

Ever wondered what the Young Guns cast looks like today? This video gives you a glimpse into how the stars have changed over the years, it’s pretty wild to see!

Champion Gunslinger Rates 10 Quick-Draw Scenes In Movies And TV Shows | How Real Is It? | Insider

How accurate were the gunfights in Young Guns? A champion gunslinger breaks down quick-draw scenes from movies, you’ll be surprised at what they get right (and wrong)!

Size of that chicken!

Remember that hilarious ‘Size of that chicken!’ scene from Young Guns? This clip is a perfect reminder of the movie’s humor, and it still cracks me up every time.

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