American Outlaws Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bunch of charming Civil War vets become bank robbers to fight corporate greed and somehow become heartthrobs, proving that stealing from the rich to give to…themselves, mostly…is always in style.

🍿 American Outlaws: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Return Home and Injustice

In 1865, five Southern friends return home after the Civil War. They find their town under the thumb of a corrupt railroad baron, Thaddeus Rains, who, with the help of Yankee soldiers and Pinkerton detectives, is seizing land from farmers to build the railroad. The farmers are tricked into giving up their land.

The Formation of the Gang

Jesse James, along with his brother Frank and friends Cole, Jim, and Bob Younger, decide to fight back against Rains and his cronies. Driven by a sense of justice and outrage at the suffering of their community, they form a gang to disrupt the railroad’s operations. Their initial actions are motivated by a desire to protect their homes and neighbors.

Becoming Outlaws

As the gang’s actions escalate, they begin robbing banks and trains that are connected to the railroad, distributing the stolen money to the farmers who lost their land. These actions transform them into wanted outlaws, pursued by Allan Pinkerton, the relentless detective hired by Rains. Jesse’s charisma and daring exploits quickly turn him into a folk hero, much to Pinkerton’s frustration.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jesse James (Colin Farrell): A charismatic young outlaw who becomes a legendary figure as he fights against a corrupt railroad baron.
• Frank James (Gabriel Macht): Jesse’s older brother, Frank is the more thoughtful and educated member of the James gang.
• Cole Younger (Scott Caan): A hotheaded and skilled member of the gang who often clashes with Jesse over leadership.
• Zerelda ‘Zee’ Mimms (Ali Larter): Jesse James’s love interest.
• Allan Pinkerton (Timothy Dalton): The ruthless detective hired by the railroad to hunt down Jesse James and his gang.
• Thaddeus Rains (Harris Yulin): The corrupt and greedy railroad president who steals land from farmers.
• Ma James (Kathy Bates): The strong-willed mother of Jesse and Frank James.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jesse James: “We’re not thieves, we’re taking back what’s ours.” – Jesse defends their actions of robbing from the railroad by framing it as reclaiming what was unjustly taken.
• Allan Pinkerton: “You can’t fight progress, Mr. James.” – Pinkerton expresses the futility of fighting against the expanding railroad and industrial advancement.
• Zee Mimms: “Some legends are born, others are made.” – Zee reflects on Jesse’s growing fame and acknowledges the role they play in shaping his legend.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $35,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $13,342,790
• Worldwide Gross: $13,678,913

💥 American Outlaws Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, ‘American Outlaws’ isn’t winning any history awards, but I had a blast! I mean, who doesn’t love a good-looking gang of outlaws sticking it to the man? Colin Farrell is ridiculously charming as Jesse James. The action scenes were over-the-top, especially the train heist. I even liked the love story, even though Zee was kind of a damsel in distress at times. It’s a perfect movie to watch when you just want to turn your brain off and enjoy the ride!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of westerns with a modern twist”
  • “Colin Farrell fans”
  • “Viewers looking for light-hearted action movies”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Gunfights”
  • “Mild Language”

Professional Reviews

• Los Angeles Times: “While aiming for a ‘Young Guns’ vibe, ‘American Outlaws’ settles for shallow thrills, sacrificing historical depth for stylish action sequences. Farrell’s charm is evident, but the film’s lighthearted approach undermines any serious engagement with the era or its characters.
• Rolling Stone: “An undeniably fun, if historically questionable, take on the Jesse James saga. The movie breezes by on charisma and explosive action, but don’t expect anything more than surface-level entertainment. Timothy Dalton makes a particularly menacing Pinkerton agent.
• New York Times: “‘American Outlaws’ is Western-flavored bubblegum, relying on familiar tropes and handsome faces. Farrell is charismatic, but the script lacks substance. Dalton’s performance as the villain is better than the material.

Audience Reactions

Colin Farrell’s charisma made even a bad guy seem like a hero.: The fast-paced action and fun, energetic vibe made it a great popcorn flick, even if historically inaccurate.

The chemistry between the cast was amazing, especially Farrell and Caan.: Despite historical inaccuracies, the movie was highly entertaining with some humor.

Overall Consensus: A lighthearted and historically inaccurate Western that prioritizes action and entertainment over historical accuracy. Entertaining if you don’t take it too seriously.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Filming took place in Texas, even though the story is primarily set in Missouri. The landscape of rolling hills and brush prairie seen in the film doesn’t exist in Missouri.”
• “Out of the sixty-five days of shooting, forty-five were in temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius).”
• “The film attempts to portray Jesse James as a Robin Hood figure, which contrasts with historical accounts depicting him as a ruthless outlaw.”

🖥️ How to Watch American Outlaws?

As of [Current Date], ‘American Outlaws’ is available for rent or purchase on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability on cable providers or streaming services offering on-demand movies.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed American Outlaws, you might like these similar films:

• Young Guns (1988): Another retelling of a young group of outlaws fighting against injustice, with a focus on action and camaraderie.
• The Long Riders (1980): A more historically accurate depiction of the James-Younger gang, focusing on the complexities and consequences of their actions.
• Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969): Another classic western about charming outlaws on the run, emphasizing their friendship and adventures.
• Bandidas (2006): Two women, from very different backgrounds, become bank robbers in order to get revenge on a ruthless land baron.

🛒 American Outlaws Related Products

• American Outlaws [Blu-ray]: The Blu-ray edition presents the movie in high definition, enhancing the viewing experience with crisp visuals and clear audio. A must-have for fans who want to see Colin Farrell in action with improved picture quality.
• Jesse James: Last Rebel of the Civil War: This book provides historical context for Jesse James. Offers a contrasting narrative and an informative companion to the film.
• Cowboy Hat, Felt Western Hat for Men Women, Classic Outback Hat with Chin Strap for Horseback Riding Cosplay Costume: Made from durable felt, this hat completes any cowboy or outlaw costume. Perfect for cosplay events or Western-themed parties.
• Western Style Bandana – Cowboy Scarf Head Wrap: Complete your outlaw look with a traditional Western bandana. Perfect as a neckerchief or head wrap to emulate the style of the James-Younger gang.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Find My Baby” – performed by Moby
• “Trevor Rabin – American Outlaws (Original Motion Picture Score)” – performed by Trevor Rabin

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Jesse James Escapes From the Train

Want a quick rundown of the whole movie? This video breaks down the entire plot of ‘American Outlaws’, so you’ll know exactly what’s going on. It’s a great way to refresh your memory before watching it again!

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