The Jack Bull (1999 TV Movie) User Reviews

Better Than You Expect

[oscarnestell · 8/10 · 18 August 2003]

To those of us who follow any of HBO's original programming, it should come as no surprise that a film on the level of THE JACK BULL premieres on HBO. While the folks out in Hollywood are busy heaping money on so-called films such as AMERICAN OUTLAWS and TEXAS RANGERS, leave it to HBO and John Cusak to come up with the good stuff. Though the big screen fare is far glossier (and no doubt costlier), Cusak's gritty western is simply far superior. Boasting a cast including Cusak, John C. McGinley, John Goodman, and L. Q. Jones, the film out-acts its big screen competitors by a mile and a half. Combine it with a cold, smart, gritty screenplay by Cusak's dad and strong direction by John Badham and you have a film worthy of inclusion among really good Westerns.

f you want to see Ashton Kutcher, James Van Der Beek, Colin Farrell, or Usher Raymond, you'll have to rent the other two. But if you want to see something more on par with Clint Eastwood's UNFORGIVEN, well then, THE JACK BULL is calling your name!

Justice does not come easy.

[michaelRokeefe · 7/10 · 19 August 2002]

I haven't been impressed with a western in along time as I have with JACK BULL. Terrific acting, great script and tremendous cinematography. The setting is 19th-century, wide open pre-statehood Wyoming. A powerful tale of a horse trader(John Cusack) seeking justice for a rival rancher(L.Q.Jones) abusing two of his horses. Before finding a judge(John Goodman)to hear his complaint, Cusack gives notice he wants restitution within seven days. This inturn causes some havoc at the same time the justice system is trying to make a good impression as the territory is awaiting statehood. You will not like the ending, but you will agree that this is a great HBO project.

Cusack really proves to be an all around actor with JACK BULL. His acting abilities seems to be improving movie by movie. What I like about this role is that he wears his hat like Elvis Presley did in CHARRO!(1969). Needless to recognize the similar beginnings of a beard. Was John impressed with Elvis or what? L.Q. Jones has always been one of my favorites even if he does play a dirty s.o.b. in this movie. Jones of course as you might remember had small parts in numerous Elvis flicks. John Goodman is tight and in control of his role as Judge Tolliver. Also in the cast are:Rodney A. Grant, John C. McGinley and John Savage.

Note:Script was written by Dick Cusack, John's father.

Interesting and thoughtful film

[oshram-3 · 8/10 · 2 March 2005]

I'd never even heard of this film – apparently it was done for HBO a while back – but it was a John Cusack film I'd never heard about, and to me he's an interesting enough actor that I'll try something blind for his sake.

Jack Bull is set in the 1870s; Cusack plays horse rancher Myrl Redding, an honest man trying to make an honest living on his Wyoming farm. Unfortunately he crosses paths with local tycoon Henry Ballard (L.Q. Jones), who decides to give Redding a hard time and mistreats some of his prize stallions and one of his Native American workers. When Redding demands justice, of course he finds the deck stacked against him, so he takes the law into his own hands.

Jack Bull, while a compelling story, is also an examination of the concept of 'natural' law vs. civil law, and poses some questions about just how much of a right we have as men to be treated fairly no matter the circumstances. The story could have been a moralistic whitewash, but by making Myrl less than perfect the movie aims a lot higher, with satisfactory but occasionally unsettling results. It would be easy to just take the side of the little man against the big rich fella (like they did in, say, Silver City) and here it's not hard to do that. But Myrl's complexity and his occasional slips – he's no saint, though he tries hard to do no damage to the innocent – render this story in much darker, richer colors than lesser hands would have.

Cusack is excellent here, as he usually is. His uncompromising performance as Myrl dominates the picture, and Cusack displays the man's drive and determined nature without ever overdoing it or descending into melo-drama. Most of the rest of the cast is fairly strong as well (I particularly enjoyed Scrubs' John C. McGinley's turn as simple sidekick Woody), with a standout turn by John Goodman as a dedicated lawman named Judge Tolliver. The end trial, as a result, is a powerful capper to a movie that questions moral choices throughout.

Though a darker film, Jack Bull is an excellent piece, with well thought-out characters, motivation, and execution. It offers no easy answers, though it does conclude its story with finality, and in the end only reinforces that the consequences we suffer are a direct result of the actions we take. This one may be a little hard to find (I got it from Netflix), but it's certainly well worth the search.

What message?

[Ponticar · 20 August 2001]

This film does a decent job of creating the feel of the late 1800s in the Wyoming territory and there are some decent performances. Having said that, I have to disagree with the posts that suggest this had some sort of redeeming message. What was it? The "bad guys" won-Cusack's character managed to get his wife killed (very predictable but the whole scenario was not even close to being consistent with the "Old West", or with Cusack's character up to that point) and to get himself hung for a crime he didn't commit, making his young son an orphan. The villain in the movie gets off with only two years in prison. How is that a good message? There were other problems as well. Cusack has a Crow Indian working for him, (eating at the same table with the family in one scene) and is not ostracized by the other people in town. Highly unlikely, given the treatment of Indians by white settlers everywhere (but very PC). There is a black man who is treated as an equal by a powerful rancher and a judge, even more unlikely in 19th century America. All in all, a film to miss.

Above average TV Western in which a horse trader seeks justice and takes the law on his own hands

[ma-cortes · 7/10 · 4 June 2012]

Good Western with satisfying and impressive directorial by John Badham and produced by the prestigious HBO . The Jack Bull narrates the tale of Myrl Redding (John Cusack , also producer) married to Cora (Miranda Otto) and with a son (Drake Bell) , he is a Wyoming horse trader who clashes with Henry Ballard, a baron land . Jack along with fellow Woody (John G. McGinley, also producer) transport a herd of horses across the country but Ballard abuses two of Myrl's horses and their Crow Indian caretaker , Billy (Rodney A Gant) . After being wrongfully denied justice, a horse trader seeks his own justice on the treacherous rancher ( L.Q. Jones) and his hoodlums (John Savage and Nick Gillie) . When Judge Wilkins (Ken Pogue) throws out Myrl's complaint , the war he wages to obligate Ballard to nurse the emaciated horses back to health but it leads into killings , a vigilante manhunt , and the possible defeat of Wyoming's bid for statehood carried out by the governor (Scott Wilson) and the General prosecutor (Jay O Sanders) .

This stirring and melancholic picture is acclaimed like one of the best Western TV of the last years with some prizes and nominations . It's an excellent Western with interesting issues , noisy action , shootouts, breathtaking scenarios ; but also melancholy , interracial friendship between Jack and the Indian Billy , unlovable camaraderie and emotionalism . Sensitive and moving Western where a cowboy must say goodbye to the life he knows and undergoes an extraordinary and dangerous travel , seeking justice and vengeance . Based on a novel by Heinrich von Kleist , whose title is "Michael Kohlhass", being well adapted by Dick Cusack, John Cusack's father . In fact , ¨Jack Bull¨ is a familiar film , starred by John Cusack , written by his father Dick Cusack and play roles sons's Dick as John , Bill Cusack and the same Dick as a Jury foreman . Great acting for all casting with magnificent main roles by John Cusack , L.Q. Jones and John G McGinley . Secondary cast is frankly excellent as Kurt Fuller , Rex Linn , Duncan Frazer , Jay O Sanders, Scott Wilson and many others . Gorgeous landscapes, reflecting wonderfully the wide open spaces , are splendidly photographed by Gale Tattersall , filmed on location in Calgary , Alberta , Canada . Emotive and sensible musical score by Lennie Niehaus , Clint Eastwood's usual .

The movie follows the wake the last Television Western starred by Sam Elliot , Tom Selleck, or Robert Duvall such as ¨Monte Walsh¨, ¨Crossfire trail¨ and ¨Broken trail¨. The motion picture was professionally directed by John Badham . He's a nice director who achieved his greatest successes in the 80s . He directed several hits such as ¨Saturday night fever¨ , ¨Short circuit¨ , ¨Blue thunder¨ , ¨Drop zone¨ , ¨War games¨ ,¨ Skateout¨, though today making TV movies such as ¨Obsessed¨ , ¨Floating away¨ and of course ¨Jack Bull¨ at his best ; furthermore , he realized television episodes as ¨ Crossing Jordan¨ ,¨ Psych¨, ¨ Las Vegas¨ , ¨The event¨, ¨ Standoff¨ , ¨ Heroes¨ . Rating : Better than average for the proficient film-making . It's a magnificent movie , and an unforgettable , unchallenged classic TV western .

Violence will never be the best way to obtain justice.

[Hildebrando_Martins_Almeida · 6/10 · 3 June 2023]

"The Jack Bull" is an American western film released in 1999 and directed by John Badham, known for directing some competent films in the 1980s and 1990s. 1999), the film is still appreciated by lovers of the genre, providing a satisfying experience. The screenplay was written by Dick Cusack, loosely inspired by the 1810 novel by Heinrich von Kleist entitled "Michael Kohlhaas".

The story takes place in the mid-nineteenth century and accompanies the protagonist Myrl Redding, played by John Cusack. Myrl is a determined and headstrong horse breeder who finds himself embroiled in a conflict with a powerful local rancher named Henry Ballard. When Ballard mistreats two of Myrl's horses, Myrl decides to take the case to court. However, Judge Wilkins dismisses Myrl's claim. Disgusted, Myrl begins a journey of revenge, facing several obstacles on the way.

During her fight for justice, Myrl faces resistance from a corrupt system and faces the odds imposed by Ballard's power and influence. Throughout the narrative, the film explores themes such as honor, ethics, revenge and the personal price of remaining true to one's principles.

However, the clumsy performances of John Cusack and LQ Jones somewhat undermine the quality of the film. Despite this, western enthusiasts will find enough reason to appreciate the film's plot and atmosphere.

A notable highlight in this western is the musical score, composed by Lennie Niehaus (1929-2020); he was responsible for the music for several films by actor and director Clint Eastwood. The soundtrack adds to the Wild West ambiance and complements the scenes in an engaging way.

Much of the scenes were filmed at CL Ranch and Heritage Park Historical Village in Calgary, Alberta.

Although John Badham has dedicated himself mainly to directing TV series since 2002, he demonstrated his skill in directing this film, capturing the characteristic atmosphere of Westerns and conveying the tension and quest for justice present in the narrative.

"The Jack Bull" offers moviegoers a dark and realistic look at the Old West, where justice often must be won at all costs.

Non-traditional Western & a strong movie

[hhfarm-1 · 7/10 · 22 May 2006]

The plot outline is hackneyed: in a Western (US) area there is a powerful rancher who abuses privilege, mistreats animals and runs roughshod over the small ranchers/farmers; from the small ranchers one man arises to fight back.

It would be tedious if that was it - really, how many times do we need to see this story? But there's much more to it: the good guys aren't all good; the bad guys are mostly bad but their motives aren't clear.

Cusack does a decent job overall. He reached his limit many movies back and can't seem to break free of his tried and true mannerisms. It's a shame as he had real potential 10 years ago. Here he is credible and willful but still relies too much on his habits to get by.

Still, an outstanding movie and well worth seeing. Depressing though.

Forget it's a western--transcends the genre.

[speechmasters · 10/10 · 22 August 2002]

Fifteen minutes into almost any movie I find myself saying, `Well, I don't care what happens to Any of these characters.' With this film, I found myself caring about Every character. Even the bad guys. Even the characters walking by in the background. The acting in this film is uniformly excellent. Like an ensemble theatre piece. Much has been written here about the men, but Miranda Otto as Cusack's wife is luminescent. She clearly is the light of his life, and she lights up the screen for every second of every scene she is in--who wouldn't love this woman? The actress with only one scene begging she not be burned out of her house. The actress with only one scene who comes to the aid after a carriage accident in Cheyenne. The character landscape is rich and deep. You'll recognize many venerable character actors, like the always reliable Ken Pogue as the bad judge. In the leads, John Cusack, John Goodman, and John C. McGinley invest a depth of feeling that anchors the story. L.Q. Jones and John Savage are a pair of richly textured villains. This film is a feast of fine performances, from the briefest day players to the many layered leads.

Wow thats a lot of Johns!

[the amorphousmachine · 7/10 · 25 August 2000]

Lets see- The Jack Bull is directed by John Badham and it stars John Cusack, John Goodman, John C. McGinley and John Savage! Did I forget a John?

This is a great film and being a big fan of John Cusack, it was extremely pleasant to watch! The whole cast was great including Miranda Otto and L.Q. Jones and Rex Linn, not to forget all the others I mentioned above! HBO did a splendid job bringing this western to life and John Cusack manages to play the hero standing by his guns extremely well. Although it was predictable, it was an age old message of fighting for respect and your rights! Highly recommend this film, ***1/2 out of *****!

The Jack Bull will surprise you

[robb_mavins · 10/10 · 17 August 2003]

WATCH IT. A great moral translated to a western tale. I have been a fan of Cusack for some time; my first impression was that in a Western he would not be strong enough. As Myrl Redding, the strong true and moral man pushed too far, he is driven and tortured by theft and the death of his wife; and he is wonderful.

The great thing about this movie is that L.Q. Jones' Ballard is not evil just the antagonist. This movie is filled with good people trying to do what they feel is the right thing including John Goodman as Judge Toliver. <br> The best compliment I can give is that it reminds a lot of `The Crucible' by Arthur Miller, though to be honest, I am never sure who is on the side of right . Since the movie is also set against the statehood debate there are so many subplots. Both Redding & Ballard are pushed and pulled by so many other forces, I am never quite sure to whom is delivered `More Weight' as was Giles Corey in the Crucible but the result is very watchable. That's why in the final analysis I like this film, it is not about `white hats' and black hats just sadly about flawed people.

How far would you go for what you believe in?

[~AleXa~ · 9/10 · 12 June 2005]

This is an HBO original movie, but let me assure you this is of the caliber to have been a theatrical release.

This film makes a powerful statement about the importance of standing up for what you believe in and how you cannot just say what is right, but have the courage to take action when words fail you and see justice done, whatever the cost.

The setting is the beautiful mountains and frontier country of pre-statehood Wyoming; the man is Merle Redding (John Cusack), a simple horse trainer just trying to earn a living for him and his family; the problem is a wealthy cattle rancher named Henry Ballard (L.Q. Jones) buying up all the land between the homesteads and the nearest town. Conflict arises when Merle is taking some of his horses to town to sell at the auction and needs to pass through Ballard's new spread of land—previously unowned—as it is the only way to make it to the auction on time. And that is all I will say so as to not spoil any critical elements of the movie.

The first thing that stands out about the film is that the scenery is absolutely breathtaking. I could've done without the filters, but the sights are still something to behold. The actors are well-cast; John Cusack and John Goodman really shine in their respective roles. The screenplay (written by Dick Cusack, John Cusack's father) is well-thought out and succeeds in making the film come full circle. The characters are three-dimensional and the audience can easily relate to their individual struggles. As well, the parallel editing between Cusack's 'circumstance' and the parade for Wyoming's official statehood speaks volumes...very eloquent indeed.

This film should be a lesson to all of us to remember what's important and fight for what we believe in. We cannot settle for simply saying what is right and what should be done, but stand behind what we say. It reminds us to fight for the little guy and that one person *can* make a difference.

VERDICT: A moving film about true conviction of the heart; truly inspiring. Hands down one of the best westerns I've ever seen (which is a lot). On that note, if you don't like westerns, this probably isn't the film for you, but otherwise, it's a must-see.

8.5 out of 10.0

NOTE: To anyone who loves horses, this film will hit a particular soft spot in your heart—it certainly did for me

Decent Story Sloppily Directed

[hopebuild · 3/10 · 11 August 2015]

The sloppiness I blame on the director. My friend said, "...who cares it was made for HBO...". I care and if it were my name associated with the movie I would at least make sure you couldn't see the harness cable behind the head of the man being hung. You could totally see it. They could have shot it from another angle and then we couldn't have seen it. Also in the scene in court they show women and a black man on the jury. Not even. In 1890 not even a state yet Wyoming no women were sitting on the jury. Anyway this movie is fraught with ill fitting scenes, motivations, and had lots of goofs. I saw John Cusack move his arm when they took him down from the gallows. There were many goofs. I would never put my name on something this sloppily made even if it were only for TV. I feel insulted when movies are this sloppily done.

Pretty good Western

[gordonl56 · 8/10 · 26 October 2015]

THE JACK BULL 1999

This HBO western production is far better than I was expecting. It is the tale of one man's search for justice. The cast features, John Cusak, L.Q. Jones, John C. McGinley, John Goodman, Scott Wilson, John Savage, Jay O Sanders, Miranda Otto, Glen Morshower, Rodney E Grant and Ken Pogue.

Cusak is a Wyoming horse trader and breeder. He lives with his wife, Miranda Otto and son, Drake Bell on a ranch in the mountains. Cusak, takes a yearly trip into the big horse auction in town to sell off his stock. This year he runs into a spot of bother.

The biggest land owner in the area, L.Q. Jones, has taken a dislike to Cusak. He tells Cusak it will cost him a toll to cross his land to get to the auction. Jones is fencing off the land to as he says. "stop the lowlife drifters" from crossing. Cusak has not got the toll price, but agrees to leave several fine horses with Jones. He will pay on his return and collect the horses. He also leaves a hired hand, Rodney E Grant to watch over the horses.

Cusak sells off the stock at the auction and returns to Jones' place with the fee. What he finds is his two fine horses have been used as plow horses and are in sad shape. His man, Grant, has been beaten bloody and ran off by Jones' top hand, John Savage.

Cusak demands that Jones restore the horses to the state they were in when left with him. Needless to say this goes nowhere. Now everything falls to pieces for Cusak. He hires a lawyer to seek redress, but the local judge is in Jones' pocket. The wife, Otto, sets off with the other hired hand, John C McGinley to Cheyenne to see the Attorney General. Otto gets killed by a runaway wagon while crossing a street in the capital.

Cusak decides to make his own law as the "official law" is unwilling, or unable to help. He gathers a group of like-minded men and sets off after Jones. Barns are burned to make a point, but Jones has high tailed it to Cheyenne. Of course there are several deaths and the Law is called out to chase Cusak.

You will need to watch the film to get the rest of the story. Suffice it to say it will be worth your time.

The director here is big screen veteran, John Badham. His films include, Saturday NIGHT FEVER, POINT OF NO RETURN, BLUE THUNDER, STAKEOUT, THE HARD WAY, WAR GAMES and BIRD ON A WIRE.

The cinematography was handled by Gale Tattersall. His film work includes, PUSHING TIN, TANK GIRL and GHOST SHIP.

Standing in for the mountains of Wyoming, is Calgary and Banff, Alberta, Canada. This is the same area where OPEN RANGE, UNFORGIVEN and LEGENDS OF THE FALL were filmed.

Solid film, beautiful story

[Moriakul · 9/10 · 24 April 2005]

Though most likely found in the Westerns section at your local rental joint, this movie does not feel like a western. It feels like a timeless story set incidentally in the "Old West." It is, in fact, derived from another telling of the same story set in another time and another place. Regardless of that fact, "The Jack Bull" stands on its own for quality and character. All performances, from the leads to the extras, are inspired. John Cusack is in top form and earns his place in the title role. The direction, cinematography and editing are unpresumptuous but essentially flawless, as if standing aside to let the story go to your heart. And the story itself is touching and transcendent, a parable of honor, duty, pride, justice, and the price paid by those who uphold them. Neither a traditional "ride off into the sunset," nor a traditional tragedy, this film rather from beginning to end rings true and thereby sets itself apart from others like it. It comes highly recommended, and will not disappoint.

A compare and contrast to Michael Kohlhaas its original source.

[jmdsalser · 1 December 2002]

There are descriptions here that may give the ending away.

Jack Bull is a movie based on a story written by Heinrich von Kleist. The story is called Michael Kohlhaas. Michael Kohlhaas is a horse trader just like Myrl Redding is in Jack Bull. Myrl Redding and Michael Kohlhaas are two alike personalities. In both stories, the horse dealers leave their horses to men who have put up a toll booth on their property. The horse dealers never having to pay for this before didn't have enough money to pay the toll and were told they needed a permit. So they each leave two blacks with the property owners. They return with the money and find the blacks abused, worn, and tattered. The horse dealers become furious and want their horses restored to their original condition. This never happens.

This is the basic beginning of both stories. At this point differences appear in the stories, although both are denied justice and take the law into their own hands. Myrl Redding and Michael Kohlhaas take up arms against the men who have caused them the injustice. The men flee from the horse dealers and hide away. Myrl Redding doesn't kill anyone but burns peoples barns, but Michael Kohlhaas has murder in his revolt. Although there are two killings involved in Reddings; one is in defense of Billy, the other is Grady's wife who is shot accidentally by Grady while he shoots at Myrl and Billy. Kohlhaas has more times to be able to forget the whole thing more than Redding does. Both started out wanting the horses returned but towards the end it is about justice. They seek justice where none is found. Both Kohlhaas and Redding lose their wives due to this event, which becomes an even greater reason to pursue justice. Myrl Redding has a little bit more righteousness in him than Kohlhaas does. Kohlhaas is a weird character, he prepares to hang men for taking advantage of this armed uprising. Kohlhaas in the end wants it to be over and flee to somewhere where a man can receive justice. Redding pursues it to the end saying he would follow Ballard to anywhere until justice was served even if it cost him his life. The decision Kohlhaas and Redding make to die is one that is hard. They will leave children behind and leave them parentless. They make the decision to die to set an example. Kohlhaas decides to die, though to spite the Elector because he has information the Elector wants. Redding dies because he says that `someone has to take responsibility for what has happened.' Myrl Redding says that, `don't let anyone step on your rights' as he says good bye to his son. Myrl does this action more for the morality and rightness and Kohlhaas does it more for just the principles. Myrl is the better of the two men because he is not as brutal Kohlhaas.

Wronged rancher seeks common law justice

[david-1623 · 10/10 · 29 January 2005]

Excellent Western and I was surprised it was made for TV. Well directed and superbly acted. John Cusack is a convincing rancher whose rights have been wronged. The movie seemed, to this English viewer, to have a solid ring of authenticity about it. It made a real change to see a legal dispute in the 'old West' result in the parties using the law and not the gun. John Goodman was an excellent Judge whose commitment to the law meant in the end he had to sentence Cusack to hang. We are left with the feeling that, despite it all, justice was served. I was particularly impressed with the art direction and the costume. The locations were also beautiful and evoked a longing for those Western wide open spaces

Manipulative Drivel

[secho · 3/10 · 19 January 2003]

** Spoilers**

Oh but I'm angry. Based on a true story or not, there's absolutely no reason for the last twenty minutes of this movie - a melodramatic hanging of its hero (some say `antihero') that does little more than leave audience mouths agape. I, myself, felt both sickened and incredulous by the almost fetishistic manner in which the movie dealt with the hanging. First there is this whiny buildup of tension. Will he be hanged? Won't he be hanged? Then the sad and dismayed son is trotted out like some kind of token ornament to provoke sympathy from the audience. As the scene tiredly plays out, everything and I mean everything seems to point to the inherent justice in sparing the condemned man's life. We demand that someone save him. But in the end, what happens? He is of course hanged -- in an orgy, I might add, of tear-jerking music and slow motion camera work. I don't mind an unconventional ending, but give me a break at least. Don't draw the thing out. The only explanation I can see for this ending is that the writers truly did not care about the audience. Whatever point was trying to be made here about the occasional unfairness of the law, taking responsibility for your own actions, and standing up for what you believe in was lost on me. And don't tell me that every movie doesn't have to have a happy ending. Yeah, no kidding, so then don't manipulate your audience to expect one. That's just bad film making.

Solid Story and Perfomances, but..?

[x111b3825 · 3 April 2002]

I liked the film and thought the story was solid, with strong, believable perfomances throughout, but I have to agree with another reader who questioned the black man's role at the dinner table.

Don't get me wrong, I bought the Indian as an integral part of Cusack's character's homestead, because the character lent himself to a fair and equitable role through his life. The Character "Ballard" however, was basically a rotten @#&^%! though, and in that day and age, would a black man have found reliable and somehow trusted place among other scoundrels let alone at this land "Baron's" table? Had the guy's race been white, it would have been totally believable, but at least for historical accuracy, I had to question this plausibility.

It probably might not have distracted from the film at all had I not read it here first, but I have to agree with the observation. Otherwise I liked the work.

best western in 30 years

[kairingler · 10/10 · 8 July 2013]

if I could go 11 or 12 out of 10 I would. the summary says it all, best western in 30 or more years.. I have to go back in the time machine and pull out Hang Em High to get a decent picture, with the lone exception of Unforgiven of course. Hollywood doesn't seem to care about the western anymore, yeah there were 2 westerns I believe that were similar that came out a few years ago,, 310 to Yuma was one I believe.. which was good but not great. anyway, John Cusack gave the performance of a lifetime,, the storyline,, morals, everything in the movie is so engrossing,, John Goodman's character as the judge was very funny. I loved the scenery the great American west,, wide open plains, all in color too. the storyline was pretty simple straight forward and to the point, our main character is ripped off and he fights in what he believes in now matter what the personal sacrifice he has to make or what cost and risk to his family,, he is wronged pretty much by everyone he turns to,, this is a very sad story,, but a story with so much about morals and the right thing to do,, Hollywood does sorely need to make at least an attempt to do say like 3 westerns a year.. maybe one blockbuster,, one indie, and one just whatever,, so the genre stays alive,, I can't remember seeing 10 westerns since 1983 can you?

Very underrated, painfully sad story

[NateWatchesCoolMovies · 9/10 · 11 May 2016]

The Jack Bull shouldn't have been a TV movie, plain and simple. It's story is too important and we'll told to be shunted into an HBO slot and denied a theatrical release, effectively dooming it to the doldrums of obscurity. There's a few DVD's floating around in the ether, and no doubt it shows up on cable now and again, which is nice. It's one of the most tragic westerns I've seen, and needlessly so, which makes it all the more sad. John Cusack plays Myrl Redding, a humble rancher and family man who is just trying to make a life for himself on the frontier, along with his wife Cora (luminous Miranda Otto). When he strikes a deal with filthy rich local cattle baron Henry Ballard (L.Q. Jones) it becomes clear the man is rotten to the core. The horses left in his care are brutally mistreated by Ballard's lead hand Slater (a savage John Savage), prompting Redding to seek justice. When the law and courts and even the glad handing Governor (Scott Wilson) refuse to give him retribution at the behest of Ballard's slimy financial influence, he takes the matter into his own hands, which ultimately means he now had committed a crime, with witnesses. Ballard seizes the opportunity and uses every ounce of malice as well as his money to bury Redding. The law does nothing to help. The only person that Redding has in his corner is idealistic Judge Tolliver, played by a beaming John Goodman who steals the show and balances out the gloominess with his comforting presence. He's a take no nonsense guy and the only character besides Cusack that has any shred or morals or decency. There's also work from mottled character actors like Rex Linn, Rodney A. Grant, Ned Bellamy, Jay O. Sanders, Brent Briscoe and John C. McGinley. It's not your typical western, being very downbeat and tragic, but not in an unnecessary way. It has a point to make and a message to give about sticking to your principles, standing up to bullies no matter how dear the cost, and not backing down. Excellent film.

Revenge is sweet

[Petey-10 · 8/10 · 20 February 2010]

Myrl Redding is a horse trader from Wyoming.Rancher Henry Ballard becomes his worst enemy after he abuses two of Redding's horses and Billy, the Crow Indian caretaker.The local judge throws out Myrl's complaint.He tells Ballard to nurse the horses back to health.He refuses.So begins a manhunt where everybody's life is in danger.All Myrl wants is justice.The Jack Bull (1999) is a made for television western directed by John Badham.It's loosely based on Heinrich von Kleist 1811 book Michael Kohlhaas.I bought the movie as a DVD some time ago.John Cusack does terrific job as Myrl Redding.The script was written by his late father, Dick Cusack, and he really wanted to do this film.John Goodman is great as the fair judge Tolliver.L.Q. Jones makes a great villain in Henry Ballard.Miranda Otto is fantastic as Myrl's wife Cora Redding.Same thing with Drake Bell as his son Cage.Great job by John McGinley as Woody.John Savage is very good as Slater.Rodney A. Grant as Billy is marvelous.Ned Bellamy is very good as Kermit Dover.Scott Wilson is great as Governor.Byrne Piven, Jeremy's father plays Tub Weller.Dick Cusack is seen as Jury Foreman.Also Bill Cusack, John's brother is seen in the movie.The soundtrack includes "Ring Them Bells" by Bob Dylan.It looks pretty amazing when Myrl and his posse ride to the spot, terrifying the villains.The Jack Bull is pretty nice modern western.

i can see it's a good story, but the melodramatic cliche-filled execution drops this down to The Average Street

[william_blake · 5/10 · 22 July 2003]

when you can see the actors participating as producers it usually means they wanted to make a movie no-one else did. after viewing this film i can conclude 'the jack bull' makes no exception to the rule. john badham is not a miracle maker, more a box-office director. this kind of a story would have needed something more, as this was obviously supposed to be a serious, credible film.

the problem is simply direction. i know i shouldn't land it all on one guy, but just look at it! the goody good boy, the amazing wife, ordinary man, justified revenge...blah blah. the air shots from the ride to cheyenne with the cheesy music and background dialogue, the endless verbal attacks on billy but not on ollie shows the pathetic situation of american 'political correctness' a.k.a. neo-racism, and it's all filled with dramatic death scenes, at some points it's just a tiresome watch.

so, every other scene is pretty much crap, but every other scene is not. regardless of the movies problems i did enjoy it, john cusack looks like a new yorker to me, but he is a good actor and he can somewhat pull it off anyway. the supporting cast is good all-around. i like the way the cities are portrayed as cold, dark and primitive places unlike in most westerns. the ending is good, although again too melodramatic. john goodman's character is useless, i didn't need to see mister righteous there to make me feel a little better. i just felt sick as i saw another cliche-bomb walking the streets of rawlins.

it's worth a watch, no, infact it's okay, if you can just ignore the things i loathed. but it's not even close to the best westerns of the 1990's. plusses for acting and camera-work.

Overlong Cusack downfest

[me43 · 15 November 2003]

****** SPOILERS ******

Let me save you the price of a rental. I'll even sum it all up for you.

Ready for it?

"Life's a b**ch and then you die."

Now don't ever say I never did nothing for ya.

I want my money back.

A must-see modern Western

[MBunge · 8/10 · 4 July 2011]

Many modern Westerns take a whack at demythologizing the frontier, but I don't know of any other film that does it as powerfully and thoroughly as The Jack Bull. All the old, familiar themes are here, stripped of their pretense and given new and exciting life in a challenging tale that becomes more morally and ethically complex as it goes along.

In the waning days of the Wyoming Territory, a horse trader named Myrl Redding (John Cusack) gets into a dispute with a land baron named Henry Ballard (L. Q. Jones) over two stallions. Myrl left them with Ballard as collateral for a toll to pass through Ballard's land on way to a horse auction. When Myrl returns for them, he finds his man left to mind the horses beaten and run off and the animals whipped, mistreated and worked near to death. Myrl demands the stallions be restored to the previous condition by Ballard's own hand, something the rich man sneeringly refuses.

Myrl takes his case to the local judge (Ken Pogue), only to find him in Ballard's pocket. He tries to petition the territorial Attorney General, only to have that request end in tragedy. Unwilling to let the wrong done him go unanswered, Myrl gathers together a gang of men and rides up to Ballard's spread to get justice for himself. Ballard escapes, however, leaving Myrl to lead his men across the countryside, threatening to burn out anyone who gives aid or shelter to Ballard. This little insurrection eventually brings the conflict between Myrl and Ballard to the attention of the territorial governor (Scott Wilson), but not until people are killed and someone has to be help accountable for those deaths.

Myrl Redding deserves to stand alongside Tom Doniphon and Liberty Valance in the pantheon of Wild West cinema. All three symbolize how the sort of men who made the frontier the glorious place it was, were also the sort of men who would have no place as the frontier gave way to civilization. Make no mistake, Henry Ballard is the bad guy in this story and Redding is the good guy. But most of Ballard's actions are legal and only slightly unethical. The crimes he does commit are of a petty nature. The awful events of The Jack Bull flow not from the greed or arrogance of Henry Ballard, but from the uncompromising pride and independence of Myrl Redding. Ballard makes only a little spark. It is Myrl who pours gasoline on that spark until it becomes a deadly fire.

Taking the law into your own hand when you're denied justice is one of the oldest Western stories. The Jack Bull is one of the few that recognizes when you take the law into your own hands, it's like setting yourself alone in a boat across the ocean. You have nothing but your wits and your will to deal with all the forces that come against you and decisions and actions that seem right can have disastrous consequences. A corrupt justice system fails Myrl Redding, but no justice system can withstand men who pursue their own righteous satisfaction to the exclusion of all else.

In addition to being smart and compelling, The Jack Bull has a marvelous cast. Strong performances abound, particularly Scott Wilson and John Goodman as another territorial judge who is committed to seeing justice done to its fullest extent. John Cusack is tremendously effective, never letting what Myrl Redding represents overwhelm the character's simply humanity. And Director John Badham does an excellent job at capturing the extremes which lived side by side in the dying days of the Wild West.

The Jack Bull is an outstanding movie and is a must see of the modern Western.

Some things are worth risking your life over.

[Jim-512 · 8/10 · 27 February 2002]

Excellent! And YES, and excellent message! Some things are worth risking your life over. Some things are greater than your own life. Myrl Redding lived by that. Seems, these days, that living as long as possible and avoiding harm is more important than standing for what's right. A fundamental characteristic that polarizes humanity. I don't think the film at all suggests Redding to be innocent of some wrongdoing. I think it exhibits the contrary. That's another thing I like about it. And the dialog was not too 'contemplated' or florid, the overall authenticity of the film, setting, costumes, etc... was very well done. "The Jack Bull" may not rate as an epic film, but I think the story does. Well done Mr. Cusacks (and friends)!