What Year Did Young Guns Come Out?
The western film "Young Guns" was released in 1988, directed by Christopher Cain and starring Emilio Estevez, Kiefer Sutherland, Lou Diamond Phillips, and Charlie Sheen. The movie follows the story of Billy the Kid, a notorious outlaw in the late 1800s, and his gang of outlaws, known as the Regulators.
Background of the Film
The film is based on the true story of Billy the Kid, who was a notorious outlaw in the late 1800s. Billy was born William H. Bonney in 1859 and grew up in New York City. He later moved to New Mexico, where he became involved with a group of outlaws known as the Regulators. The group was led by Doc Scurlock, a close friend and ally of Billy’s.
Release and Reception
"Young Guns" was released on August 12, 1988, and received generally positive reviews from critics. The film holds a 71% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many praising the performances of the cast, particularly Emilio Estevez and Kiefer Sutherland. The film was also a commercial success, grossing over $57 million at the box office.
Impact on Pop Culture
"Young Guns" had a significant impact on pop culture in the late 1980s. The film’s success helped to revive interest in westerns, which had been a staple of Hollywood filmmaking for decades. The film’s soundtrack, which featured a mix of country and rock music, was also a hit, and the film’s theme song, "Blaze of Glory" by Bon Jovi, became a chart-topping single.
Sequels and Legacy
"Young Guns" was followed by two sequels, "Young Guns II" in 1990 and "Young Guns: Ragged Edge" in 1994. While neither of the sequels received the same level of critical acclaim as the original, they were still successful and helped to cement the franchise’s place in popular culture.
Interesting Facts
Here are some interesting facts about "Young Guns":
- Billy the Kid’s Real Life: Billy the Kid was a real person, and his life was marked by violence and controversy. He was known for his quick draw and his ability to escape from prison.
- Cast’s Real-Life Relationships: The cast of "Young Guns" had real-life relationships with each other. Emilio Estevez and Kiefer Sutherland, who played Billy and Doc Scurlock respectively, became close friends during filming.
- Music: The soundtrack for "Young Guns" featured a mix of country and rock music, including songs by Bon Jovi, The Georgia Satellites, and John Mellencamp.
- Locations: The film was shot on location in New Mexico, which provided a unique and rugged backdrop for the story.
Comparison with Other Westerns
"Young Guns" was part of a resurgence of interest in westerns in the late 1980s, which was fueled by the success of films like "Lonesome Dove" and "Tombstone". Here are some key differences between "Young Guns" and other westerns of the time:
| Film | Year | Tone | Cast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Young Guns | 1988 | Action-packed, humorous | Emilio Estevez, Kiefer Sutherland, Lou Diamond Phillips, Charlie Sheen |
| Lonesome Dove | 1989 | Serious, dramatic | Robert Duvall, Tommy Lee Jones, Danny Glover |
| Tombstone | 1993 | Gritty, intense | Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer, Sam Elliott |
Conclusion
"Young Guns" was a significant film in the western genre, and its release in 1988 helped to revive interest in the genre. The film’s success can be attributed to its cast, music, and locations, as well as its unique blend of action, humor, and drama. While the film’s sequels were not as well-received, "Young Guns" remains a beloved classic and a staple of 1980s pop culture.
