Wild Wild West

‘not every situation calls for your patented approach of "shoot first, shoot later, shoot some more and then when everybody's dead try to ask a question or two." – President Grant

In the run up to release of the live action remake of Aladdin in which Will Smith played Genie, the rapper turned actor constantly slated Wild Wild West, stating that despite the potential the film had and how much he promoted it he regards it as one of his worst films. Having only watched the film once before when I was probably too young to do so, I knew little about the Western yet hearing Smith constantly talk negatively of it intrigued me. So, when Comedy Central showed the film I thought I’d take the opportunity to watch it and see if it’s as bad Smith portrays it.  

He’s not entirely wrong. The film chooses to use smoke and explosions as a way to move from one scene to the next instead of finding a logical way for the reluctant pair of U.S Marshals Jim West and Artemus Gordon to escape difficult situations. Smith’s Western accent makes inconsitent appearances throughout while the comedy in this supposed Western/Comedy is minimal and chooses to rely on tired tropes, like Salma Hayek playing the naïve and sexy damsel in distress.

However, watching Gordon and West gradually start to understand each other’s contrasting investigative methods and Gordon’s commitment to each of his disguises is entertaining. And despite a watch time of almost two hours I didn’t feel like I wasted my time watching it, which admittedly is a low bar to set.

Those familiar with the original The Wild Wild West TV series from sixties may have their own gripes have taken issue with changes to characters like Loveless and the effect the film had on the legacy of the show, and these are also things which Will Smith has also apologised for, but for the rest of us it can just be a light film to pass the time.

Seemingly Will Smith has his own negative relationship with the film and how he previously used to prioritise money over making impactful stories and characters. His consistent jabs at the film seem to reflect the actor showing self awareness and progress in the integrity of his art.