Last Stand At Saber River (1997)

"Something wrong with this valley. The war's over, but the killing don't stop."

Over the years, Tom Selleck has developed into somewhat of a western icon. And why not? Selleck is spot on in fleshing out those qualities most cherished by folks of the untamed old west. And, of course, it doesn't hurt that he looks the part, all tall and rugged and bemustached. He's at it again in LAST STAND AT SABER RIVER, the 1997 TNT oater. In this one, he plays Paul Cable, a weary ex-Confederate soldier who returns home to Texas, knowing full well that the war between the states has already been lost, even as it rages on.

The terrible war has left scars on Cable, but it's also deeply impacted his wife and children. In his absence, his family had learned how to get on. His suddenly showing up causes tension to surface and mount as everyone is forced to cope with the new family dynamics. In particular, Cable's relationship with his steely wife Martha is in the crumbles. His wife never did see why Cable had to go off to war in the first place. During his years away, their daughter fell ill and passed away, and this leaves a lingering bitterness within Martha. She is so deeply resentful of her husband.

Struggling to readjust, Paul Cable takes his family back to the Arizona territory, back to their old homestead. But it ends up becoming yet another battle for Cable as he learns that Union sympathizers have overran his ranch. With his wife and children directly imperiled, Paul Cable means to fight one last time, to keep his land and his family.

LAST STAND AT SABER RIVER, adapted from Elmore Leonard's gritty novel, is more a contemplative western drama than a typical shoot-em-up, although things do climax with two pretty darn good action sequences. Much of the tension is provided by Selleck and Suzy Amis, who is very good and intense as his estranged wife Martha. Tom Selleck has done this type of role so often now that he can do it in his sleep. Not to say that dude is sleepwalking here. Selleck brings a worn down gravity to his role. His character is stoic, although he's good enough that you glimpse the sub-text of alienation, of a man tired of warring and who merely wants a return to a normal life. Selleck exudes quiet strength and enough machismo that he gets away with sporting a pink-colored shirt for much of the film. Veteran western actors and brothers, Keith and David Carradine, step in for good performances, particularly Keith, whose character rises above the role of predictable designated villain. And, whoever that girl is who plays David Carradine's refined but bored daughter, well, she's muy caliente.

Tom Selleck hasn't disappointed in any of his western films, although it's been a few years since he's done one, what with his involvement with the Jesse Stone movies. I say it's time for the man to get back in the saddle, hoist them six-shooters, and, yes, maybe even sport that pink shirt again (would it help to call the shirt salmon-colored?). There's still plenty of Louis L'Amour and Zane Grey novels out there, just waiting for someone to bring them to cinematic life. And Tom Selleck, he continues to embody that ideal man of the frontier. November 30, 2008

Well Done Western

This is like the old time "A" westerns. The scenery is wonderful. The acting is coorect. Harry Carey Jr. is there! Sellect is a good western story teller. He makes you believe you are there. November 23, 2008

Last STand At Saber River

We really enjoy Tom Selleck's movies. This is a good western. Great movie to share with friends and family especially on a cold snowy day. November 6, 2008

A FINE WESTERN WITH TOM SELLECK.

Though the western has all but disappeared from the cinemas these days, the genre is by no means dead. Instead, it has moved to the realm of the small screen. "Last Stand at Saver River" is just one example of the many westerns that have come on TV since the late 1970s. Featuring Tom Selleck as an ex-Confederate returning home, this is a fine film that deals with the effects of war on both a person and their family. While not one of the greatest efforts from TNT, the sometimes weak storyline gets elevated through terrific performances, including one of Selleck's greatest, and great gunfights and action sequences. Fans of the western genre will surely enjoy "Last Stand as Saber River."
Movie/DVD Grade: B+ October 24, 2008

Love this movie

Anyone who loves Tom Selleck and a western theme will love this movie. It has such a great story line and the characters are so believable and likeable. Great depth to the characters and story. Love, love, love, this movie. October 3, 2008

More reviews at Amazon.com ...