Instead of Returning for Iron Man 3, Jon Favreau Took a Risk With Cowboys & Aliens — But Did It Pay Off?

Rather than signing on for Iron Man 3 and sacrificing even more creative freedom than he had on the previous installment, Jon Favreau (Iron Man, Iron Man 2) chose to direct Cowboys & Aliens, an adaptation of Scott Mitchell Rosenberg’s successful graphic novel.

On paper, it sounded like a risky gamble: aliens playing cowboys and Indians alongside James Bond and Indiana Jones. But how does it work on the big screen?

Synopsis:
Arizona, 1873. A man with no memory of his past arrives in the harsh desert town of Absolution. The only clue to his identity is a mysterious bracelet locked around his wrist. While the town lives under the rule of the ruthless Colonel Dolarhyde, its residents soon face a far greater threat—one that comes from beyond the stars.

A Great Concept

Westerns and science fiction. Cowboys and aliens.

It may sound bizarre at first, but why not? After all, who decided that alien invasions could only happen in the 21st century?

While the premise is undeniably intriguing—and enough to make many viewers smile—it also feels like the kind of idea that draws audiences more out of curiosity than genuine confidence that they’re about to watch a great film.

No 3D? That’s Not a Problem

After delivering an excellent Iron Man and a less impressive Iron Man 2, Jon Favreau had the opportunity to create something truly distinctive.

The Western setting works beautifully. Endless deserts, dusty streets, and tumbleweeds provide a refreshing change from the futuristic cities usually associated with extraterrestrial visitors.

Unfortunately, the aliens themselves aren’t particularly original. They’re large humanoid creatures with a second pair of arms emerging from their chests when needed, but visually they fail to stand out among countless other science-fiction monsters. That’s a shame because, although perhaps too simple to be truly frightening, they remain believable. Their weapons and technology feel convincing, and both their small and massive spacecraft look impressive.

Visually, the film is consistently attractive. The Western landscapes are beautifully recreated, the special effects are solid throughout, and despite a few rather messy-looking flashback sequences, the movie never suffers from the absence of 3D. In fact, it benefits from avoiding unnecessary gimmicks, sparing audiences from the dim visuals and awkward depth effects that plagued many films released during the height of the 3D craze.

A Thin Story Stretched Too Long

The biggest weakness is undoubtedly the screenplay.

The plot can be summed up rather quickly, which makes the film’s two-hour runtime feel longer than necessary. We follow an amnesiac cowboy wearing a mysterious bracelet—something that almost resembles a live-action version of Ben 10—who constantly finds himself in trouble before inevitably becoming the unlikely hero destined to save a small frontier town.

The opening creates a wonderfully authentic Western atmosphere, but it lingers for so long that audiences almost forget the movie is supposed to feature aliens. When the extraterrestrials finally appear, however, their attack on the town is thrilling, expertly staged, and among the film’s highlights.

After abducting several townspeople, the aliens retreat to their base, launching a long journey that often feels slow and repetitive. Along the way, numerous supporting characters are introduced—far too many for any of them to receive meaningful development. Eventually, the heroes formulate a plan, leading to the inevitable final assault.

The screenplay ultimately feels surprisingly shallow, especially considering it was written by five different writers. Even so, it remains coherent and reasonably well structured despite its pacing issues. The film probably would have benefited from trimming at least thirty minutes from its runtime.

Fans will also appreciate several nods to classic science-fiction films, including obvious references to The War of the Worlds and Alien.

An Outstanding Cast

The cast is easily one of the film’s greatest strengths.

Fresh from Defiance and the James Bond franchise, Daniel Craig delivers a convincing performance as Jake Lonergan—a cold, rugged, and believable gunslinger whose credibility is never in doubt.

Harrison Ford, best known as Indiana Jones, embraces his age gracefully while stepping into the supporting role of Civil War veteran Colonel Woodrow Dolarhyde. Although audiences aren’t accustomed to seeing Ford portray such a harsh and intimidating character, he handles the role with confidence and authority.

Meanwhile, Olivia Wilde (TRON: Legacy, The Next Three Days, House M.D.) trades her modern image for cowboy attire and delivers an uneven performance—excellent in certain scenes, less convincing in others.

Sam Rockwell, reunited with Favreau after Iron Man 2, also gives a strong supporting performance that adds welcome charm to the ensemble.

Audience Opinions

Eva, 15

“I really loved the setting. The concept is original—I think it’s the first time I’ve ever seen aliens appear in a Western. I also thought Daniel Craig was fantastic.”

Nicolas, 21

“Despite a title that makes it sound like a low-budget sci-fi movie, Cowboys & Aliens surprises with its simple yet effective story and a cast that completely lives up to expectations. Instead of relying on unnecessary 3D, the film succeeds thanks to its clever blend of Western and science-fiction influences, making it a genuinely enjoyable sci-fi adventure.”

Florient, 19

“The original idea works well, and the Western atmosphere is excellent right up until the town attack. After that, though, things become much less interesting. Once the aliens arrive and all the characters have been introduced, the story doesn’t have much left to offer. The ending is predictable, and aside from Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford, the performances are fairly average.”

Final Verdict

By blending Westerns with science fiction, Jon Favreau finds an enjoyable middle ground that gives Cowboys & Aliens a distinctive atmosphere. Unfortunately, the thin screenplay and an overcrowded supporting cast prevent the film from reaching its full potential. With a tighter script and a shorter runtime, this unusual genre mash-up could have been far more memorable.