'All the Pretty Horses' Set in West

With its sweeping plains and imposing mesas, ``All the Pretty Horses'' captures the melancholy vastness of the Old West. <br><br>Its actors even affect the perfect Texas twang as they regurgitate

Tuesday, December 19th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

With its sweeping plains and imposing mesas, ``All the Pretty Horses'' captures the melancholy vastness of the Old West.

Its actors even affect the perfect Texas twang as they regurgitate giant chunks of dialogue taken directly from Cormac McCarthy's hugely popular 1992 novel.

And with dynamic young stars Matt Damon and Penelope Cruz, and Oscar-winner Billy Bob Thornton at the helm, the much-anticipated film should be a spellbinding holiday blockbuster.

That's why it's disappointing to emerge from the theater feeling so untouched, unsatisfied. Thornton, whose ``Sling Blade'' was one of the most powerful films of 1996, fails to connect emotionally here.

Cinematographer Barry Markowitz lets the camera linger lovingly on the scenery. But for a movie that's about horses â€” and even has the word ``horses'' in the title â€” we never get a good look at the animals themselves. McCarthy spared no detail in his spiritual, stream-of-consciousness descriptions of the creatures' flowing manes and burning eyes.

Fans of the book will be happy to see that screenwriter Ted Tally stays true to McCarthy's coming-of-age story and its themes of loyalty and adventure.

John Grady Cole (Damon) and his best friend Lacey Rawlins (Henry Thomas) leave West Texas on horseback in 1949 after Cole's mother sells the ranch where he was raised. They head for the Rio Grande with romantic dreams of working as cowboys on a sprawling Mexican ranch.

Along the way, they hook up with ornery teen-ager Jimmy Blevins (Lucas Black of ``Sling Blade''), who's riding a gorgeous horse that's probably stolen. Cole and Rawlins immediately know he's trouble.

In Mexico, Cole falls in love with Alejandra (Cruz), the ranch owner's beautiful daughter. This is scandalous because Cole is American, poor and seen alone with Alejandra, a proper young woman.

Cole and Rawlins land in jail, where they must struggle to survive. This happens about an hour into the film, and it drags the action to a halt.

Thornton's pacing of the film is all over the place. It's especially disconcerting during long periods of dialogue. He's prone to cutting back and forth between characters right before they speak, leaving a choppy result that undermines the inherent cadence of McCarthy's writing.

Damon has so much presence, and such tremendous timing and insight, that he shines no matter what movie he's in. And he and Thomas have an easy camaraderie.

But Damon and Cruz have zero chemistry, despite marketing materials that suggest a steamy, forbidden affair. You never truly believe they're in love.

Miriam Colon, in a brief but pivotal role as Alejandra's overprotective, scheming aunt, brings a fire to the screen.

Despite these performances, though, the film is just mildly and sporadically entertaining.

``All the Pretty Horses,'' a Miramax Films and Columbia Pictures release, is rated PG-13 for violence and some sexuality. Running time: 1 hour, 57 minutes.

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Motion Picture Association of America rating definitions:

G â€” General audiences. All ages admitted.

PG â€” Parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

PG-13 â€” Special parental guidance strongly suggested for children under 13. Some material may be inappropriate for young children.

R â€” Restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

NC-17 â€” No one under 17 admitted.