Classically told, 1980s-adjusted pop-western about the legendary anti-hero Billy the Kid and his notorious posse. The film is full of archetypes and not overly concerned with historical accuracy, but it has enough charisma to captivate with its blend of sentimental moralising and feel-good moments. Lead actor Emilio Estevez is so full of his character's boyish mischievousness that he completely smothers the dramatic potential in some scenes. But then again, heavy drama wasn't the main priority as the 'brat-packers' entered the western genre. It's interesting to see how the ostensibly emotional aspects of the story are switched on and off as needed to drive the plot forward – as if director Christopher Cain aims for a half-and-half mix of sentimentality and coolness, without ever really weaving the two together. Still, Young Guns works shamelessly well on its own self-defined terms, letting its abundance of bubbling, boyish carelessness overshadow any reservations you might have had.