Young Guns II

Young Guns II is currently streaming in the US on Philo and BBC America, and it earns its set pieces rather than just delivering them. It says what it needs to say in one sitting, no filler. 607 people have weighed in on TMDB, and the verdict leans heavily positive. Emilio Estevez is the obvious draw, but the supporting cast gives the action its context. Available now on Philo — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, Young Guns II is worth clearing space for. Young Guns II moves fast and earns its action sequences rather than just delivering them. Three of the original five "young guns" — Billy the Kid, Jose Chavez y Chavez, and Doc Scurlock — return in Young Guns, Part 2, which is the story of Billy the Kid and his race to safety in Old Mexico while being trailed by a group of government agents led by Pat Garrett. Emilio Estevez and Kiefer Sutherland lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 1990. What separates Young Guns II from disposable action entertainment is character work that survives the explosions. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

Young Guns II is the kind of thing you put on to unwind and find yourself sitting forward twenty minutes in. It stands on its own even without an obvious comparison point. Short enough to finish in one sitting, substantial enough to feel satisfying. Emilio Estevez is the obvious draw, but the supporting cast gives the action the context it needs to land. The action holds up because the character work underneath it never lets up.