Is Sunset Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Sunset is likely a skip if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 107 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Sunset Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1988, Sunset emerges as a significant entry in the Crime, Mystery, Thriller, Western domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Tom Mix and Wyatt Earp team up to solve a murder at the Academy Awards in 1929 Hollywood. Unlike standard genre fare, Sunset attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and Sunset features a noteworthy lineup led by James Garner . Supported by the likes of Bruce Willis and Malcolm McDowell , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Sunset (1988) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.7/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Sunset Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Sunset is a Crime, Mystery, Thriller, Western film that delves into the criminal underworld with gritty realism and moral complexity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Sunset Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Sunset attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to crime resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the crime themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Sunset reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Sunset Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Sunset incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, mystery, thriller, western film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Sunset adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Sunset?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Crime films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Sunset Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $16.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $4.6M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Sunset Budget
The estimated production budget for Sunset is $16.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Sunset
- James Garner – Wyatt Earp
- Bruce Willis – Tom Mix
- Malcolm McDowell – Alfie Alperin
- Mariel Hemingway – Cheryl King
- Kathleen Quinlan – Nancy Shoemaker
Top Highlights
James GarnerWyatt Earp
Bruce WillisTom Mix
Malcolm McDowellAlfie Alperin
Mariel HemingwayCheryl King
Kathleen QuinlanNancy Shoemaker
Jennifer EdwardsVictoria Alperin
Patricia HodgeChristina Alperin
Richard BradfordCaptain Blackworth
M. Emmet WalshChief Marvin Dibner
Joe DallesandroDutch Kieffer
Where to Watch Sunset Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
Sunset is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.7/10, and global collection metrics, Sunset stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1988 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sunset movie hit or flop?
Sunset has received mixed reviews with a 5.7/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Sunset worth watching?
Sunset is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Crime, Mystery, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Sunset online?
Sunset may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How Sunset Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Sunset
This is one of those cases of a movie that should have worked way better than it did. Just the very idea of watching Earp and Mix solving some murder mystery in Holywood sounds incredible and fun to watch. However, Edwards' screenplay never truly finds its identity, floating between Neo-Noir, Western and Comedy. Maybe paired in Noir-Western or Comedy-Western it would've worked better: it just didn't know wheter to take itself seriously or not. That is, however, the only real problem with it. The production and time setting is awesome, with a shoutout to the costume design. Mix's especially. The colors are a sight to see, creating a warm-hot feel to the movie, reminiscent of the Western, but in a Noir setting. Mancini's soundtrack is one of the best I've ever heard. Perhaps as a consequence of the film's lack of true identity, Mancini went every which way with it. His "Sunday west" bits combined with more somber and serious tracks - reminiscent of his work on Touch of Evil (1958) - just complete each other so well. Willis is in a point in his career that is intersting to watch. Even before his greatest hit (and masterwork) Die Hard (1988), in which he hadn't found his persona yet. Still, he looks and sounds much like the star he would become months later, with a touch of Mix-cowboy in. He is a very "light" presence on-screen, and in the good way. McDowell is always a convincing actor, and his "Happy Hobo" Alfie Alperin is quite fun to watch - especially given the parallels to another Happy Hobo, Chaplin's The Tramp - but he isn't given a lot of screen time, and from the very beginning, it's quite clear that he is the villain. But the highlight of the film is the veteran James Garner. His incarnation of the legendary frontier lawman Wyatt Earp is (albeit anachronistic) one of the best. In my opinion, only second to Kurt Russell's in Tombstone (1993). That "hawk-eyed" archetype that Earp basically defines in pop-culture was very well-captured by Garner - even out of his "natural habitat" of the west. Sunset is a very fun, lighthearted buddy movie. It is a great movie that should have been an all time classic, yet it somehow feels right. It's a one-of-a-kind curio piece. And my heart says it deseves more recognition. Give or take a star or two.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
