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[[File:Wild_Wild_West_5722.jpg|frame|It's a whole new west, alright.]]
[[File:Wild_Wild_West_5722.jpg|frame|It's a whole new west, alright.]]


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'''''Wild Wild West''''' is a 1999 [[Cattle Punk]] comedy film starring [[Will Smith]] and Kevin Kline. It is [[The Film of the Series]] of ''[[The Wild Wild West (TV series)|The Wild Wild West]]'' — [[In Name Only|technically]].

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''Wild Wild West'' is a 1999 [[Cattle Punk]] comedy film starring [[Will Smith]] and Kevin Kline. It is [[The Film of the Series]] of ''[[The Wild Wild West (TV)|The Wild Wild West]]''-- [[In Name Only|technically]].


The plot, taking place during the presidency of Ulysses S. Grant, concerns government agents Jim West and Artemus Gordon attempting to prevent a renewal of the Civil War by amputee Southern Scientist Dr. Arliss Loveless and his giant mechanical spider. [[MST3K Mantra|Just roll with it]].
The plot, taking place during the presidency of Ulysses S. Grant, concerns government agents Jim West and Artemus Gordon attempting to prevent a renewal of the Civil War by amputee Southern Scientist Dr. Arliss Loveless and his giant mechanical spider. [[MST3K Mantra|Just roll with it]].


The movie did well at the box office since it was helmed by ''[[Men in Black (Film)|Men in Black]]'' director Barry Sonnenfeld reuniting him with Will Smith. Critics however were on the fence about it since the film didn't resemble the TV show much (Will Smith being cast as the lead role especially sparked off backlash). Added to the fact the pacing is uneven and often times throws out information that would've been best known earlier (Jim's backstory for example). Adding insult to injury, it won the 1999 [[Golden Raspberry Award]] for Worst Picture and Screenplay. [[Take That|(with Robert Conrad, star of the TV show, picking them up as a protest)]]
The movie did well at the box office since it was helmed by ''[[Men in Black (film)|Men in Black]]'' director Barry Sonnenfeld reuniting him with Will Smith. Critics however were on the fence about it since the film didn't resemble the TV show much (Will Smith being cast as the lead role especially sparked off backlash). Added to the fact the pacing is uneven and often times throws out information that would've been best known earlier (Jim's backstory for example). Adding insult to injury, it won the 1999 [[Golden Raspberry Award]] for Worst Picture and Screenplay (with Robert Conrad, star of the TV show, picking them up [[Take That|as a protest]]).


That said however, the film was praised for its special effects and creativity of steampunk tools and often regarded as a [[Cult Classic]] just for its fun premise.
That said however, the film was praised for its special effects and creativity of steampunk tools and often regarded as a [[Cult Classic]] just for its fun premise.
----
=== The film provides examples of these tropes: ===


{{tropelist}}
* [[Acting for Two]]: Kevin Kline as both Gordon and President Grant, including instances of [[Talking to Himself]].
* [[Acting for Two]]: Kevin Kline as both Gordon and President Grant, including instances of [[Talking to Himself]].
* [[All There in the Manual]]: The novelization explains how Jim West survived the 80 foot fall.
* [[All There in the Manual]]: The novelization explains how Jim West survived the 80 foot fall.
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* [[And Starring]]: In one theatrical poster: "And Kenneth Branagh."
* [[And Starring]]: In one theatrical poster: "And Kenneth Branagh."
* [[Armed Legs]]: Jim West's blade-equipped shoes
* [[Armed Legs]]: Jim West's blade-equipped shoes
* [[Artistic License: Biology]]: In the scene where Loveless first appears, he goes on a rant where he lists all the body parts he lost in the accident where he was left for dead, including 35 feet of small intestine; which is about ten more feet than the typical adult's small intestine.
* [[Artistic License History]]:
** An early scene shows the Capitol Building in Washington under construction; the actual building was completed in 1800, decades before the setting of this film.
** A scene after that shows sheep grazing on the White House lawn. President Woodrow Wilson did that, but Grant did not.
** At the end of the movie, West and Gordon become founding members of the Secret Service, an organization that, according to Grant, has the specific intent to protect the President. Which is, in fact, ''not'' the original purpose of the Secret Service, or truly the ''current'' purpose. The Secret Service has always been a branch of the U.S. Treasury tasked with investigating crimes involving counterfeiting and forgery, protecting the President is a secondary task. ''And'' there was no formal group who had such a purpose until 1901, in response to the assassination of President William McKinley.
* [[Artistic License Physics]]: The trap neckbraces have some truly inconsistent magnetism (the braces only attract themselves after Gordon hits them with a stone, the buzzsaws they're attracting rarely go in a straight line...).
* [[Artistic License Physics]]: The trap neckbraces have some truly inconsistent magnetism (the braces only attract themselves after Gordon hits them with a stone, the buzzsaws they're attracting rarely go in a straight line...).
* [[Batman Cold Open]]: Jim West and Artemus Gordon vs. General McGrath in the saloon.
* [[Batman Cold Open]]: Jim West and Artemus Gordon vs. General McGrath in the saloon.
* [[Beard of Evil]]: Loveless has once of the most bizarre styles of beard in film history. [https://villains.fandom.com/wiki/File:Arliss_Loveless.jpeg Seriously, is that supposed to be a goatee?] Whatever it is, it ''does'' make him look pretty evil.
* [[Belly Dancer]]: Jim West as "Ebonia", in a last ditch attempt to {{spoiler|stall the meeting of Dr. Loveless and America's enemies and kill Loveless.}}
* [[Belly Dancer]]: Jim West as "Ebonia", in a last ditch attempt to {{spoiler|stall the meeting of Dr. Loveless and America's enemies and kill Loveless.}}
* [[Black Vikings]]: Jim West as a U.S. Army captain in 1869. Noted to be highly unusual.
* [[Black Vikings]]: Jim West as a U.S. Army captain in 1869. Noted to be highly unusual.
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* [[Briar Patching]]: Subverted. Artemus attempts to have Dr. Loveless capture him, dressed as Ulysses S. Grant, to lure him away from the real Ulysses. Loveless takes them both.
* [[Briar Patching]]: Subverted. Artemus attempts to have Dr. Loveless capture him, dressed as Ulysses S. Grant, to lure him away from the real Ulysses. Loveless takes them both.
** Also, when Artemus is caught and about to be executed, he begs to be "shot in my heart, which has loved this country so much" because he is wearing his prototype for a bullet proof vest. Unfortunately, it doesn't work.
** Also, when Artemus is caught and about to be executed, he begs to be "shot in my heart, which has loved this country so much" because he is wearing his prototype for a bullet proof vest. Unfortunately, it doesn't work.
{{quote| '''Loveless''': Shoot him in the head.<br />
{{quote|'''Loveless''': Shoot him in the head.
'''Artemus''': ''Damn.'' }}
'''Artemus''': ''Damn.'' }}
* [[Brick Joke]]: West and Loveless continue their [[Volleying Insults]] near the end.
* [[Brick Joke]]: West and Loveless continue their [[Volleying Insults]] near the end.
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* [[Disney Death]]: West, who {{spoiler|takes a point-blank gunshot to the chest but survives thanks to Gordon's "Impermeable".}}
* [[Disney Death]]: West, who {{spoiler|takes a point-blank gunshot to the chest but survives thanks to Gordon's "Impermeable".}}
* [[Disney Villain Death]]: {{spoiler|Dr. Loveless}} and nearly all of his henchwomen towards the ending.
* [[Disney Villain Death]]: {{spoiler|Dr. Loveless}} and nearly all of his henchwomen towards the ending.
* [[Distressed Damsel]]: Rita Escobar
* [[Damsel in Distress]]: Rita Escobar
* [[Divided States of America]]: Dr. Loveless's plan for the U.S.
* [[Divided States of America]]: Dr. Loveless's plan for the U.S.
* [[Does This Remind You of Anything]]: Loveless's rather phallic disc blade launcher.
* [[Does This Remind You of Anything?]]: Loveless's rather phallic disc blade launcher.
* [[Dragon Lady]]: Miss East
* [[Dragon Lady]]: Miss East
* [[Dramatic Gun Cock]]: See [[Enhanced Interrogation Techniques]] below.
* [[Dramatic Gun Cock]]: See [[Enhanced Interrogation Techniques]] below.
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* [[Evil Cripple]]: Dr. Loveless
* [[Evil Cripple]]: Dr. Loveless
* [[Exactly What I Aimed At]]
* [[Exactly What I Aimed At]]
{{quote| '''Loveless''': "After all that, you missed?"<br />
{{quote|'''Loveless''': "After all that, you missed?"
'''Gordon''': "Actually I didn't." }}
'''Gordon''': "Actually I didn't." }}
* [[Executive Meddling]]: Producer Jon Peters' obsession with [[Giant Spider|Giant Spiders]], carried over from his previous meddling with [[Kevin Smith]]'s script for ''[[Superman Returns|Superman Lives]]''.
* [[Executive Meddling]]: Producer Jon Peters' obsession with [[Giant Spider|Giant Spiders]], carried over from his previous meddling with [[Kevin Smith]]'s script for ''[[Superman Returns|Superman Lives]]''.
** Believe it or not, the giant mechanical spider is the only thing remaining from the credited writers. [https://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/wild-wild-west-inside-story The full story of Executive Meddling is long and tragic.]
* [[Eye Remember]]: Retinal Terminus Theory
* [[Eye Remember]]: Retinal Terminus Theory
* [[Fake American]]: Kenneth Branagh
* [[Fake American]]: Kenneth Branagh
* [[Fake Boobs]]: Artemus Gordon has some.
* [[Fake Boobs]]: Artemus Gordon has some.
* [[Faux Affably Evil]]: Dr. Loveless
* [[Faux Affably Evil]]: Dr. Loveless
* [[The Film of the Series]]
* [[The Film of the Series]] - [[In Name Only]].
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* [[Funny Bruce Lee Noises]]: Artemus Gordon, while performing his Karate Kid impersonation.
* [[Funny Bruce Lee Noises]]: Artemus Gordon, while performing his Karate Kid impersonation.
* [[Gadgeteer Genius]]: Artemus Gordon and Dr. Loveless.
* [[Gadgeteer Genius]]: Artemus Gordon and Dr. Loveless.
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* [[Groin Attack]]: Jim West to two of Loveless' [[Mooks]] on the giant spider's engine deck.
* [[Groin Attack]]: Jim West to two of Loveless' [[Mooks]] on the giant spider's engine deck.
** Also [[Balls of Steel|subverted]].
** Also [[Balls of Steel|subverted]].
* [[The Gump]]: Kinda-sorta. Artemus Gordon invents the airplane ''decades'' before the Wright Brothers, using [[Leonardo da Vinci]]'s design. One can assume he never researched the concept further.
* [[Half the Man He Used To Be]]: Occurs in Dr. Loveless' [[Backstory]], but he survives.
* [[Half the Man He Used To Be]]: Occurs in Dr. Loveless' [[Backstory]], but he survives.
* [[Hand or Object Underwear]]: West's hat.
* [[Hand or Object Underwear]]: West's hat.
* [[Hey Its That Guy]]: [[Harry Potter|Gilderoy Lockhart]] is the [[Big Bad]].
* [[Hey, It's That Guy!]]: [[Harry Potter|Gilderoy Lockhart]] is the [[Big Bad]].
* [[Hurricane of Puns]]: Jim West's and Dr. Loveless' [[Volleying Insults]].
* [[Hurricane of Puns]]: Jim West's and Dr. Loveless' [[Volleying Insults]].
* [[I Surrender Suckers]]: Jim West to Loveless' cyber [[Mook]].
* [[I Surrender, Suckers]]: Jim West to Loveless' cyber [[Mook]].
* [[I Know Karate]]: A [[Mook]] tries this on Jim West.
* [[I Know Karate]]: A [[Mook]] tries this on Jim West. "I learned that from a Chinaman!"
** [[Crowning Moment of Funny|And then proceeds to get a shovel in the face.]]
** [[Crowning Moment of Funny|And then proceeds to get a shovel in the face.]] "I just made that up."
* [[Identical Stranger]]: Artemus Gordon looks like President Grant without the beard.
* [[Identical Stranger]]: Artemus Gordon looks like President Grant without the beard.
* [[Incredibly Lame Pun]]: ''No more mister knife guy''.
* [[Incredibly Lame Pun]]: ''No more mister knife guy''.
** When Gordon is considering what to name his new flying invention: "[[Michael Jordan|Air]]... ''Gordon''."
** When Gordon is considering what to name his new flying invention: "[[Michael Jordan|Air]]... ''Gordon''."
* [[In Joke]]: The "DO NOT PUSH" train button is an obvious nod to Sonnefeld's previous venture, ''Men In Black''.
* [[In-Joke]]: The "DO NOT PUSH" train button is an obvious nod to Sonnefeld's previous venture, ''Men In Black''.
* [[In Name Only]]: TV show = [[Western]] + [[Spy Drama]]. Movie = [[Steampunk]] + [[James Bond]].
* [[In Name Only]]: TV show = [[Western]] + [[Spy Drama]]. Movie = [[Steampunk]] + [[James Bond]].
** In fact, the movie looked more like [[Men in Black (Film)|Men in Black]] in the Wild West than anything resembling the TV show.
** In fact, the movie looked more like [[Men in Black (film)|Men in Black]] in the Wild West than anything resembling the TV show.
* [[Interrogating the Dead]]
* [[Interrogating the Dead]]
{{quote| '''West:''' ''That's a man's head...''}}
{{quote|'''West:''' ''That's a man's head...''}}
* [[Intimidation Demonstration]]: During Jim West's battles with several of Dr. Loveless' [[Mooks]] inside the giant spider robot, one of his opponents does some fancy martial arts moves and says "I learned that from a [[Yellow Peril|Chinaman]]."
* [[Intimidation Demonstration]]: During Jim West's battles with several of Dr. Loveless' [[Mooks]] inside the giant spider robot, one of his opponents does some fancy martial arts moves and says "I learned that from a [[Yellow Peril|Chinaman]]."
* [[Instant Awesome Just Add Mecha]]: The giant spider.
* [[Instant Awesome, Just Add Mecha]]: The giant spider.
* [[Its Personal]]: West wants to kill Loveless because {{spoiler|he's the one responsible for the massacre that killed his parents.}}
* [[It's Personal]]: West wants to kill Loveless because {{spoiler|he's the one responsible for the massacre that killed his parents.}}
* [[Knockout Gas]]: Artemus Gordon's sleeping gas billiard balls, [[Subverted Trope|except for one]].
* [[Knockout Gas]]: Artemus Gordon's sleeping gas billiard balls, [[Subverted Trope|except for one]].
{{quote| '''West''': That was ''not'' sleeping gas!<br />
{{quote|'''West''': That was ''not'' sleeping gas!
'''Gordon''': No, the 8-ball is an incendiary bomb. }}
'''Gordon''': No, the 8-ball is an incendiary bomb. }}
* [[Large Ham]] [[Ham and Cheese|and Cheese]]: Kenneth Branagh.
* [[Large Ham]] [[Ham and Cheese|and Cheese]]: Kenneth Branagh.
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* [[Licensed Game]]: ''Wild Wild West: The Steel Assassin''.
* [[Licensed Game]]: ''Wild Wild West: The Steel Assassin''.
* [[The Load]]: Rita.
* [[The Load]]: Rita.
* ''[[Mad (Magazine)|MAD Magazine]]'': ''Mild Mild Mess''.
* ''[[Mad|MAD Magazine]]'': ''Mild Mild Mess''.
* [[Loves the Sound of Screaming]]: For practical purposes, of course. Loveless makes a note to drill his gunners harder after the screams of their victims prove unsatisfactory.
* [[Loves the Sound of Screaming]]: For practical purposes, of course. Loveless makes a note to drill his gunners harder after the screams of their victims prove unsatisfactory.
* [[Mad Scientist]]: Dr Loveless
* [[Mad Scientist]]: Dr Loveless
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* [[Master of Disguise]]: Artemus Gordon
* [[Master of Disguise]]: Artemus Gordon
* [[Meaningful Name]] / [[Punny Name]]: All of Loveless' [[Paid Harem]] [[Bodyguard Babes]]. Loveless himself too.
* [[Meaningful Name]] / [[Punny Name]]: All of Loveless' [[Paid Harem]] [[Bodyguard Babes]]. Loveless himself too.
* [[Mexico Called They Want Texas Back]]: Texas and California will be returned to Mexico.
* [[Mexico Called. They Want Texas Back.]]: Texas and California will be returned to Mexico.
* [[Mistaken for Gay]] / [[Not What It Looks Like]]: The whole "touch my breast" scene.
* [[Mistaken for Gay]] / [[Not What It Looks Like]]: The whole "touch my breast" scene.
* [[Mister Big]]: Dr Loveless
* [[Mister Big]]: Dr Loveless
* [[Ms. Fanservice]]: [[Salma Hayek]]'s character Rita Escobar, especially in her [[Of Corsets Sexy|corset]].
* [[Ms. Fanservice]]: [[Salma Hayek]]'s character Rita Escobar, especially in her [[Of Corsets Sexy|corset]].
** Loveless' [[Bodyguard Babes]] could count as both this and [[Fanservice Extra]].
** Loveless' [[Bodyguard Babes]] could count as both this and [[Fanservice Extra]].
* [[The Name Is Bond James Bond]]: "Mr..." "West. Jim West"
* [[The Name Is Bond, James Bond]]: "Mr..." "West. Jim West"
* [[Never Speak of This Again]]: When Jim West gets [[It Makes Sense in Context|stuck to Artemus Gordon's belt buckle]], he tells Gordon to make sure and leave that part out when retelling the story. Artemus responds with a very emphatic "Oh don't worry."
* [[Nitro Express]]: At the beginning of the film, Captain Jim West jumps on a wagon carrying cases of nitro (with only hay for padding) for a renegade regiment of the former Confederacy.
* [[Nitro Express]]: At the beginning of the film, Captain Jim West jumps on a wagon carrying cases of nitro (with only hay for padding) for a renegade regiment of the former Confederacy.
* [[Nobody Here but Us Statues]]: Loveless' [[Mooks]] hiding in the paintings.
* [[Nobody Here but Us Statues]]: Loveless' [[Mooks]] hiding in the paintings.
* [[Not Me This Time]]: {{spoiler|Obviously, General "Bloodbath" McGrath was not a nice fellow, but he did ''not'' commit the atrocity that earned him his nickname.}}
* [[Of Corsets Sexy]]: Pretty much every female character's costume for most of the film (except for Garcelle Beauvais, who [[Scenery Censor|went without]].)
* [[Of Corsets Sexy]]: Pretty much every female character's costume for most of the film (except for Garcelle Beauvais, who [[Scenery Censor|went without]].)
* [[Official Parody]]
* [[Official Parody]]
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* [[Paid Harem]]: Dr. Loveless' [[Bodyguard Babes]]
* [[Paid Harem]]: Dr. Loveless' [[Bodyguard Babes]]
* [[Pay Evil Unto Evil]]: Jim West's insulting Dr. Loveless about his amputee status.
* [[Pay Evil Unto Evil]]: Jim West's insulting Dr. Loveless about his amputee status.
* [[Politically Correct History]]: Jim West is a U.S. Army officer before the U.S. Army had black officers.
* [[Politically-Correct History]]: Jim West is a U.S. Army officer before the U.S. Army had black officers.
** However, it averts it pretty much everywhere else. Jim gets himself in a ''lot'' of trouble for misbehaving at a party full of white people.
** However, it averts it pretty much everywhere else. Jim gets himself in a ''lot'' of trouble for misbehaving at a party full of white people.
* [[Politically Incorrect Villain]]: The strongly racist Dr. Loveless.
* [[Politically-Incorrect Villain]]: The strongly racist Dr. Loveless.
* [[Pre Mortem One Liner]]: "No more Mr. Knife Guy.''
* [[Pre-Mortem One-Liner]]: "No more Mr. Knife Guy.''
* [[Punch Punch Punch Uh Oh]]: Jim West while fighting a cyborg mook.
* [[Punch-Punch-Punch Uh-Oh]]: Jim West while fighting a cyborg mook.
* [[Pursued Protagonist]]
* [[Pursued Protagonist]]
* [[Quizzical Tilt]]: When the dog looks at Bloodbath McGrath's ear trumpet. Serves as a [[Shout Out]] to [http://www.goodlogo.com/images/logos/rca_entertainment_logo_2544.gif the RCA logo], even [[All There in The Script|referred to as such in the script.]]
* [[Quizzical Tilt]]: When the dog looks at Bloodbath McGrath's ear trumpet. Serves as a [[Shout-Out]] to [http://www.goodlogo.com/images/logos/rca_entertainment_logo_2544.gif the RCA logo], even [[All There in the Script|referred to as such in the script.]]
* [[Race Lift]]: Will Smith. Not the sort of thing that would make a bit of difference in this sort of work but of note since he plays an U.S. Army captain at a time when there were no black Army officers.
* [[Race Lift]]: Will Smith. Not the sort of thing that would make a bit of difference in this sort of work but of note since he plays an U.S. Army captain at a time when there were no black Army officers.
** There's also the issue of his dialect. No matter what race, West would not speak like he was, let's say, [[Fresh Prince of Bel Air|1980s West Philadelphia, born and raised]].
** There's also the issue of his dialect. No matter what race, West would not speak like he was, let's say, [[Fresh Prince of Bel Air|1980s West Philadelphia, born and raised]].
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* [[Raised by Natives]]: Jim West, by Native Americans.

⚫
* [[Rant-Inducing Slight]]: Artemus Gordon after he and Jim West escape the [[Deadly Disc|Deadly Discs]]. See the [[Wild Wild West (film)/Funny|Funny Moments entry]].
⚫
* [[Raised By Natives]]: Jim West, by Native Americans.
⚫
* [[Rant Inducing Slight]]: Artemus Gordon after he and Jim West escape the [[Deadly Disc|Deadly Discs]]. See the [[Wild Wild West (Film)/Funny|Funny Moments entry]].
* [[Rasputinian Death]]: McGrath is shot and thrown into a river before slowly bleeding to death.
* [[Rasputinian Death]]: McGrath is shot and thrown into a river before slowly bleeding to death.
* [[The Remnant]]: The ex-Confederates Jim fights at the start of the movie.
* [[The Remnant]]: The ex-Confederates Jim fights at the start of the movie.
* [[Rescue Romance]]: Appears to be occurring with Jim, Artemus and Rita Escobar.
* [[Rescue Romance]]: Appears to be occurring with Jim, Artemus and Rita Escobar.
* [[Revenge]]: Loveless' actual motive. While he claims to be a Confederate sympathizer, he despises them too as he was crippled fighting on their side in a war where they ultimately gave up.
* [[Ribbon Cutting Ceremony]]: President Grant hammering in the Golden Spike.
* [[Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony]]: President Grant hammering in the Golden Spike.
* [[Riding Into the Sunset]]: Played with by Jim West and Artemus Gordon in the last scene.
* [[Riding Into the Sunset]]: Played with by Jim West and Artemus Gordon in the last scene.
* [[Rule of Three]]: "That is a man's head".
* [[Rule of Three]]: "That is a man's head".
* [[Salt and Pepper]]
* [[Salt and Pepper]]
* [[Say My Name]]:
* [[Say My Name]]:
{{quote| '''Gordon''' ''(chuckling maniacally)'' Oh ho ho, I see. ''Now'' I'm the "[[Buffy Speak|master of this mechanical stuff]]." As opposed to five minutes ago, when I was calmly and coolly trying to find a solution to this very problem. But then something happened. Someone, who will remain nameless... <br />
{{quote|'''Gordon''' ''(chuckling maniacally)'' Oh ho ho, I see. ''Now'' I'm the "[[Buffy-Speak|master of this mechanical stuff]]." As opposed to five minutes ago, when I was calmly and coolly trying to find a solution to this very problem. But then something happened. Someone, who will remain nameless...
''(throws back his head and screams)'' <br />
''(throws back his head and screams)''
[[Hypocritical Humor|JIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIM!!! WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEST!!!]] }}
[[Hypocritical Humor|JIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIM!!! WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEST!!!]] }}
* [[Scenery Censor]]
* [[Scenery Censor]]
* [[Scenery Gorn]]: The scenographic town of Silverado (built for the eponymous film) was destroyed for the scene the spider tank attacks it. (''[[Silverado]]'''s director even receives a [[Shout Out]].)
* [[Scenery Gorn]]: The scenographic town of Silverado (built for the eponymous film) was destroyed for the scene the spider tank attacks it. (''[[Silverado]]'''s director even receives a [[Shout-Out]].)
* [[Shiny New Australia]]: Loveless wants most of the U.S. Northwest to retire on.
* [[Shiny New Australia]]: Loveless wants most of the U.S. Northwest to retire on.
* [[Shout Out]]: [http://www.agonybooth.com/recaps/Wild_Wild_West_1999.aspx?Page=6 A scene imitates the painting on RCA's logo.]
* [[Shout-Out]]: [http://www.agonybooth.com/recaps/Wild_Wild_West_1999.aspx?Page=6 A scene imitates the painting on RCA's logo.]
* [[Sobriquet]]: Inverted with Confederate General "Bloodbath" McGrath. He doesn't seem all too proud of his nickname at all, and he ''really'' doesn't like being called "The Butcher of New Liberty", seeing as he got that dubious title for the annihilation of a free slave town {{spoiler|he didn't actually commit.}}
* [[Soul Brotha]]: Will Smith. Parodied and lampshaded on occasion, whenever Gordon suggests he act stereotypically black.
* [[Soul Brotha]]: Will Smith. Parodied and lampshaded on occasion, whenever Gordon suggests he act stereotypically black.
* [[Spider Tank]]: An ''eighty foot tall'' [[Giant Spider]] tank.
* [[Spider Tank]]: An ''eighty foot tall'' [[Giant Spider]] tank.
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* [[Steampunk]]: The contraptions created by Dr. Loveless.
* [[Steampunk]]: The contraptions created by Dr. Loveless.
* [[Super Wheelchair]]: A [[Steampunk]], walking, shotgun armed, wheel chair for Dr Loveless.
* [[Super Wheelchair]]: A [[Steampunk]], walking, shotgun armed, wheel chair for Dr Loveless.
* [[Tap On the Head]]: Jim West to General "Bloodbath" McGrath with a punch.
* [[Tap on the Head]]: Jim West to General "Bloodbath" McGrath with a punch.
** Played more realistically, since McGrath was only down for a few seconds.
** Played more realistically, since McGrath was only down for a few seconds.
* [[That Makes Me Feel Angry]]:
* [[That Makes Me Feel Angry]]:
{{quote| Dr. Loveless: I am a visionary! I am a genius! And now I am '''angry!'''}}
{{quote|Dr. Loveless: I am a visionary! I am a genius! And now I am '''angry!'''}}
* [[Theme Tune Cameo]]: [[Elmer Bernstein]]'s score quotes Richard Markowitz's theme for the original show at one point (in the scene where West rides away from the train), but it's not mentioned in the end credits.<ref>Ironically, this is one of the few aspects of the film that ''is'' true to the TV series, as Markowitz was never credited with writing the theme there either (long story).</ref>
* [[Theme Tune Cameo]]: [[Elmer Bernstein]]'s score quotes Richard Markowitz's theme for the original show at one point (in the scene where West rides away from the train), but it's not mentioned in the end credits.<ref>Ironically, this is one of the few aspects of the film that ''is'' true to the TV series, as Markowitz was never credited with writing the theme there either (long story).</ref>
* [[Theme Tune Rap]]: Sung by Will Smith.
* [[Theme Tune Rap]]: Sung by Will Smith.
** [[And Zoidberg|And Sisqo!]]
** [[And Zoidberg|And Sisqo!]]
* [[They Fight Crime]]
* [[They Fight Crime]]
* [[This Is As Far As I Go]]: The train's engineer, {{spoiler|and [[US Marshal]]}} Coleman
* [[This Is as Far as I Go]]: The train's engineer, {{spoiler|and [[US Marshal]]}} Coleman
* [[This Is Gonna Suck]]: After Jim West activates one of Loveless' death traps.
* [[This Is Gonna Suck]]: After Jim West activates one of Loveless' death traps.
{{quote| '''Gordon''': ''[deadpan]'' And now we have to run.}}
{{quote|'''Gordon''': ''[deadpan]'' And now we have to run.}}
* [[This Is Sparta]]: Jim's reaction to Gordon's doctor friend. Despite the [[Squick]] factor, it may double as a [[Crowning Moment of Funny]].
* [[This Is Sparta]]: Jim's reaction to Gordon's doctor friend. Despite the [[Squick]] factor, it may double as a [[Crowning Moment of Funny]].
{{quote| '''Jim''': That... is a ''man's''... '''head'''.}}
{{quote|'''Jim''': That... is a ''man's''... '''head'''.}}
* [[Thong of Shielding]]: Miss East
* [[Thong of Shielding]]: Miss East
* [[Traintop Battle]]: Between James West and Loveless' Native American henchman.
* [[Traintop Battle]]: Between James West and Loveless' Native American henchman.
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* [[Trigger Happy]]: Jim West.
* [[Trigger Happy]]: Jim West.
** Actually [[Lampshaded]] by the President: "And you, West. Not every situation calls for your patented approach of shoot first, shoot later, shoot some more, and then when everybody's dead try to ask a question or two."
** Actually [[Lampshaded]] by the President: "And you, West. Not every situation calls for your patented approach of shoot first, shoot later, shoot some more, and then when everybody's dead try to ask a question or two."
* [[Two Person Pool Party]]: Jim and a buxom lady in a water tower
* [[Two-Person Pool Party]]: Jim and a buxom lady in a water tower
* [[Ulysses S Grant]]: The president in charge. Artemus disguises himself as Grant twice.
* [[Ulysses S. Grant]]: The president in charge. Artemus disguises himself as Grant twice.
** Ironically, according to some historians, this film is actually one of the more dignified portrays of Grant on film, showing him as a tough, calm, and collected leader as he was in [[Real Life]]. Most film portrayals have either exacerbated his reputation for drunkenness or have thrown Grant into the background.
** Ironically, according to some historians, this film is actually one of the more dignified portrays of Grant on film, showing him as a tough, calm, and collected leader as he was in [[Real Life]]. Most film portrayals have either exacerbated his reputation for drunkenness or have thrown Grant into the background.
* [[Underside Ride]]: Jim West does this, using a cart designed to let him move between the train they were on, and a chase train. Unfortunately, the rope connecting him breaks.
* [[Underside Ride]]: Jim West does this, using a cart designed to let him move between the train they were on, and a chase train. Unfortunately, the rope connecting him breaks.
* [[Universal Drivers License]]: Artemus Gordon has a Universal Pilot's License. [[Justified Trope|Justified,]] since everything we see him driving was INVENTED by him. The only exception is the Spider Tank, which he did not invent and is seen having severe trouble with the first time he tries to steer it.
* [[Universal Driver's License]]: Artemus Gordon has a Universal Pilot's License. [[Justified Trope|Justified,]] since everything we see him driving was INVENTED by him. The only exception is the Spider Tank, which he did not invent and is seen having severe trouble with the first time he tries to steer it.
** In fact, in the end as they ride off into the sunset on the Spider Tank, it looks like ''West'' is the one at the controls.
* [[US Marshal]]: Artemus Gordon. Also {{spoiler|Coleman, the train's engineer}}.
* [[US Marshal]]: Artemus Gordon. Also {{spoiler|Coleman, the train's engineer}}.
* [[Villain Opening Scene]]: It starts with Colonel MacGrath and the death of a scientist.
* [[Villain Opening Scene]]: It starts with Colonel MacGrath and the death of a scientist.
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{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
{{Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Picture}}
⚫
[[Category:Index of Film Westerns]]
[[Category:Golden Raspberry Award]]
[[Category:Golden Raspberry Award]]
[[Category:Films of the 1990s]]
[[Category:Films of the 1990s]]
[[Category:Wild Wild West]]
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]
[[Category:Film]]
[[Category:Film]]
⚫
[[Category:Film Westerns]]
[[Category:The Wild Wild West]]
[[Category:Films Based on TV Series]]

Latest revision as of 02:37, 7 November 2021

It's a whole new west, alright.

Wild Wild West is a 1999 Cattle Punk comedy film starring Will Smith and Kevin Kline. It is The Film of the Series of The Wild Wild West — technically.

The plot, taking place during the presidency of Ulysses S. Grant, concerns government agents Jim West and Artemus Gordon attempting to prevent a renewal of the Civil War by amputee Southern Scientist Dr. Arliss Loveless and his giant mechanical spider. Just roll with it.

The movie did well at the box office since it was helmed by Men in Black director Barry Sonnenfeld reuniting him with Will Smith. Critics however were on the fence about it since the film didn't resemble the TV show much (Will Smith being cast as the lead role especially sparked off backlash). Added to the fact the pacing is uneven and often times throws out information that would've been best known earlier (Jim's backstory for example). Adding insult to injury, it won the 1999 Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Picture and Screenplay (with Robert Conrad, star of the TV show, picking them up as a protest).

That said however, the film was praised for its special effects and creativity of steampunk tools and often regarded as a Cult Classic just for its fun premise.

Tropes used in Wild Wild West (film) include:
  • Acting for Two: Kevin Kline as both Gordon and President Grant, including instances of Talking to Himself.
  • All There in the Manual: The novelization explains how Jim West survived the 80 foot fall.
  • And Then I Said: Artemus, while discussing Rita Escobar.
  • And Starring: In one theatrical poster: "And Kenneth Branagh."
  • Armed Legs: Jim West's blade-equipped shoes
  • Artistic License: Biology: In the scene where Loveless first appears, he goes on a rant where he lists all the body parts he lost in the accident where he was left for dead, including 35 feet of small intestine; which is about ten more feet than the typical adult's small intestine.
  • Artistic License History:
    • An early scene shows the Capitol Building in Washington under construction; the actual building was completed in 1800, decades before the setting of this film.
    • A scene after that shows sheep grazing on the White House lawn. President Woodrow Wilson did that, but Grant did not.
    • At the end of the movie, West and Gordon become founding members of the Secret Service, an organization that, according to Grant, has the specific intent to protect the President. Which is, in fact, not the original purpose of the Secret Service, or truly the current purpose. The Secret Service has always been a branch of the U.S. Treasury tasked with investigating crimes involving counterfeiting and forgery, protecting the President is a secondary task. And there was no formal group who had such a purpose until 1901, in response to the assassination of President William McKinley.
  • Artistic License Physics: The trap neckbraces have some truly inconsistent magnetism (the braces only attract themselves after Gordon hits them with a stone, the buzzsaws they're attracting rarely go in a straight line...).
  • Batman Cold Open: Jim West and Artemus Gordon vs. General McGrath in the saloon.
  • Beard of Evil: Loveless has once of the most bizarre styles of beard in film history. Seriously, is that supposed to be a goatee? Whatever it is, it does make him look pretty evil.
  • Belly Dancer: Jim West as "Ebonia", in a last ditch attempt to stall the meeting of Dr. Loveless and America's enemies and kill Loveless.
  • Black Vikings: Jim West as a U.S. Army captain in 1869. Noted to be highly unusual.
  • Blade Below the Shoulder: A Mook has swords that snap out of his wrists.
  • Bodyguard Babes: Amazonia, Munitia, Miss Lippenrieder and Miss East.
  • Briar Patching: Subverted. Artemus attempts to have Dr. Loveless capture him, dressed as Ulysses S. Grant, to lure him away from the real Ulysses. Loveless takes them both.
    • Also, when Artemus is caught and about to be executed, he begs to be "shot in my heart, which has loved this country so much" because he is wearing his prototype for a bullet proof vest. Unfortunately, it doesn't work.

Loveless: Shoot him in the head.
Artemus: Damn.

Loveless: "After all that, you missed?"
Gordon: "Actually I didn't."

West: That's a man's head...

West: That was not sleeping gas!
Gordon: No, the 8-ball is an incendiary bomb.

Gordon (chuckling maniacally) Oh ho ho, I see. Now I'm the "master of this mechanical stuff." As opposed to five minutes ago, when I was calmly and coolly trying to find a solution to this very problem. But then something happened. Someone, who will remain nameless...
(throws back his head and screams)
JIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIM!!! WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEST!!!

Dr. Loveless: I am a visionary! I am a genius! And now I am angry!

Gordon: [deadpan] And now we have to run.

Jim: That... is a man's... head.

  • Thong of Shielding: Miss East
  • Traintop Battle: Between James West and Loveless' Native American henchman.
  • Trap Door: On the command deck of Loveless' giant spider.
  • Trashcan Bonfire: The former Confederate soldiers have some at their meeting place.
  • Trigger Happy: Jim West.
    • Actually Lampshaded by the President: "And you, West. Not every situation calls for your patented approach of shoot first, shoot later, shoot some more, and then when everybody's dead try to ask a question or two."
  • Two-Person Pool Party: Jim and a buxom lady in a water tower
  • Ulysses S. Grant: The president in charge. Artemus disguises himself as Grant twice.
    • Ironically, according to some historians, this film is actually one of the more dignified portrays of Grant on film, showing him as a tough, calm, and collected leader as he was in Real Life. Most film portrayals have either exacerbated his reputation for drunkenness or have thrown Grant into the background.
  • Underside Ride: Jim West does this, using a cart designed to let him move between the train they were on, and a chase train. Unfortunately, the rope connecting him breaks.
  • Universal Driver's License: Artemus Gordon has a Universal Pilot's License. Justified, since everything we see him driving was INVENTED by him. The only exception is the Spider Tank, which he did not invent and is seen having severe trouble with the first time he tries to steer it.
    • In fact, in the end as they ride off into the sunset on the Spider Tank, it looks like West is the one at the controls.
  • US Marshal: Artemus Gordon. Also Coleman, the train's engineer.
  • Villain Opening Scene: It starts with Colonel MacGrath and the death of a scientist.
  • Volleying Insults: West and Loveless do this at every opportunity; Loveless with a racist tone and West ridiculing Loveless' lack of legs and newfound shortness.
  • Wardrobe Malfunction: The bottom falls out of Salma Hayek's pajamas.
  • Water Tower Down: How Jim West meets some former Confederate soldiers.
  • What a Drag: Gordon, holding a high-powered magnet, is pulled toward a railroad track and dragged through the desert sands on the way.
  • A Worldwide Punomenon: Jim West's and Loveless' Volleying Insults.
  1. ↑ Ironically, this is one of the few aspects of the film that is true to the TV series, as Markowitz was never credited with writing the theme there either (long story).
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