Wild Wild West is a 1999 American steampunk Western film loosely adapted from the 1960s television series of the same name. The film was directed by Barry Sonnenfeld and written by S. S. Wilson, Brent Maddock, Jeffrey Price, and Peter S. Seaman, from a story penned by brothers Jim and John Thomas. It stars Will Smith as U.S. Marshal James West and Kevin Kline as inventor Artemus Gordon, who are ordered by President Ulysses S. Grant (Kenneth Branagh) to stop Dr. Arliss Loveless (Kenneth Branagh), a former Confederate officer who is planning to assassinate Grant and start a new civil war. The film also stars Salma Hayek as Rita Escobar, a beautiful and mysterious woman who helps West and Gordon on their mission.
The film was a box office disappointment, grossing $113.8 million worldwide against a production budget of $170 million. However, it has since developed a cult following. The film’s campy humor and over-the-top action have been praised by fans, and the film’s soundtrack, which includes Kool Moe Dee’s “Wild Wild West”, has also been well-received.
The film’s low rating is likely due to a number of factors. The film’s plot is somewhat convoluted and the characters are not particularly well-developed. The film’s special effects are also dated, and the film’s humor may not appeal to everyone. However, the film’s action sequences are well-choreographed and the film’s cast is charismatic. Overall, Wild Wild West is a fun and campy film that is worth watching for fans of the genre.