The Shootist is a solid Western with some deeper themes to its center, making the connection between the lead character and the lead actor strong given that the film is the last John Wayne ever did.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Apr 30, 2024

Don Siegel’s 1976 western The Shootist stars John Wayne in his final film appearance, though it’s perhaps just as notable for the muted nature of its regard for the pathology of violence.

| Apr 11, 2024

Wayne is still both kinds of moving -- it’s the movie that’s sclerotic.

| Jun 22, 2022

An elegiac Western for Wayne.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | May 30, 2021

There's nothing in The Shootist you haven't seen done many times before and done better.

| Jun 22, 2020

[John Wayne] gives one of his most controlled and intelligent performances.

| Oct 23, 2019

Eloquent last hurrah for a man who superseded mere movie-star status to become an icon of American culture

| Original Score: 4/5 | Nov 20, 2017

This was John Wayne's last movie and it turned out to be a fitting tribute to a great talent.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Nov 20, 2017

A note-perfect epitaph to Wayne's impressive cinematic legacy.

| Original Score: 5/5 | Nov 20, 2017

Simply beautiful, and beautifully simple.

| Mar 26, 2009

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Jan 21, 2009

John Wayne's very last film, an elegy for a dying cowboy, expresses the essence of his screen image, while borrowing elements from his own life.

| Original Score: B+ | Jan 13, 2007

A subtle, touching valedictory tribute to both Wayne and the Western in general.

| Feb 9, 2006

That rare film where a star and an audience get to say goodbye to each other.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Jan 19, 2006

John Wayne's swan song is a touching tribute to the legendary star and the Western.

| Original Score: A | Sep 28, 2005

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Jan 11, 2005

Duke's last is valiant, underplayed western.

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5 | Nov 1, 2004

Unless you have already discovered that John Wayne is an actor as well as a movie star, you will be surprised by the dimensions he provides for J.B. Books.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Oct 23, 2004

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Jul 2, 2004

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Feb 10, 2004