This is a made for television western that is on par with many.....70's or 80's style television westerns. While not deplorable, it is far from what I was looking for, or expected given the high reviews here. There are some good performances. And some not so good. The story-line is interesting but not overly so. It does get better as the movie progresses.
Lou diamond Phillips does a good job in his role as Bobby Hattaway, decorated calvaryman. He retires and returns home to find his childhood friend Stu (Vincent Spano good performance) has turned into the classic greedy, corrupt, and power hungry monster without any conscience that is so common for this genre. As this becomes more evident throughout the film, conflict between the two escalates culminating in the showdown that is always necessary. Tom Schanley's character Mike Butler, an army bud of Bobby's, adds some needed color and turns in a very good performance, though small as it is. Timothy Bottoms as the sheriff gives a good performance as well.
Anyway, to me, this was not as good as is implied here, but better than the more critical reviews. It's worth watching and owning, cheap, say $5 including shipping and should be rated about 3.5 stars. If you ignore the high praises sung here, and do not expect a stellar western, and view it from that perspective, you will most likely enjoy this and watch it very infrequently as a change of pace. Thanks!