'American Outlaws' a misfire

American Outlaws" is the latest in a string of teen-oriented westerns ala "Young Guns," fitting the formula to a tee. Here we have a bunch of vapid, yet aesthetically pleasing young stars in chaps, mounted on their trusty steeds. All this while spouting off poorly scribed dialogues of pride and love. \nRelatively unknown Colin Farrell headlines the film as legendary outlaw Jesse James. Farrell, who made such a triumphant debut in last year's far more capable "Tigerland," still registers well, but to a far more bland and muted degree. \n"American Outlaws" chronicles the misadventures of Jesse and his cocksure gang of desperadoes, which includes his older brother Frank (Gabriel Macht) and the obnoxious Cole Younger (Scott Caan). \nThese good ol' boys gravitate toward pilfering railroad loot from various different banks in hopes of deterring the suits from eyeing their fertile Missouri farmlands for future ventures. This band of hillbilly hooligan's form such a thorn in the sides of the railroad execs that they call upon the services of dastardly enforcer Colonel Pinkerton (former 1980s James Bond star Timothy Dalton) to vanquish the turds from this mortal coil. \nDalton walks away with the flick on the sheer unadulterated campiness. He adopts the thick Scottish brogue of a more reputable Bond actor to a hilarious effect.\nOther actors rounding out the cast include Kathy Bates as the James' boys doting, Bible-thumping mother and the striking Ali Larter as the bimbo on Jesse's arm. Both actresses bring a high cheese factor to the flick.\nLes Mayfield, the cinematic luminary behind "Encino Man," directed this misfire in a rather haphazard fashion. The action sequences are poorly edited and the film's dramatic moments are laughable at best. Perhaps Mayfield should hold off on his goal of resurrecting the great American western, and focus on more attainable tasks such as reigniting Pauly Shore's career.