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Young Guns II (1990)

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Movie Summary: Young Guns II (1990)



Young Guns II is the sequel to the 1988 Western hit Young Guns. The film continues the story of Billy the Kid, focusing on the final years of his life as he becomes one of the most hunted outlaws in the American West. The movie blends action, historical myth, and emotional character arcs, creating a dramatic and fast-paced retelling of Billy’s legendary last ride.

Plot Summary

An Old Man’s Confession

The film begins with an elderly man named Brushy Bill Roberts, who claims he is actually Billy the Kid and wants a pardon.
Through his storytelling, the film unfolds as a long flashback to Billy’s past.

The Breakup of the Regulators

After the events of the first film, the Regulators have gone their separate ways.
Billy the Kid (Emilio Estevez) is still an outlaw, trying to keep his fractured group alive.

Former friend Doc Scurlock has retired from outlaw life, while Chavez y Chavez remains loyal to Billy.
A new member, Arkansas Dave Rudabaugh, joins them—ambitious, cocky, and eager to outshine Billy.

Pursued by Pat Garrett

Governor Lew Wallace promises Billy a pardon if he testifies about the Lincoln County War. Billy agrees—but the deal is betrayed.

The governor appoints Pat Garrett, once Billy’s friend and fellow Regulator, as the new sheriff tasked with hunting him down.
Torn between loyalty and duty, Garrett becomes Billy’s relentless pursuer.

Escape and Betrayal

Billy is imprisoned but stages a daring escape, showcasing his trademark charm, boldness, and deadly skill.
As he flees, the group begins falling apart due to:

  • exhaustion,

  • internal conflict,

  • and Garrett’s tightening chase.

The journey becomes a desperate fight for survival rather than glory.

Final Confrontation

The tension peaks as Pat Garrett corners Billy in Fort Sumner.
The film portrays the famous moment where Garrett supposedly shoots Billy the Kid, cementing the outlaw’s death in history.

But the movie adds a twist—suggesting Billy survived and lived on as the elderly man telling the story.

Ending

The film returns to the present day with Brushy Bill being denied his pardon.
He dies soon after, leaving his claim unresolved and adding to the lasting mystery surrounding Billy the Kid’s fate.


Overall Themes

  • Loyalty vs. betrayal

  • Fame and legend vs. reality

  • The loneliness of outlaw life

  • How stories create American mythology

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