The film is set in the aftermath of the American Civil War, where tensions are high between the Union and Confederate factions. The protagonist, Jesse James (played by Colin Farrell), returns home to Missouri after fighting for the Confederacy, only to find that his family’s farm is under threat of foreclosure by the ruthless railroad tycoon, Thaddeus Rains (played by Harris Yulin).
Determined to save his family’s land, Jesse joins forces with his brother Frank James (played by Gabriel Macht) and their childhood friends, Cole Younger (played by Scott Caan) and his brothers Bob (played by Will McCormack) and Jim (played by Gregory Smith), to form the James-Younger Gang. Together, they embark on a series of bank and train robberies to raise funds and strike back against Rains and his cronies.
As the gang’s notoriety grows, they become folk heroes to the local townspeople, who view them as modern-day Robin Hoods fighting against injustice and oppression. However, they also attract the attention of Allan Pinkerton (played by Timothy Dalton), a renowned detective hired by Rains to track them down and bring them to justice.
As tensions escalate between the James-Younger Gang and Pinkerton’s men, the outlaws must rely on their wits, courage, and loyalty to evade capture and continue their fight for justice. Along the way, they encounter various challenges and obstacles, including betrayals from within their own ranks and the relentless pursuit of Pinkerton and his agents.
In a climactic showdown, the James-Younger Gang stages a daring raid on a train carrying Rains’ payroll, leading to a violent confrontation with Pinkerton and his men. Despite facing overwhelming odds, the outlaws emerge victorious, securing their place in history as legendary figures of the Old West.
In the end, Jesse James and his companions continue their exploits as outlaws, determined to uphold their principles and fight for the rights of the common people against the forces of greed and corruption.
“American Outlaws” is a thrilling and action-packed Western that offers a fictionalized retelling of the legendary tales of the James-Younger Gang. Through its dynamic action sequences, colorful characters, and exciting storyline, the film captures the spirit of adventure and rebellion that defined the American frontier during the tumultuous post-Civil War era.