The big screen career of "Mad Men" star January Jones has been a bit of a mixed bag. She earned acclaim and attention for her turn in Tommy Lee Jones' "The Three Burials Of Melquiades Estrada" but has otherwise floundered. The less said about "Seeking Justice" the better. And do you remember anything about her role in "X-Men: First Class" besides the lingerie she wore? Oh yeah, she was in "Unknown" too, but again, in such a throwaway, forgettable role it's not a shock it hasn't stuck in the memory. But perhaps this next endeavor will set things right.
Jones is teaming up with Ed Harris to star in the western(!) "Sweetwater." Set to be directed by Logan and Noah Miller (who previously worked with Harris on "Touching Home," and it seems they all got along), the story is set in 1886 New Mexico where a former high school teacher turns to dealing meth…..sorry, wrong project. Anyway, Jones will play a young widow who seeks revenge for the murder of her husband at the hands of a "brutal sheep rancher" (first time those words have ever been together). Harris will play the Sheriff who helps her along the way. Honestly, sounds like a pretty nifty concept and any reason to get Harris back in "Appaloosa" mode is good enough for us.
But this should also be a nice showcase for Jones, whose got chops even if they are underrated. Production kicks off in July. [Deadline]