Black Snake Moan

Rating: 8/10 (12 November 2008)

I overall was expecting for this movie to be intense just after seeing the trailers and previews for it. The first time I watched it, I only ended up watching it half way through and wasn't really all that impressed because I wasn't really paying attention enough to the storyline and the actors. But as for the second time that I watched the movie, I was automatically hooked. The whole overall feeling of the south and the religious undertones were kinda soothing in a way. When Lazarus was determined to free Rae of her sinful ways, it was like releasing the devil from her body. It's got kind of a basic theme, where love is still involved but it's got a sexual twist to it I think. The soundtrack to the film was really good as well. The whole blues concept really tied in well with the tone of the movie. Never really been into movies or anything but from the works that I've seen Samuel L. Jackson do, I wasn't too shocked that his performance was on point. I love how he really took his character seriously and really nailed the whole grittiness of the film. Christina Ricci was also excellent in this film. I don't think there are really any other actresses out there that could have performed this part and really brought the character of Rae to life. The only thing I would have to say would be the role of Justin Timberlake when he portrayed Ronnie, the military boyfriend was discharged from the military and came back into town just in time to witness Rae and Lazarus's relationship unfold. I don't really think he was the best choice in casting him as the anxious and intense character that Ronnie was. I mean, it's Justin Timberlake. I'm a fan of his music, but sometimes there are those few individuals who are better kept singing and not merging with the movie industry. What really surprised me though was the little money that the movie ended up making. Really overall, I think the movie was excellent for an independent film. Too bad it didn't turn out to be something greater.