Sharp like a razor, steady like a train.

Rating: Null/10 (29 January 2006)

I liked last year's "Ray", and I didn't mind Jamie Foxx taking home the Oscar for Best Actor, but I never thought that the film was as good as many believed; it had a good soundtrack, but, like so many biopics, it failed to really convey the sheer awe that a great artist can inspire. With "Walk the Line", however, James Mangold has struck a live wire.
First, I've never been a huge fan of Johnny Cash or his wife June Carter Cash; I was aware of their music, and knew some of their songs, but I was never a devotee. My favourite Cash performance was his guest voice on "The Simpsons." I really can't judge Joaquin Phoenix's performance on its resemblance to the real Cash; all I can say that it is a great performance that works on its own terms. Reese Witherspoon is the same with June; there is an extensive supporting cast of a good actors, especially Waylon Payne as Jerry Lee Lewis (much better than Dennis Quaid).
There are several terrific musical sequences in this film, none better than the Phoenix/Witherspoon duet of "It Ain't Me, Babe" that, for me, betters Dylan's own version (sorry Bob, you got a talent for penning lyrics, but not for singing them).
I give "Walk the Line" a 10/10.