Like a Phoenix, Joaquin rises from the ashes of previous films

Rating: 8/10 (1 December 2005)

My first film experience with Mr. Phoenix was with gladiator. Wow, he did a great job of creating a character that I loved to hate. Then everything went down hill; his two M Nigh films did little to impress, he had a decent enough small role in "Hotel Rwanda", but faith was lost again in Ladder 49 (yes I DID watch it, and yes it DOES suck).
But Sweet redemption is now found for him. He can die happy knowing he played a role perfectly. I'm a light Cash fan-but I am quite familiar with his music and had a basic knowledge of his life from things that I had read. Phoenix manages to actually SOUND like the Man In Black-and since his voice was what made him unique-this is a big plus. Throw in an equally amazing performance by Reese and you have a solid movie. It may not cover any new grounds in film making, but what it does -it does well.