That Slow Burning Country Man Heats Up The Screen

Rating: 9/10 (21 November 2005)

It's great to see a movie where talent shines and music rocks! When I first saw that preview, it was a bit strange to see Reese as a brunette. Now I can't imagine her going back to just a blonde. She is fantastic in this film and shows how truly talented she has always been. She also does some really good singing. She is also a perfect match for a man who gives a fiery performance, as the man in black.
Phoenix's intense portrayal of the man who must endure a life of pain and conflicting emotions is a refreshing country biography, after so many films that a bit self-important in their over-adoration of their biographical tributes. Here is man, whose major accomplishment is to share with us how life treats him, who is unable to conquer his demons easily, and who is lucky enough to find a match for him in his travels through life.
Not a big fan of country music myself, but I couldn't help going with the beat and admiring every one of the numbers that Ms. Witherspoon and Mr. Phoenix recreate for us in the screen. Here is a film that should be honored later in the year. It certainly ranks as an honest and entertaining film, one that shows admiration for the man it portrays, doesn't sanctify, condemn, or dehumanize him in any way to suit the studios or satisfy the masses. As a matter of fact, one of the most bone-chilling moments is seeing that zealot in the middle of the film criticize June in the store. It is horrible to see our losing the ability to understand and truly see ourselves. The film is fair and gives everyone a chance to show how music can somehow at least help us go on and deal with life.