Abseloutely fantastic, best film this year

Rating: 10/10 (15 August 2006)

For the past two years, the academy awards for best actor and best actress have been dominated by performers seeking to portray real life characters. From 'Ray' to 'Capote', 'the Aviator' to 'Finding Neverland' it would seem that the biopic is well and truly on the up. As such, the arrival of yet another misty-eyed trawl through the early years of a musical legend, country crooner Johnny Cash, came as little surprise.
Coincidentally, surprises are few and far between in the actual film. It is predictable, formulaic, clichéd and cheesy in all senses  blazing talent saved from drug hell by the love of good woman. Yet, despite that, it is ridiculously enjoyable (and I'm not even joaquing)! The film focuses on the earliest (and most interesting) parts of Johnny Cash's life, from the death of his brother to the infamous gig he played at Folsom prison in 1968. This allows them to really cash in on the palpable chemistry between Witherspoon and Phoenix, as they battle his drug addiction and their feelings for each other. In fact, their performances are without doubt the best part about this film. Even with his first-rate brooding bad boy of an on screen presence, Joaquin Phoenix is overshadowed by a magnificent Reese Witherspoon. Her reese-nt Oscar victory is much deserved for a truly stunning performance.
What makes the performances even more commendable is that both Phoenix and Witherspoon sing their own songs, rather than relying on miming. This lends an authenticity to what is already a fantastic set of songs, giving the film a great buzz and atmosphere to it.