Art impersonates Life?

Rating: 9/10 (6 December 2005)

Wow! What a ride! This is the first "over two hours" movie I've seen that left me wanting more. The most telling thing about this movie for me was that I was fortunate enough to see Johnny Cssh and June at the Merrit Mountain Music Festival some years ago. I remember thinking I really wasn't that big a fan and did I really want to see him? Boy, was I glad I went! When he came out said that famous intro, "hello. I'm Johnny Cash", well, the crowd went nuts and I got chills up my spine. When Phoenix said the line, I got the same chills. Talk about a "bang on" performance.
And Reece, well, one rarely falls in love with a character on screen, but she had me from the start. She had it all - the looks, the humor, the feisty girl, and the singing - wow! They brought a fresh new joy to all of the music and I was left wanting more. As a former musician, for me the director caught the excitement of "making it" to a tee. When the movie ended, somewhat abruptly, I was left wishing there was another hour of seeing these two great, truly talented performers, keep singing and wowing me. I can't wait to buy it and play it over and over.