Great movie, but very similar to Ray

Rating: 8/10 (29 November 2005)

First off, let me state that I am NOT a fan of Johnny Cash. I am also NOT a fan of Reese Witherspoon. I do like J. Phoenix however, and that is why I went to see this film. I was especially eager to see/hear how he pulled off his role since he played guitar and did the singing.
I was not disappointed! Recently I've gotten fed up with how "trendy" listening to Johnny Cash has become. I have a friend in a punk rock band, and when I visited him last, he was playing J.C. Since my friend is from Arkansas, I figured I'd let it slide. But, after hearing the J.C. versions of Depeche Mode and Nine Inch Nails songs on the radio vs. their own renditions, I had had enough. I made a conscious decision to not listen to Johnny Cash.
Well, during the movie I found myself tapping my feet, and wondering if I should get a greatest hits album, or pick up a few of his better albums. I have yet to buy a Cash album, but this movie was so good, I think I may end my boycott of listening to Johnny Cash. I do hope however, that the radio station I listen to plays the DM and NIN versions of the songs, and not Cash's versions.
I couldn't help but notice how similar this movie was to Ray. Not to take anything away from the casts' performances, but this is basically Ray w/a white cast. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed the movie, it was just told in a very similar manner to Ray.
Not being a Reese Witherspoon fan, I normally don't pay much attention to her. But she was incredible in her role as June Carter. She was cute, bubbly, funny, and so believable, I forgot it was her.
Mr. Phoenix was amazing as Mr. Cash. I never forgot that it was J. P, but he was fantastic. He did an incredible job w/both the singing and the guitar playing.
If Jamie Foxx deserved the Oscar for Ray, Mr. Phoenix deserves it for his role as Johnny Cash.