[Yellow Jacket]

Walk the Line


The Lowdown:
A retelling of Johnny Cash's (Joaquin Phoenix, Ladder 49) life and relationship with June Carter (Reese Witherspoon, Just Like Heaven).

Review:
I was always curious when this movie was released if it was just an Oscsar cash-in to Ray. Don't get me wrong I thought it looked great, but this thought always crossed my mind. Especially while viewing Walk the Line.
The first 45 minutes into this film (it clocks in at 2 hours and 15 minutes) were very boring, dull, and seemed to drag on forever. I had a bad feeling that this is how the whole movie was going to turn out. But, I was relieved to find out that it wasn't. Once we get past Johnny's childhood, we get into his life as an aspiring musician, and this is the gas that gets the engine going. At first, the record dealer didn't like Johnny, but, of course, he eventually started playing his "own" songs and got a contract.
Then comes in June Carter, the love interest. I'm not going to say much about her, but that she's hot, funny, and has a good singing voice. Anyway, Johnny falls for her, but we're (or at least I was) confused by her emotions. Now, normally I'd count this as a negative for a movie, but I'm pretty sure this is how she acted. Blah, blah, blah, he makes move on her, she flips out, blah, blah, blah, they try to work things out, blah, blah, blah. Johnny's life was just to damn complicated!
Though there was a lot of shit to figure out, the director held it together well. The acting was great here, but I can't say the same for the supporting actors. They seemed liked bums just pulled off of the street (which they probably were). But, who really gives a rat-ass about them?!? The scenry was nice, and kept in touch with the time period. Yes, there's a happy ending, but that was Johnny's life, so no complaining from me.
Aside from the dull first 45 minutes and bad supporting actors, Walk the Line is one of the few dramas that is definitely worth a watch! Oh, and Return, if you're still renting Oscar-nominated movies, I highly suggest this one! You won't be disappointed (well, at least I hope not)!

Verdict:
4 out of 5 stars