Sunday, December 04, 2005
REVIEW: WALK THE LINE
Much has ben made of the fact that Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon do their own singing in this film, and much should be made - they are wonderful! The film tells the story of Johhny Cash (Phoenix, Ladder 49) and his rise in music and his love with June Carter (Witherspoon, Just Like Heaven). Director James Mangold (Identity) pulled together a tremendous cast to tell a story that he'd been wanting to tell for several years. We see young versions of Elvis Presley (Tyler Hilton, TV's One Tree Hill), Jerry Lee Lewis (newcomer Waylon Payne), and Waylon Jennings (played by Waylon's son, Shooter Jennings). Ginnifer Goodwin (Win a Date With Tad Hamilton) plays Cash's first wife, Vivian, and should receive awards kudos for her role. Robert Patrick (Ladder 49) plays Cash's abusive, mean-spirited father. We follow Cash through his childhood, where he loses his brother in a freak accident, up to when he finally marries June Carter. Wonderful film - a must see!Official Website: http://www.walkthelinethemovie.com/
Trivia: It took four years for the producers to secure the rights to the story from James Keach who is a friend of Johnny Cash and his family. After Keach agreed, it took another four years to get the film made. Sony, Universal, Focus Features, Paramount, Columbia Pictures, and Warner Bros. all passed on the project.
Grade: 5 out of 5 Lone Stars
