Synopsis:

The story of Johnny Cash has been one that I have known for a long period of time and my biggest complaint with Walk The Line is that it didn't tell enough of it.  Walk The Line is told in a way that suggests it encompasses all there was to know about Johnny Cash and it doesn't even come close.  A hostage taking of his family and Johnny's amazing rise to one of the most vocal evangelical musicians on the planet are completely dismissed by the writer of this film.

The Freak's Rating: C+ : My father has a unique story related to Johnny Cash.  For those who don't know him, he was a greaser growing up.  Characteristics of my old man include cigarettes rolled up in his shirt sleeve, white t-shirt heavy wardrobe, slicked back hair, working on his car every free minute of his day and not shying away from any fight that might popup.  Johnny Cash was one of his heroes.  As a young man, my father wrote a letter to Johnny at Sun records, his earlier recording studio.  He made a request that if Johnny outlived him, that Johnny perform at his funeral, playing "may the circle be unbroken".  Johnny replied yes.

Of course now that Johnny has passed, the deal won't come to fruition, but it was still a little piece of history that made me think Mr Cash was as cool as you could be.  "May the circle be unbroken" was one of Johnny's later hits in his career and was played at my grandmother's funeral (my Dad's mother).  It fit the moment perfectly and is one of my great memories in life.  Hearing those words played out made me imagine that my father, a man known for not displaying much emotion, must have feelings deep down.

The story of Johnny Cash has been one that I have known for a long period of time and my biggest complaint with Walk The Line is that it didn't tell enough of it.  Walk The Line is told in a way that suggests it encompasses all there was to know about Johnny Cash and it doesn't even come close.  A hostage taking of his family and Johnny's amazing rise to one of the most vocal evangelical musicians on the planet are completely dismissed by the writer of this film.

Johnny's story with June, which the movie focuses on, is an interesting one I'll give you.  However, it is a story that has been told in essentially every docudrama on a musician you've seen.  Brian & I were discussing it recently.  It always goes the same way...boy grows up poor, usually fights some tragedy in youth, boy always dreams of playing music, boy gets chance on a fluke, boy does well, boy gets a gig, boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl back, blah blah blah. 

Though some scenes are filmed with lots of style (Folsom prison scenes) and Joaquin Phoenix does a good job with vocals, the film falls a little short.  Witherspoon seems rather grown up in the role, which is nice to see.  The supporting cast of the film is adequate with no real standout performances.  The music is, of course, wonderful.  Joaquin can't live up to the coolness of the man in black and perhaps no one can.

Sebastian's Rating: B : the movie is long but atleast it's interesting, and the actors did a good job so i think this movie deserves a B

Jen's Rating: B : This was a decent movie.  It's a pretty typical rock star movie.  I did like Ray better which came out around the same time.  I don't have a desire to watch this again though or have a need to own it.  Enjoyed the music :)

Brian's Rating: B- : Joaquin Phoenix, the brother of overdosed River Phoenix, has been little known to me until this film.  This movie is a cinematic biography of the life of Johnny Cash.  I went into the movie knowing almost nothing about Johnny Cash except the title to 3 of his more popular songs.  The movie was about what you would expect from the biography of a music star.  Came from nothing, caught a break, got famous, entangled in drugs, cheated on his wife, busted up marriage, and eventually marries his childhood love.  The story is slightly interesting from a, "I didn't know that" perspective, but otherwise it kind of drags on.  The highlighted music in the film is very good, and he does an excellent job in his adaptation of Johnny Cash.  He did the vocals himself, and I have to say I was very impressed.  Even though I have seen films with Joaquin before, I never really took note of him.  This performance is noteworthy.  Reese Witherspoon plays June Carter, his female interest, and she does an excellent job with the role.  I would recommend the movie, but it would not be a strong recommendation.  At least it wasn't a waste of my time.

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