Starring:
Year of Release: 2005
Rated: PG-13
Director(s): James Mangold
Approx. Running Time: 135 minutes
Format(s): DVD
My Rating: 4 stars (Out of 5)
Trailer:
Amazon.com Product Description:
Singer. Rebel. Outlaw. Hero. With his driving freight-train chords, steel-eyed intensity and a voice as dark as the night, the legendary 'Man in Black' revolutionized music and forged his legacy as a genuine American icon. Golden Globe winners Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon star (and sing) as Johnny Cash and June Carter in this inspiring true story of one man's unwavering devotion to his sound, his message and the greatest love of his life.
My Comments:
Joaquin Phoenix does a stellar job (nevermind his SECOND Oscar snub, stupid Academy) in his role as legendary country singer Johnny Cash - even doing all of his own singing. Reese Witherspoon also does a fine job (and got the Oscar) in her role as June Carter, the love of Johnny's life.
Despite its many accolades, some people have criticized the film for focusing too much on Cash's drug abuse, but people need to remember that the purpose of a movie is to entertain. If what you want is plain facts, go watch a documentary or read a book. This is Hollywood, people.
On a side note, if you like what you hear in the movie, I also have the soundtrack on CD.
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PG-13 (MPAA)
4 Stars
2005 (Year Of Release)
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Starring:
Year of Release: 2008
Rated: Unrated
Director(s): James Mangold
Approx. Running Time: 153 minutes
Format(s): DVD
My Rating: 4 Stars (Out Of 5)
Trailer:
From Back Cover:
"One of the year's best movies" (Access Hollywood) is now one of the year's best DVDs! This definitive 2-disc Extended Cut includes an all-new cut of the film plus extended musical sequences featuring Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon, an audio commentary by Co-Writer and Director James Mangold, deleted scenes and seven in-depth featurettes about the film and the Man in Black.
ACADEMY AWARD Nominee Joaquin Phoenix (Gladiator) is Johnny Cash, the legendary Man in Black who rebelled against convention, revolutionized the world of music, and always walked his own path. But his troubled childhood, outlaw persona and unbridled talent led him on a path of reckless self-destruction. Reese Witherspoon (Sweet Home Alabam) won an OSCAR for her briliant performance as June Carter, the love of Johnny's life and the woman who ultimately must save him from himself.
"Two Big Thumbs Up!"
-Ebert & Roeper
"Terrific! The Heat Of Their Passion Fires Up The Screen!"
-Boston Herald
My Comments:
The majority of the extension in this movie is in the performance sequences, which were already wonderful even in their shortened state. Not much is added in terms of story, but the lengthening of the film doesn't take anything away, either.
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Unrated (MPAA)
4 Stars
2008
Biographical Films
Music
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