WALK THE LINE or "RAY with White People"

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 11/18/05 at 9:53pm

Just got back from seeing this new flick. Okay, so the film is completely solid. But God was I bored. Call it a major case of been-there-done-that-itis. Its like CINDERELLA MAN meets COLE MINERS DAUGHTER meets every biopic from the past twenty years. Or as one woman said on the way out: its "RAY with white people."

Why is it every movie about a "real" person has to start with a traumatic childhood event that is later echoed at some major point in the lead character's life. Where is the originality?

Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon both give lovely performances (and impress with their singing of the roles), but for as much Oscar buzz is being hyped about their performances, I'd be terribly disappointed if these ended up being the "best" performances of the year.

I'd give the film **1/2 stars our of 4

[Glebb]

Posted: 11/18/05 at 9:56pm

If it's as good as Coal Miner's Daughter, I'll enjoy it.

[Pinguin]

Posted: 11/18/05 at 9:58pm

Your analysis doesn't surprise me...it'll be interesting to see.

[Corine2]

Posted: 11/18/05 at 10:43pm

MB,
I liked it but it needed editing. How many pill scenes did they really need.
I would have loved more romance time. That actor is hot!
It was not as solid as it could have been with some minor tweaking.
But the two leads were worthy of awards.
Updated On: 11/18/05 at 10:43 PM

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 11/18/05 at 10:50pm

There were so many dolls in this movie I expected NEELY O'HARA to show up....speaking of...how fun would Reese be in THAT role??

[EvelynNesbit1906]

Posted: 11/18/05 at 10:52pm

I liked the film. "Ray with white people" is what I've been calling it to a friend. It's very formulaic; however, Reese Witherspoon impresses with her singing and acting (as usual). The opening and closing scenes are worth the price of admission.

Would say more but I'm busy.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 11/18/05 at 10:58pm

I just got home from seeing it, too and had the same reaction as MB. A well-done, but very by-the-numbers biopic that was never less than competent in any department, but never was surprising in any way and never achieved anything approaching a transcendent moment throughout. If Hollywood must produce a half dozen of these films every year, why must 99% of them stick to the exact same formula? I mean it was fine, but nothing special, especially compared to classic biopics such as Raging Bull, Goodfellas, Lawrence of Arabia, Schindler's List, Patton, etc......

Phoenix and Witherspoon were very good (Witherspoon really has a heck of a voice), as was Robert Patrick as the cliched impossible to please father.

It's worth-seeing, just don't go in expecting to be blown away.

Updated On: 11/18/05 at 10:58 PM

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 11/18/05 at 11:00pm

I really want to see it, but I caught some footage on TV this evening, and Reese has a LOVELY voice! She's adorable.

[Corine2]

Posted: 11/18/05 at 11:00pm

I found it interesting but my best friend took a two hour nap.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 11/18/05 at 11:06pm

Wonder how Reese's dancing is? She's a bit old, but perhaps with the right makeup she could play Charity!

[Glebb]

Posted: 11/18/05 at 11:06pm

In a new film version I would hope.
Please close that show!

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 11/18/05 at 11:07pm

*whispers to Glebb* sarcasm, honey.

[EvelynNesbit1906]

Posted: 11/18/05 at 11:08pm

There were so many dolls in this movie I expected NEELY O'HARA to show up....speaking of...how fun would Reese be in THAT role??
----------------
The hairstyles were almost EXACTLY the same as in Valley of the Dolls, weren't they?

Reese did sing very well. She has such a cute voice.

I wasn't very familiar with Cash's music. When he sang that awful first song about being happy with the Lord, I was just dreading the next two hours. Fortunately that was the only song (according to the film) that he performed in that style.

I did fall asleep very briefly but I think that's less because I was bored (though sometimes I was) than because Chicago's cold weather puts me in a near hypothermic state.

[Glebb]

Posted: 11/18/05 at 11:11pm

I just laughed out loud, a little. :)

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 11/18/05 at 11:50pm

I didn't fall asleep but in front of me was this little ancient German couple. They were apparently both hard of hearing because before the film started they were talking incredibly LOUD and then they put on headsets to listen to the actual movie. But both fell asleep about five minutes in and woke up during the prison concert ("VHAT HAPPENED??")

I did enjoy the campy moment where Mama Carter chases away Johnny's drug dealer with a shotgun.
Updated On: 11/18/05 at 11:50 PM

[cathywellerstein]

Posted: 11/19/05 at 2:26am

ray with white people. hahaha. that really had me laughing.

i'm interested in seeing this. i saw small clips with reese singing and i loved her voice as well. i think she's a great actress as is joaquin who i'd see in anything.