The Newton Boys

Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Skeet Ulrich, Ethan Hawke, Julianna Margulies, Vincent D'Onofrio, Dwight Yoakam
Directed by: Richard Linklater
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Action, Drama
1998

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: The Newton Gang rob a series of banks while avoiding capture, becoming the most successful bank robbers in U.S. history.

Review:

Tim: Early on in The Newton Boys, I started to suspect I wouldn't really care for this movie. I like Richard Linklater and the cast was solid, but a two hour period bank robber movie felt questionable to me. However, as the film went on, I grew more connected with the characters and their story. I still believe this film has its fair share of flaws, but I genuinely enjoyed the movie and would consider it a win.

The first noteworthy aspect of this movie is that it's based on a true story. There are so many of these movies- that tell an incredible story that part of you has a hard time believing. Sure, this movie takes some liberties with the Newton Gang, but it's still remarkable what they achieved. I had a legitimately fun time learning about these brothers and how they became the most successful bank robbers in American history. The story doesn't really offer much that we haven't seen in many other heist movies, but there's a good mix of drama and action and our attention never wavers for too long.

What really helps the film is the cast. I loved the casting of the four brothers. Matthew McConaughey is a talented actor and he works well as the main protagonist. He's likeable enough that we want his character to succeed. Ethan Hawke steals his scenes as the fun-loving, carefree Newton brother. McConaughey is the brains of the operation and shoulders most of the responsibility. Hawke is along for the ride and he brings great levity to the film. Skeet Ulrich does a solid job as well- he's the one who questions their actions the most, the most undecided brother. The dynamics between McConaughey, Hawke, and Ulrich are terrific. It was great fun to watch these three actors together. Vincent D'Onofrio adds a strong supporting turn as the fourth Newton brother. It felt like he got fewer opportunities than the other three to really shine, but D'Onofrio is such a talented actor that he without as much screen time as his costars, he is able to make a positive impact on the film. I thought Julianna Margulies was fine. She certainly seems more comfortable on the small screen than the large one, but she works well enough here. Dwight Yoakam adds a solid supporting performance as well. As a whole, the assembled cast is fantastic and they elevate the material.

I thought Richard Linklater did an effective job of directing the movie. He tells an interesting real-life story in a manner that is entertaining more often than it's not. The film felt a good 10 minutes too long, but our attention is never completely lost. Linklater allows time for his actors to breathe, so we get to know these characters well. As the film goes on, we hope for the best for them and there are a few intense moments as we're rooting for them to escape the law. Now, Linklater doesn't do anything so remarkable here to differentiate this film from many other similar ones. While it is entertaining as you watch, I suspect it won't be the most memorable film once several months go by. The Newton Boys is a good movie, but it's not very close to a great one.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: O Brother, Where Art Thou?; Live by Night, Bonnie and Clyde