Walk the Line

Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon, Robert Patrick
Directed by: James Mangold
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama
2005

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Follows the story of Johnny Cash (Joaquin Phoenix) from his childhood to his rocky relationship with June Carter (Reese Witherspoon) as he becomes one of the nation's most popular musicians.

Review:

Tim: You've heard all the reasons why this movie is so amazing. I can tell you that they are all true. The movie tells the story of Johnny Cash remarkably well, incorporates his music beautifully, and is very entertaining. This whole movie, though it has a terrific script, is fueled by the jawdropping performances of its two stars.

Joaquin Phoenix is undeniably brilliant. He could have easily pretended to sing. By doing all his own singing, and sounding unmistakingly like Cash, he makes this movie exceptional. He is so incredible and it was a crime that he didn't win the Best Actor Academy Award.

It is shocking that with Phoenix giving such an amazing performance that this movie had room for another showstopping performance. Reese Witherspoon gives the best performance of her career as June Carter. I was in awe that this is the same girl from the Legally Blonde movies, Sweet Home Alabama, and Just Like Heaven. She is fantastic.

The movie is exactly what a musical biopic is expected to be. Its similarity to the previous year's Ray is undeniable. However, this is not exactly bad, as musical biopics are usually filled with human drama and incredibly music. Cash's music is so terrific and sounds great in conjecture with the movie.

Walk the Line is a solid piece of filmmaking. Johnny Cash lived a difficult but interesting life and his rocky courtship of June Carter is the stuff great movies are made of. You need to see this movie for the incredible acting, singing, and playing of Phoenix and Witherspoon. This alone is enough to deserve a viewing. You will thank yourself for doing so.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Ray, Gladiator, Legally Blonde, Just Like Heaven