Today went to the opposite end of town to drop my grandson off for a play time with a friend and rather than drive an extra hour, I puttered around, bought some new sheets and a comforter (half price - yeh!) as I was tired of sleeping on a bare mattress. I don't know how old the sheets on our bed were, but I think it would have taken Polident or Super Glue to keep them on the mattress.
Also went to see Black Snake Moan. Ok, it figures, I then came home and read the reviews. Most of them say the movie stinks. Well, number one, I love Samuel Jackson. Then, in my opinion, the movie was not as far off as the reviewers say it is. Perhaps it is the uncomfortable subject matter that makes the reviewers squirm and want to make fun of the movie as not to confront their own demons.
Ricci plays a rather pitiful, but appealing extremely promiscuous young woman, spurred on in her self-destructive behavior by post traumatic flashbacks of being abused as a child. She ends up at the side of the road, beaten to a bloody pulp, and rescued by Jackson's character who is wrestling with his own demon: anger at losing his wife to a younger brother. Jackson finds her and, for a while, chains her to the radiator in his house. (See the movie, you'll see why.) I wouldn't recommend this as any kind of therapy, but give the movie a break considering the place, time, and mindset of the characters. He gives her medicine, cleans her up, tenderly spurns the only gift she knows how to give. He also learns that each person has to live the life they choose. The preacher of the church gets involved with the girl and Jackson. Jackson is also courting a woman his own age and the courtship is adorable.
In between are some wise words about why there are blues spoken by a great blues man, Son House, and Jackson sings and picks some pretty passable blues himself! Ricci sings a rendition of a classic Sunday school song that breaks your heart as her darkness is overcome by unconditional love and care from Jackson.
About 3/4 through the movie, you begin to fear a horrible ending. But I will say no more other than to say - I think - against what the reviews say, that the movie shows what love is supposed to be - giving and healing one another.
Also went to see Black Snake Moan. Ok, it figures, I then came home and read the reviews. Most of them say the movie stinks. Well, number one, I love Samuel Jackson. Then, in my opinion, the movie was not as far off as the reviewers say it is. Perhaps it is the uncomfortable subject matter that makes the reviewers squirm and want to make fun of the movie as not to confront their own demons.
Ricci plays a rather pitiful, but appealing extremely promiscuous young woman, spurred on in her self-destructive behavior by post traumatic flashbacks of being abused as a child. She ends up at the side of the road, beaten to a bloody pulp, and rescued by Jackson's character who is wrestling with his own demon: anger at losing his wife to a younger brother. Jackson finds her and, for a while, chains her to the radiator in his house. (See the movie, you'll see why.) I wouldn't recommend this as any kind of therapy, but give the movie a break considering the place, time, and mindset of the characters. He gives her medicine, cleans her up, tenderly spurns the only gift she knows how to give. He also learns that each person has to live the life they choose. The preacher of the church gets involved with the girl and Jackson. Jackson is also courting a woman his own age and the courtship is adorable.
In between are some wise words about why there are blues spoken by a great blues man, Son House, and Jackson sings and picks some pretty passable blues himself! Ricci sings a rendition of a classic Sunday school song that breaks your heart as her darkness is overcome by unconditional love and care from Jackson.
About 3/4 through the movie, you begin to fear a horrible ending. But I will say no more other than to say - I think - against what the reviews say, that the movie shows what love is supposed to be - giving and healing one another.
And, can't help it, even old, balding, with lots of gold teeth and limping, Jackson is still one delicious man.
8 comments:
I'd like to see this one because the writer/director was the same fellow who did Hustle & Flow and that was a fantastic film.
The previews I've seen make this movie look terrible and something completely different than what you described (at least it did to me anyways). I was going to avoid it at all costs. Now, perhaps I will see it. Thanks :)
Its worth seeing - heavy subject matter but the blues, Jackson, Ricci's acting, (only Ricci could pull this role off!) The writer and director did a great job I think.....and, hey, these are real things in life - don't know where the reviewers grew up or live -
I love every character that I've seen Jackson play. I hadn't even heard of this movie. How out of step am I?
I've seen the ads but it doesn't look like something I'd spend my hard earned (ha!) cash on. Perhaps I'll rent it. Thanks for the review, though. What you've described sounds way different from what the ads indicate.
you got that right. He fine!!
I'd heard very good things about this especially from Ebert/Kevin Smith and Roeper...I am really looking forward to this movie. I'd heard the characters were really different and the acting was great. I ove Jackson too!
I am relieved you liked it...honestly, I heard this was one not to miss...must be a different mood in Chicago.
I LOVED Hustle and Flow too.
candy minx, this is one I would add to my sparse DVD library, even. I read one review where the chain was a metaphor -
I would be interested in your views after you see it.
Locally, the newspaper had a very good review. New York Times did not - Chicago must having more going on for it! Suppose?
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