Songwriter

Rating:
Summary: +1/2. Cute Willie Nelson vs. Nashville caper film
Review: A fast-paced, fluffy film about the "outlaw country" lifestyle. Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson play Doc Jenkins and Blackie Buck, two grizzled road warriors who will only face life on their own terms, come what may. Early in the film, Doc gives up life on the road and tries to make it big as a record producer in Nashville; his evil, unscrupulous business partner royally screws him in the contract negotiations, and Willie spends the rest of the film trying to get out from under his thumb. For his part, when onscreen Kristofferson mostly just smiles and acts carefree and high on life. Leslie Ann Warren opens up a gaping black hole of talentlessness and tunelessness, improbably cast as the "next big thing" country star that Doc and Blackie pin their hopes on -- it's all very well and fine, except that the gal can't sing her way out of a paper bag. Regardless, this is a fun film, a nice chance to see Willie, in particular, be completely charming. Some fun songs, too, though at times a bit heavy on the '80s rock influences.

Rating:
Summary: +1/2. Cute Willie Nelson vs. Nashville caper film
Review: A fast-paced, fluffy film about the "outlaw country" lifestyle. Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson play Doc Jenkins and Blackie Buck, two grizzled road warriors who will only face life on their own terms, come what may. Early in the film, Doc gives up life on the road and tries to make it big as a record producer in Nashville; his evil, unscrupulous business partner royally screws him in the contract negotiations, and Willie spends the rest of the film trying to get out from under his thumb. For his part, when onscreen Kristofferson mostly just smiles and acts carefree and high on life. Leslie Ann Warren opens up a gaping black hole of talentlessness and tunelessness, improbably cast as the "next big thing" country star that Doc and Blackie pin their hopes on -- it's all very well and fine, except that the gal can't sing her way out of a paper bag. Regardless, this is a fun film, a nice chance to see Willie, in particular, be completely charming. Some fun songs, too, though at times a bit heavy on the '80s rock influences.

Rating:
Summary: One of the Greatest Willie Movies Ever!!!
Review: Bless my soul, this movie is finally coming to DVD!!! This has to be one of the greatest Willie Nelson movies ever (this and Barbarosa). It is smartly written and has a certain chemistry about it. Everything just fits. It is a wonderful gem of a movie that I'm glad will no longer be one of the moritorium VHS titles. If you're a Willie fan, it's a must own. If you're somewhat curious, check this movie out. You won't be disappointed.

Rating:
Summary: One of the Greatest Willie Movies Ever!!!
Review: Bless my soul, this movie is finally coming to DVD!!! This has to be one of the greatest Willie Nelson movies ever (this and Barbarosa). It is smartly written and has a certain chemistry about it. Everything just fits. It is a wonderful gem of a movie that I'm glad will no longer be one of the moritorium VHS titles. If you're a Willie fan, it's a must own. If you're somewhat curious, check this movie out. You won't be disappointed.

Rating:
Summary: fun movie - great soundtrack
Review: Dr. Drew Casper PhD., Professor of Critical Studies at U.S.C.'s School of Cinema/Television lamented the lack of Oscar(tm) consideration for this as "one of the best pictures of the year"(1984). As one of his former students, I concurred wholeheartedly. Having seen this movie 3 times upon it's very limited original theatrical release, and countless times since, I think it's a shame the studio didn't know how to market this as a universally appealing Musical Comedy. Produced before the heyday day of The Sundance Film Festival, and before studios knew how to market Independent Films, this hilarious movie was neglected a proper release and ignored except by the small elite group of critics who saw it on the tiniest screen of Hollywood's Beverly Center and in film school. Everyone loved it! Tri-Star mistakenly thinking a movie starring Country Music legends Willie Nelson and Kris Kristoffersen would only appeal in the South, stifled it's theatrical run by limiting it's release to cities south of the Mason Dixon Line. But this movie is actually a very, witty, and fairly sophisticated comedy better suited to a wider City Slicker and Art House movie crowd. As a native San Franciscan who cannot stomach Country music, I made its Soundtrack the first (and last) Country Music record purchase I ever made. I loved this movie, considering it among my top ten favorite movies of all time.

Rating:
Summary: "Songwriter" an interesting glimse of music industry
Review: I was in a Nashville music establishment in February of 2000 and heard legendary singer/songwriter Joe Sun talking about the movie "Songwriter" with Willie and Kris. I jumped on Amazon and ordered a copy. "Songwriter" is a look at the music industry through the escapades of two ornery music industry insiders (Willie and Kris) and the trail of schemes they leave behind. Willie is lovable as a singer-turned-con man. It's a fun movie to watch for music fans and fans of Willie and Kris. Real songwriters, singers, and producers will find it a little far fetched..... or simply a parady of experiences. The sound track is excellent, and Kristofferson fans will notice an early version of the song "Under the Gun" which appeared on his late 90's album "A Moment of Forever." Rip Torn and Leslie Ann Down are very entertaining in roles as dastardly promoter and a binge drinking singer respectively.

Rating:
Summary: We love it!
Review: My wife and I like to open a few stubbies of beer and settle back to watch/listen to Willie and Kris and the cast having a lot of fun. Unfortunately we have to hire it, and always have our eyes open for a copy. The script, music, acting appeals to us. Definitely one our our favourite films.

Rating:
Summary: We love it!
Review: My wife and I like to open a few stubbies of beer and settle back to watch/listen to Willie and Kris and the cast having a lot of fun. Unfortunately we have to hire it, and always have our eyes open for a copy. The script, music, acting appeals to us. Definitely one our our favourite films.