Sling Blade

Rating:
Summary: Redneck auteur extraordinaire!
Review: A little-known fact: Billy Bob Thornton--star, director and writer of this amazing film--is the greatest southern voice since William Faulkner. This film is essential southern gothic retooled for the New South of mini-malls and subdivisions. The old demons still lurk, most graphically through Doyle (played remarkably by Dwight Yoakam). Watch for a cameo appearance from indie/y'allternative musician Vic Chesnutt! Besides being an incredibly important film about the South, it's emotional rollercoaster ride: from Carl (Thornton) and his shocking past, to the awkwardness of his first days away from institutionalization, to the amazing paternal relationship he forges with a neglected boy--the one person who will accept him unconditionally. Heart-wrenching, dark and beautiful.

Rating:
Summary: Great movie... dvd troubles?
Review: I realize that no movie is all things to all people -- that's one of the many characteristics that make us all unique. I happen to be one of the majority that loved this movie. The only trouble, and this is the reason for four stars instead of five, is that the transition to DVD seems to have been less than flawless. On my Toshiba 2109 there are many sections in the movie where the brightness flickers back and forth through several different levels. It's quite distracting in many scenes. I haven't tried the disc in another player, but I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced this phenomenon?

Rating:
Summary: Brooding, Powerful Drama
Review: Billy Bob Thornton is one of today's most talented actors. His ability to "get into" the skin of his character here is eerie. The first time I saw the film I actually thought he was a mentally challenged actor! SLING BLADE is a deeply effective drama, full of somber messages, yet with an innocent spirit of hope. I especially enjoyed John Ritter who hasn't been around in quite a while. In addition to solid acting, there is a weird soundtrack in the film which adds to the creepy mood but is perfect for the story. Though disturbing, you WILL enjoy this movie.

Rating:
Summary: one memorable show, great acting
Review: Don't miss this show, it will come back to you many times. We all loved it, very touching!

Rating:
Summary: I have this theory ...
Review: That all the critics of this movie are really the same person. Proof: They all use the terms "cardboard," "one note," and "little movie." You'll find that same person writing sparkling reviews of "Die Hard."

Rating:
Summary: Disciplined acting
Review: As actors go, this film cultivated the creme of the crop. No slick effects or absurd sex scenes were relied upon to complete this remarkable film. Billy Bob Thornton created a masterpiece based on realistic personalities and a scenario that rings true. Such a rich, deserving film and "Look ma, no animated monsters!"

Rating:
Summary: The greatest southern gothic story ever told
Review: Billy Bob Thornton is a genius, no two ways about. Not since William Faulkner, has anyone told the story of the south so vividly and passionately.

Rating:
Summary: Amazing, just like being back home!
Review: I had avoided this movie because of all the hype, but last night I finally gave in and rented it. From the beginning, I was hooked! I grew up in Arkansas and while on the way to visit my mother last spring, stopped in Benton to buy gas. I can tell you, these people still live there! Possibly, if you're not from the rural South, you may think the characters are hackneyed stereotypes, but if you grew up there, you would recognize them as members of your graduating class! My husband and I did disagree on one issue: I felt the mother was terrible and deserved Doyle because of her weakness and inability to protect Frank. She should have murdered Doyle herself, but other than that, it was one of the few movies that we both loved. A thinking person's movie, if you're looking for gratuitus sex or violence, don't waste your time.

Rating:
Summary: Having seen it, I can't stop thinking about it.
Review: I LOVED this movie. The acting was terrific and the music is great. Billy Bob Thorton does an excellent job as the retarded man. I especially loved the scene towards the end when Karl and the boy, Frank, are sitting on a stump at the boy's secret spot near a pond. Karl has come to love the boy and knows he won't be seeing him anymore because of what he is about to do (I won't tell). He tells Frank he'd like to put his arm around him and Frank says it's okay. As Karl sits there for a moment with his arm on Frank's shoulder I started feeling the tears welling up in my eyes because of the emotion this scene brought out in me. Very touching moment. There are other great scenes too, but this one I watch over and over. I will buy this video (DVD) ASAP. Hope you enjoy this movie as much as I did.

Rating:
Summary: a film about friendship
Review: Searching through the subplots and weaknesses of this film is a touching story about the true meaning of friendship. Mmm hmmm.