Walk the Line: Now In Theatres

Superior to last year's Ray and on par with 1980's Coal Miner's Daughter, Walk the Line begins in the buildup to an electric performance at Folsom Prison, then flashes back decades earlier. Not once during the next hours does the film ever lose the energy the first scene provides, ultimately building like a great Cash tune. Having an intense on screen chemistry in breathtaking performances, Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon bring Johnny Cash and the love of his life June Carter to vivid life. These aren't just the legends you see on screen. These are fully rounded characters instead of just bangup impressions - the area Ray most faltered in. Witherspoon, more so than Phoenix, could cut a country album and have it go all the way to number one in a moment's notice. The actress looks fabulous in the great costume design, among the best in a fairly dry costume film year. Phoenix is deeply moving in his best performance thus far. When you watch him on screen, you forget the trouble Phoenix had in his own life and how it could be very comparable to his character. River would be proud. The film is completely standard, a classic tune you've heard many times before. But that at all doesn't mean the lead actors and director James Mangold don't bring their own verve and talent to it. The concert scenes feel alive thanks to the film's topnotch tech credits, but retain an intimacy making the crowd second hand to stage performer. You'll definately want the soundtrack, too. Among the many small turns by the supporting cast, Waylon Payne - as Jerry Lee Lewis - is the standout. Ginnifer Goodwin as Vivian Cash is the movie's most notable flaw, more because of miscasting and a bit too cliched but forgettable role. Nevertheless, this is a Hollywood crowdpleaser and one of the year's best.

Walk the Line - 9/10