Movie Review: Lawless (2012)

We are family

Based on a true story, this is a gritty tale of a bootlegging family in Virginia during Prohibition.  The acting is solid, the story is engrossing, and overall it is an enjoyable film.  While it may be better than the majority of films in this genre, it still lacks the punch of Hillcoat's previous films (The Road, The Proposition).  Gary Oldman's versatility is astounding.  I didn't recognize him and it was only when I saw his name on the credits that I realized he was in the movie.  That's one of the reasons why I love him so much as an actor.

Lawless is good, but not great and gets 3 out of 5 stars!

Director: John Hillcoat
Writer: Nick Cave (screenplay), Matt Bondurant (novel)
Starring: Tom Hardy, Shia LaBeouf, Guy Pearce, Jason Clarke, Jessica Chastain, Mia Wasikowska, Dane DeHaan, Gary Oldman
Rotten Tomatoes: 67%
Metacritic: 58%

Crazy Heart (2009)

A little help from my friends

Bad Blake is a washed up country singer who has resorted to playing in dive bars and bowling alleys to make a living.  The film shows Bad at the end of his downward spiral drinking too much, staying is ratty hotels, and living a very unglamorous life.  Circumstances lead him to see that his life needs to change and get back on track.   Jeff Bridges (The Big Lebowski, True Grit) gives life to the role.   Maggie Gyllenhaal (Donnie Darko, The Dark Knight), Collin Farrell (Daredevil, Minority Report, Phone Booth) and Robert Duvall (The Godfather series, TheApostle, The Road) help to get Bad Blake on his feet again.

Crazy Heart gets a rehabilitating 4 out of 5 Poblanos!

Director: Scott Cooper

Writer: Scott Cooper, Thomas Cobb (novel)

Starring: Jeff Bridges, Maggie Gylenhall, Collin Farrel, and Robert Duvall

Rotten Tomatoes:

Metacritic: