Walk the Line
A Film Review By Clyde Ayles
THIS YEAR'S "RAY"
Last year Jamie Foxx won the academy award for his portrayal of Ray Charles. I hope the same moment happens for JOAQUIN PHOENIX for his uncanny right on the money portrayal of the late, great Johnny Cash. Joaquin does his own singing in the same low gravel voice as Mr.Cash. But this does not mean that the academy should not give a nod to REESE WITHERSPOON for her portrayal of the late June Carter Cash, Johnny's long true love, wife and at times, singing partner. The story takes us from his boyhood, where we learn that his brother died from a wicked buz saw accident, to his first recording at sun records, the same studio that started the careers of Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis. As his singing career soars higher, he goes on the road. This doe's not please his first wife (GINNIFER GOODWIN). He travels on the road with Elvis (TYLOR HILTON, looking nothing like the king) and Jerry Lee (WAYLON PAYNE, not much better). But he also travels with June Carter, a popular country singer who he has admired for a long time. We go through their ups and downs of falling in love. At the same time Johnny can not win the approval of his father (ROBERT PATRICK) who was never close to the boy, at one point saying that the wrong boy died after the death of his brother. I was and still am a big fan of Johnny Cash, being the owner of all his recordings. I felt like i was listening to him as Mr. Phoenix sang hits like "Ring OF Fire" "I Walk The Line" and many more. A nice added touch was the friendship between him and fellow singer Waylon Jennings (played here by Waylon's son, Shooter Jennings). James Mangold directed from Cash's autobiography. I'm sure that Johnny and June are giving their blessings from somewhere op there. SEE YA AT THE MOVIES CLYDE
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© 2005 Clyde Ayles