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We enjoyed it. The 2 highlights, to me, were the Folsom Prison concert scene near the end of the story, and the scene with the Columbia Records executives where Cash sums up the hypocrisy of red state Amurikans in one line.
The Folsom Prison segment, where he performs "Cocaine", is DEAD-ON ACCURATE in comparison to the actual recording (if you do not have this masterwork, go get it). Add to the fact that Joaquin Phoenix actually sings and plays, and you have the Best Actor Oscar for the year, as far as I am concerned.
The scene with the Columbia bigwigs is very telling. Cash recently started his lifetime commitment to wearing black, and was criticized for jeopardizing his stature with the "good Christians" of his fanbase who would not want him cheering up people like prisoners with a concert. Cash said "then they aren't Christians, are they?" :thumbsup:
The childhood segment is touching, with much of the same feel as "Ray" and other biopics. Anyone who has read his autobiography "Cash" knows the sorrow of his childhood all too well.
Reese Witherspoon does a fantastic job with her singing too. As June Carter, she faces down a fake Christian in one scene with much more dignity and class than anyone would have a right to do. More than I could summon anyway.
I also got a kick out of Waylon Jennings's son Shooter playing his Dad in a cameo.
My recommendation is just to enjoy this movie for what it is. No overblown special effects, cheesy CGI, or explosions. It is nice to see a HUMAN story for once. It captures a bit of early rock history with quiet affection, and makes me want to go out and get more of his albums.
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