Destined to be a classic 'sports' film

One of my friends saw the film last night (she is a so-so BBT fan, having loved "Sling Blade", but thinks BB hasn't topped it yet). She liked "Friday Night Lights" OK, but thought her overall disappointment in the film was due to it being much too hyped by the media.
No surprise that my reaction was the opposite. I though FNL was an even better film that I expected.
This true story would have lost something if it had been written as fiction I think. Script writers seem to be driven to make life even out.
The idea that what the viewer is seeing is 'reality' lends grit and substance to this story of Odessa and the town's obsession with football in this highlighted year of what is a very long history.
There are so many issues brought to light and the issues themselves offer so many varied sides to the facts, it leaves the viewer with much to ponder and certainly with mixed emotions and reactions.
One thing I was definitely not conflicted about was Billy Bob's performance. It was sterling. To all the nay-sayers who I have heard say, "he always just plays himself", this year alone should point out the error of this belief. He was: Davy Crockett, a frontiersman; Willie, a unique Santa Claus; and Gray Gaines, a true southern high-school coach. Is Billy Bob actually all these people? Perhaps now it will come clear to many new fans, he only 'seems' to be portraying himself because he is such a tremendous talent he totally makes the viewer believe he IS the character.
This film was very well cast all around. Tim McGraw (and I am not a TM fan, so I can appreciate talent other than because of my obvious bias when it comes to BB) was excellent. I have to admit, I kept picturing Dwight Yoakam in the role, but that didn't distract me from recognizing the acting talent of Tim. Who would have ever thought it? Much the same way Dwight emerged as a fine actor in "Sling Blade", McGraw revealed a side of his creativity we have never before seen.
Lucas Black (Mike Winchell) was a true find as a young actor ('Sling Blade' and 'Crazy in Alabama') and he continues to grow in his craft. In his easy acting ability, he reminds me of a young Billy Bob. Garrett Hedlund (Don Billingsley) and Derek Luke (Boobie Miles) were extremely well-cast and did amazing work. Grover Coulson, not a well established actor by any means, was very believable as Boobie's uncle L.V.
I am so thrilled for Billy Bob's continued growth in his film career and that he is finally getting high-profile film roles and the respect of the film makers. The down side is that I miss seeing Rick Dial, Brent Briscoe, and other familiar faces from Billy Bob's movies.
"Friday Night Lights", as BB has mentioned in interviews, was filmed in a more chaotic, kenetic style than most of his films, but it was perfectly suited to the subject. The awesome vintage cars were great to look at and lent a real air of reality to the actual era of the film. The music, while not my favorite genre and not true to the time of the story (at least by my recollections) did, much like the photographic style, definitely match the flavor of the film.
I have heard FNL compared to 'Hoosiers' numerous times. I liked 'Hoosiers' very much, but I thought 'Friday Night Lights' was a far superior film in all aspects from casting, photography, editing, and storyline, to performances. This is a touching story that makes you care about the town, the game, the coach, and most of all the kids living these stress-filled lives as the heros of their misquided town carrying tremendous responsibility under the guise of young folks have fun. My emotions were stimulated from the opening scenes to the ending updates about these real-live-characters.
While much of FNL was bold and in-your-face football action, there were subtle moments as well. Coach Gaines' look and 'kissed-fingers' relayed to his wife after the game definitely spoke volumes, but not near as much as the total relief expressed so loud and clear in the subtle, easy, sweet smile of Mike Winchell when he finally realized that the weight of eight years of playing the game of youth football was finally behind him and he could face the challenges of living his 'real life', which in comparison surely felt like it would be 'child's play'.
I predict this classy film will a classic sport flick in much the same way "Bad Santa" will become a classic cult Christmas movie. Of course Billy Bob is going to be in our minds and hearts for years to come as his body of work, as well as his fan base, continues to grow.

You will remember this ALAMO

This presentation of "The Alamo" is a study in the larger-than-life characters who fought at the Alamo and the dedication, bravery, and patriotism of the common men who gave their lives for a cause.

John Lee Hancock has directed an emotional epic film in "The Alamo". The 52-acre set which recreated the crumbling church known as the Alamo and its surrounding buildings, as well as the pertinent battle fields, was a work of art created with striking authenticity by P.D. Michael Corenblith. Cinematic-license was taken in the fact that the church was moved forward several feel for the sake of orienting moviegoers to their location. But this should matter only to those who obsess over the smallest raindrop while missing the beauty of the whole of the heavens, because otherwise, the setting was an absolute perfect backdrop to the historical accuracy of the film ,which surpasses all previous endeavors to capture this monumental legend on celluloid. Historians continue to research the subject and quibble over the facts. But much care was taken in this fictional film to adhere as closely as possible to history, as known, and still present an exceptionally entertaining film. That care certainly shows.

Dennis Quaid gave an exceptionally strong performance as Sam Houston and Jason Patric's portrayal movingly revealed the human side of Jim Bowie. Patrick Wilson nailed the evolution in the manhood of William Barrett Travis. Totally without question is the fact that Billy Bob Thornton's portrayal of 'King of The Wild Frontier' Congressman David Crockett is Oscar worthy. When Thornton's image was projected on the screen, every other actor's role diminished in contrast. Crockett's persona leaped off the screen as a larger-than-life personality exuding exceptional charisma and character when channeled through Billy Bob's awesome talent. Thornton's portrayal of Crockett magnetizes the viewer's unwavering attention in the much the same way Crockett's tales held the men of the Alamo, and even some members of the Santa Anna's army, completely spellbound. Interwoven with humility, humor, and dignity, through Billy Bob's capable acting ability and undeniable talent, Crockett lives up to all the legends that have endured through time. I certainly hope when Oscar-time arrives, the academy remembers "The Alamo", specifically Billy Bob's Davy Crockett.

The casting of Emilo Echervarria as General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna Perez de Lebron was nothing short of a brilliant move, a stroke of genius. Echervarria, speaking only archaic Spanish, gave a flawless performance as the 'Napoleon of the West'. From his facial expressions, steely cold eyes and chill in his voice, down to body language and hand gestures, Echervarria captures the tyrannical, heartless and vile character of Santa Anna without so much as one false note. Perfection is the only was to describe Echervarria in this role. Hopefully this performance will be remembered by the academy as well when considering 'Best Supporting Actor' nominees.

Lesser characters depicted perfectly and poignantly the dedication and sacrifice of the soldiers, the common men, and their families who fought and died to free Texas from Mexican rule.

All of these performances combined make "The Alamo" such a heart-wrenching emotional story that by the time the battle of the Alamo and Sam Houston's battle with the splintered Mexican army at San Jacinto explode on to the screen, the viewer has a lump in his throat, an ache in his heart, and a tear in his eye, accompanied by overwhelming admiration for men so willing to die for a belief.

The battles scenes were brilliant in their execution by director Hancock and awesome as captured by the camera. The unfairness and futility of 100+ fighting 1000s was depicted with reality, accuracy, and amazing photography. The grandeur of each panoramic scene intermixed with the details of many individual's personal experiences, completely transports the viewer onto the battlefield and directly into the treachery that took so many lives on both sides of the fight. Sam Houston's understanding of military strategy was interestingly detailed as he fought to keep his small army intact and on the right path to avenge the Alamo in the smaller, but more victorious battle, which began with the cry of 'Remember the Alamo' and culminated in the freedom of Texas.

Visually, "The Alamo" is beautiful to behold from the bright sunlit days, to the gorgeous sunsets, and ultimately to fire lit Texas nights. Regaled with a splendid wardrobe, authenticity down to dirty finger nails and scruffy beards, and the natural beauty of Texas, the viewers eyes are simply overwhelmed with beautiful pictures in every scene, pictures that resemble a complete album of stunningly beautiful photography.

Carter Burwell's haunting score is the perfect accompaniment to every emotion emoted on the screen. Subdued only to prevent overwhelming the action, the music of the film perfectly captures the bravery, futility, and magnitude of the story that is "The Alamo". Perhaps because of the Celtic nature, the viewer may constantly be reminded of the Oscar-winning score for "Titanic" written by James Horner. Hauntingly beautiful throughout, 'Fiddle Deguello music, offered by Davie Crockett to harmonize with the musical battle-call of the enemy, perfectly personifies the entire score of "The Alamo".

"The Alamo", so obviously a labor of love for every individual involved from the biggest star to the smallest bit player, from the Director to the cast-of-thousands of extras, exudes that dedication in every minute detail as well as in every magnificent moment.

This is a film to be viewed, savored, and enjoyed, and by all means REMEMBERED.

Bad Santa - Good Film - if you love Black Comedy or Billy Bob Thornton

If you are a bah-humbug individual, a Billy Bob Thornton fan, and/or have an appreciation for dark comedy....THIS is the Christmas film for you! Oh, yes, it requires an open mind and the ability to appreciate the unique, but finally here is a holiday film for those who like their seasonal entertainment with a little less 'sugar and spice'.

First, do not take your 11 year old to see this film, as did the gentleman sitting behind me in the theater. He elected to remain even though I advised him this was an adult film (seems the R-Rating didn't seem to do the trick). I stressed that was probably not suitable for his son - even if my answer to his inquiry: "Well, it's about Santa Claus isn't it?" was "YES". Because the entire answer was: "YES, but a very, very baaad Santa".

After the movie, the viewer told me that I was correct, that he should have left, and that he had in fact started to leave several times during the film, but didn't. He added that he himself did not like the film. This made be all the more curious as to exactly why he elected to watch until the credits were rolling.

All the other movie patrons must have checked the ratings (as they were all adults), read the reviews, watched the promos, and perhaps caught Billy Bob on every talk show on TV the previous week (where he spent an inordinate amount of time telling the public - 'This is NOT a family film'). They also must have enjoyed the film, because they all laughed, actually, they all laughed a lot.

Being an avid, devoted fan of Thornton, I understand and would be first to admit that I am more than a little biased when it comes to Billy Bob. I think he is incapable of making a film that is not entertaining. That being said, I would have enjoyed 'Bad Santa' if Santa had been portrayed by some other actor (except perhaps Jim Carey, but I digress). However, I don't know any other actor who bring the pathos, the heart, the lewdness, the earthiness, the seediness, and the overall great performance to this film that Billy Bob did.

Billy Bob Thornton continues to explore the depths of his talent and take fans along for the ride by always finding new and unique characters to portray. Generally he does this via the 'independent' film method, because indie films provide the greater opportunities for his enormous creativity.

This time his choice was not a 'new' character, rather actually a very, very recognizable character - recognizable at least by name - Santa, and this time in a film by commercial film makers. That is where our acquaintance with the character of Santa ends. Willie Stokes' Santa may resemble a lot of characters that we know really exist, as opposed to old Kris Kringle. We know this because many of us have met just such confused people in our real lives, though usually not wearing red velvet suits. The individuals we knew were known to us in the guise of losers, con men, hard-drinkers, and otherwise less-than-perfect people who are just a little bit mixed up about who they are, where they are going, and exactly how to get there.

The only disagreement I would have with many of the reviewing film critics about this film is their insistence that "Bad Santa' does not have a 'good hearted' ending. I would beg to differ. While I won't give it away, I would tell you it has what might be considered an ending that is totally 'appropriate' for a holiday film such as 'Bad Santa'. It isn't an 'It's A Wonderful Life' ending, but then again the film isn't 'Miracle on 34th Street'. But we already know that because the title reveals it from the git-go. I may be a bit of a softie when it comes to kids, but I must tell you some of the tears in my eyes at various moments in 'Bad Santa' were not tears of laughter.

Speaking of kids, Brett Kelly, the young actor who plays 'the kid' in "Bad Santa" is priceless in this film and perfectly cast. Brett is the Coronji Calhoun (Tyrell Musgrove - Monsters Ball) of this film. Thornton is excellent in acting in films with children, this film being no exception.

John Ritter, like Billy Bob, has played a variety of characters in a myriad of films during his career and is always 'absolutely on the mark' for the personality of each character. Rather than being 'sorry' for Ritter that his last film was 'Bad Santa'; I believe that making this film with his old friend (from 'Hearts Afire', the 80's TV series) Billy Bob Thornton, in their first film together since 'Sling Blade', was probably a tremendous source of fun and pleasure for Ritter. I am personally very glad that he and Billy Bob had the opportunity to co-star one last time before John's untimely death. While his on-screen time seemed short on this film, John Ritter, as usual, did an excellent job and was very funny, as was always his way.

Open your mind, prepare for laughter, and give yourself the gift of a different kind of holiday cheer this year - go see 'Bad Santa'. If what you want for Christmas is a little break from the often false cheerfulness of the traditional and instead a swig of dark humor for the delight of your soul, 'Bad Santa' can definitely make all your wishes come true - whether you have been bad or good.

Humerous Southern Style Soap Opera

For fans of Billy Bob Thornton, this is a great film, because he gets a lot of screen time. After all he wrote the screenplay. There is a shot of him in cut-off jeans with no shirt and a little further into the movie he wakes up with a shirt on, but with his bluejeans (full-length jeans) down to the top of his, what else?, cowboy boots, and later still we get to visit him in the bathroom where he is wearing a shirt, and well....a magazine. Those are the highlights of his wardrobe as I recall them, keeping in mind a lot of discussions with Laura Dern (wife Ruby in the film) took place before going to sleep..don't know what he wearing below the chest, but mostly he didn't sleep with his shirt on.

But enough about Billy Bob's wardrobe, down to the film now; be prepared to laugh when you get to see 'Daddy & Them". Especially if you happen to be from the south. You are going to feel right at home among the Montgomery family.
The script is cute and touching and it made me laugh out loud lots of times... I haven't done that in a movie for a long time. Being a southern girl by birth, I could readily relate to the communication problems this family was facing.
I like the way Thornton thinks, writes, and acts. He's a keeper for his talent, no doubt about it.
This is the story of a dysfunctional southern family with a lot of personal history.
Claude Montgomery (Billy Bob) now married to Ruby (Laura Dern - Billy Bob's ex-girlfriend), once dated her sister Rose (Kelly Preston - Mrs. John Travolta). Claude and Ruby, accompanied by sister Rose and Claude's mother-in-law, Jewel (Diana Ladd) go home to help out Claude's bother, Alvin (John Prine) and the family patriarch, O.T. (Andy Griffith) when O.T.'s brother Hazel (the late Jim Varney) gets arrested. O.T. unfortunately suffers from attacks of dementia and has a difficult time recalling exactly which sister Claude married. Ben Affleck and Jamie Lee Curtis appear as married lawyers hired by the Montgomery family.
All this sudden southern togetherness erupts in confusion, discussion, memories, and changes.
There is an accident scene that is very, very funny. Good ole boy Claude, as portrayed by Billy Bob, is really a romantic guy at heart. The dual-dueling-jealous competitions between Claude and Ruby are priceless.
I wished the font on the credits has been easier to read. Still the credits are well worth watching in order to hear the John Prine song, "In Spite of Ourselves" being sung over the credits. It's great!
So was the film, if you like to laugh and aren't expecting an Oscar caliber film. You will have double the pleasure if you happen to be southern.