My Review of MONSTER'S BALL, for which Billy Bob's should have gotten as Oscar.

This movie is so over-the-top!

I saw the film the day it was released nationwide. Hallie gave a stunning performance and deserved the Oscar. Billy Bob Thornton's performance was a work-of-art and I believe he also deserved an Oscar.

The actors in this film are able to make you 'forget' you are watching actors create a role. You seriously get the feeling that you're watching interaction between two ordinary people living extraodrinarily painful portions of their lives and undergoing major changes in their beliefs and emotions.

These performances were models of self-expression, but I have never seen that acting method better put-to-use (OK, maybe by BBT in Sling Blade, but that is a movie-unto-itself) than this touching movie.

As the changes in Thornton's character begin to evolve, I found a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes for a bitter man who was metamorphosing from a rude, bottled-up, miserable human being to a kind, caring man with a lot-to-give and a need that required a great deal of filling-up. These poignant feelings were often evoked with the speaking of painfully few words, but by speaking them in just the right tone and manner BBT was able to make that transformation real and believable.

Much has been made of the 'sex-scene' concerning the 'why', the 'how' it was filmed, etc. By filming the scene through the furniture, superimposed by the bird in the bird cage, fluttering his wings in an effort to be free, etc. it became a touching portrayal of two people exchanging an unexpectedly intimate moment in a beautiful and passionate manner that was obviously unexpected and clearly new to each of them; rather than a crude, overtly gratuitous and raw-sex act. It was more about discovery, comfort, and emotional need than about the passion of sex.

While the movie may make some uncomfortable, it was very real, extremely thought-provoking, and in my mind a 'beautiful' movie. I urge those who avoid theaters and wait for release on Video/CD to buy this film as soon it is released. It is worth the wait you have had so far...and then some. I think you are going to want to view it more than once. I know I can't wait to get my copy and see it again.

Review Of The Follow-up CD - EDGE OF THE WORLD

Music From the Heart Presented with an Edge

Billy Bob Thornton's new CD, "The Edge of The World", his second, marks his move from "Lost Highway" to "Sanctuary Records", home of a plethora of rockers. "Edge" also is a move from the more 'story-oriented' country/blues selections to a strong rock sound for Billy Bob. It is a return of sorts to Billy Bob's musical roots. Billy Bob started his career as a musician playing drums and opening for musicians such as Hank Williams Jr., Ted Nugent, the Earl Scruggs Review, and Richie Havens. The return move is strong, satisfying, and entertaining.

Two of the first three tracks; "Emily" and "Island Avenue" were written by Billy Bob's late brother, Jimmy Don Thornton, to whom the CD is dedicated. "Island Avenue" features Mike Shipp, (whose CD "Adventures of Roosterboy" was recently released) on guitar and a passel of great vocalists singing back-up, including Tommy Shaw (Styx).

"Everybody's Talking" is a very credible cover of the popular song from "Midnight Cowboy" and features Marty Stuart on lead guitar, along with Brad Davis on rhythm guitar. Brad is a songwriter in his own right, apparent on his own CD, "I'm Not Gonna Let My Blues Bring Me Down", which also features a cut by Billy Bob entitled "Tell Me Son".

'Baby, Can I Hold You' (Tracy Chapman), one of the slower tracks features Billy Bob vocalizing at his best with back-up sung by the talented Mica Roberts and great guitar accompaniment by Randy Mitchell.

The other tracks were written by Billy Bob and/or fellow musicians Brad Davis, Jim Mitchell, and Randy Mitchell. They run the gamut from covering all forms of rock and displaying the talent of the musicians, as well as the singing and writing talents of Billy Bob.

"Do God Wop", an irreverent monologue directed at God in an attempt to ascertain an answer to life's problems that will explain things to both the speaker and children, starts with music that can best be described as psychedelic before transposing into the absolute ultimate 'do-wop' song. Great display of that VOICE, and BB hits the drums on this one too. Too cool!

"Savior", features great lyrics, acoustic and steel guitars, and again the feeling Billy Bob is using that distinctive voice to sing poetry on the subject of the rejuvenation offered by children, directly to the individual listener and being sang directly from his heart.

'Midnight Train" has been likened to the sound of Kris Kristofferson or Waylon and Willie. For the life of me, I cannot listen to this without hearing echoes of the late Johnny Cash. A decidedly 'country' sound, featuring Warren Zevon on the organ and some great guitar licks. Country lyrics at their best, and again a reference to the energizing spirit of children on one's life.

There has been much written about exactly who inspired the songs on this CD that Billy Bob wrote, including Billy Bob's own explanation of sorts, including his distinctive comments on each track that appear in the linear notes (along with interesting personal photos, including pix of his children). As a fan, I have my own opinions about "To The End of Time" and exactly which individual(s) may have inspired it, along with "Pieces of A Man", " God", "The Edge of The World", and "The Desperate One". Each listener will decide from themselves, or may not even think about it or care one way or the other. Personally, I leave that explanation to Billy Bob. Suffice it to say, that many of the tracks evoke a portrait of an individual on the 'Edge", gathering memories, looking for answers, excising anger, and searching for a future. All these emotions converge in lyrics, music, and vocals to create a touching, electric, inspiring, and entertaining CD containing 17 tracks, including a hidden track.

Rock fans should avoid writing-off this offering as a 'vanity project', a label I see bandied around often about "Private Radio", Billy Bob's first CD. "Private Radio" was a legitimate addition to today's musical menu. "The Edge of the World", while different in format, content, and style, offers great musicians playing rocking music, and great very personal lyrics written from the heart, with vocals offered by an original rocker returning to his first love with gusto, confidence, and talent. An Edgy CD that is destined to reside on your CD player for listen after listen if you respect true talent and love music.