A dysfunctional family reassembles when a favorite uncle goes to trial for murder in this dark comedy written and directed by Billy Bob Thornton. These Arkansans are an eclectic bunch of misfits, headed by the Patriarchal father (Andy Griffith).
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| John Prine |
Thornton and co-star Laura Dern play Claude and Ruby Montgomery, a couple of habit- enabling each other through a host of problems while they pursue their torrid need for one another. They go back to the home place full of characters played by a wide and varied cast of talent including Diane Ladd, Kelly Preston, Jamie Lee Curtis and Ben Affleck along with Jim Varney (Playing Uncle Hazel Montgomery, on trial for murder) and my all-time favorite singer/song writer John Prine, who is spectacular as Uncle Alvin, the bookworm of the family and perhaps the last sane Montgomery.
Thornton is at his best with this story. He reflects the oddities of human behavior, especially in families that time and circumstance have scattered from the confines of the old family place. Reunited, even under such dark situation, the family takes on its demons, one by one as member by member the family confronts the unresolved past and faces the uncertain future.
This wonderful romp into Red Neck heaven is well worth the time. The Fabulous Feathermaye and I found this one while listening to John Prine and hearing him mention his part in the film. Curious, we ‘Netflic’d’ it and were astonished by how easily Prine fit in with the cast and crew.
Next time you load your Que, be sure to add this one!
2001 101 minutes
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