In 1955, a tough, skinny guitar-slinger who called himself J.R. Cash walked into the soon-to-be-famous Sun Studios in Memphis. It was a moment that would have an indelible effect on American culture. With his driving freight-train chords, steel-eyed intensity and a voice as deep and black as night, Cash sang blistering songs of heartache and survival that were gutsy, full of real life and unlike anything heard before. That day kicked off the electrifying early career of Johnny Cash (Joaquin Phoenix). As he pioneered a fiercely original sound that blazed a trail for rock, country, punk, folk and rap stars to come, Cash began a rough-and-tumble journey of personal transformation. In the most volatile period of his life, he evolved from a self-destructive pop star into the iconic “Man in Black” -– facing down his demons, fighting for the love that would raise him up, and learning how to walk the razor-thin line between destruction and redemption. As his music changed the world, Cash’s own world was rocked by the woman who became the love of his life: June Carter (Reese Witherspoon).

The great thing about doing biopic’s of legendary musicians like Johnny Cash and Ray Charles last year is that they led such interesting lives and ultimately changed music forever. Their stories are so rich and fantastic that both movies just got them to the end of the 1960’s and we are out of time. The difference this time around is that we got to see a little bit more of some other legends of music like Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley and June Carter. It’s amazing to think that this trio of legends toured with each other for years. All three are well before my time, so I can’t even begin to imagine what it would have like to purchase a ticket to one of their concerts in the last 1950’s and be treated to some of the greatest musicians to live all for one price. There is no tour like that now days and most likely never will be one again, so to see it is almost too hard to believe. When I went to see Ray, I knew a lot about Ray Charles as I was always a fan of him and his music, I have to admit until several weeks ago I had never heard any of Cash’s music and I knew nothing of the man himself so the movie was refreshing as I got to see and learn a lot about the man and his music. Like many musicians of that age his story becomes dark and cloudy with the rampant drug use of the time and the real life drama that was his life translates well to the screen keeping you enthralled. I really enjoyed the movie and the music too.

I cannot heap enough praise on Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon not only because they did really good jobs as Johnny Cash and June Carter but also because they sang all the music for the movie. Much like Jamie Foxx last year who wore contacts to make himself blind and played the piano for all the scenes by singing and performing the music of the movie they completely immersed themselves in the characters and by so doing so became the characters. You can feel the love, the heartache, the passion, and the friendship that was June Carter and Johnny Cash. In the end it’s June’s love for Johnny that ultimately saves him and you could feel that between Joaquin and Reese. Joaquin has become one of my favorite actors and Reese who does herself no credit by taking to many dumbed down rolls as she can act when she wants to. The movie was great, simply put. If you are a fan of Johnny Cash and his music you will love the movie or maybe if you just want to learn a little history of music this is the movie for you.
4 stars out of 5