by Nicole Scott

Created on: March 05, 2007   Last Updated: May 09, 2007

To start, I love indie films, so when this movie first came onto the scene I was thrilled. I had seen the previews months before and was interested, then as usual, I had completely forgotten about it until just a few weeks ago when it was about to be put onto the big screen. The cast was brilliant, aside from Justin Timberlake who I had doubts about. What's with all these pop singers trying to break into our movies? If we wanted to listen to them, we can buy there cd's. I guess the lure of Hollywood's too much. Anyway, we have as our leading man Samuel L. Jackson, who has always done brilliant work and this is no change. Opposite Samuel is Christina Ricci, adorable-looking girl who has grown on me as of late. They are Lazerus and Rae respectively, two souls without much in common who meet and ultimately form a very strong bond.

Justin Timberlake plays Ronnie, Rae's anxiety-ridden boyfriend who finds comfort in Rae but can't find a way to comfort her and is eaten up about it. I don't want to give anything away if you know nothing about the movie, I went in with very little knowledge about the film and greatly benefited from that. But I do want to mention the performances of S. Epatha Merkerson as Angela, a woman with a crush on Lazerus and John Cothran as the Reverend R. L., childhood friend of Lazerus. Two supporting roles that bring both comic relief and romance into the film. A wonderful balance is created and displayed beautifully.

I couldn't write a review for this movie without mentioning Son House and the music involved. A brilliant usage of blues just adds to this movie's charm and down-homeness. The sound of Lazerus' guitar mixed with the child-like quality of Rae's voice makes for a very moving scene. The raw power behind Lazerus' music is one of my favorite elements of this movie and will be for anyone else who enjoys blues and just pure emotion.

I would have to say that Craig Brewer has done a masterful job, both writing and directing. Definitely one I will buy and watch repeatedly.

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