Black Snake Moan.
Remember the previews? A writhing Christina Ricci and, more importantly, Sammy Jackson...not writhing or anything, but just being Samuel. That was more than enough to get me excited.

Well, I checked out this self-hyped (seriously, I got into people's faces about how insane of a movie it would be) little film. The previews may have you believe that this is an action exploding outta your ears kind of film. I was surprised, pleasantly so, to find that the emotional development of the two main characters (Sam J.'s Lazarus, and Christina Ricci's Rae) becoming more and more the focus of the film.

Rae (Ricci) for lack of better words, or the preference to use less flattering diction, is the town whore. It's not the "whoo-hoo hot" kind of situation, either. Pervs. A druggie, who can't seem to control herself, Rae finds herself spiraling down an increasingly dangerous path. A condition worsened by her boyfriend's, Ronnie (played by Justin Timberlake), sudden departure into the armed forces. Well, due to a somewhat predictable turn of events, Rae finds herself beat up and bloodied along the side of the road. She is discovered and nurtured by Lazarus, who just happens to be going through some tumultuous times, as well. His wife has just left him. What a wonderful chance for these two to learn and help each other.

Every character is played just right, but Samuel L. Jackson, as Lazarus, is unquestionably the main draw. Images of Jules from Pulp Fiction, come to mind as Lazarus quotes the bible, with some badassery mixed in there, too. A standoff scene with Ronnie is particularly admirable. He sings and plays the guitar to boot. And man does he lay down those blues. Hard-like. I found myself, quite involuntarily, closing my eyes and just shaking my head, feeling that soul.

Still don't wanna see Black Snake Moan?

Samuel L. Jackson.

Now, you want to see Black Snake Moan.

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