Black Snake Moan

If you have been looking for a film where an out of control nympho gets chained to a radiator by an extremely religious southern man, then look no further than Black Snake Moan, the new film from Hustle & Flow director Craig Brewer. Not exactly what you're looking for? Well, go see it anyway. As long as you are open minded and don't take everything too seriously, there's no reason you won't leave the theater glad you saw this movie.

Brewer, who, as I said, is repsonsible for my very favorite movie of 2005, takes the audience to the deep south where, as the tagline claims, everything is hotter. And, indeed it is. We are introduced to the God-fearing bluseman, Lazarus played by Samuel L. Jackson and the almost always half naked Rae; a role bravely taken on by Christina Ricci (and, I mean, who else could possibly play this role? Who else would even consider taking this role? I know Ricci has had her share of missteps but she sure is much more fearless than the likes of Natalie Portman and Kirsten Dunst... anyone can play Marie Antoinette. No one else could have played Rae). After Rae's military bound boyfriend leaves for duty, Rae partakes in some drinking, drugs and sex then gets beat up by his best friend and left on the side of the road wearing a half shirt and some underwear. This is how Lazarus comes to meet Rae, take her in, care for her and... chain her to his radiator. The unlikely pair cross paths just long enough for their characters to learn a lesson from one another. Both lessons ultimately convey the message that, no matter what, we are all human. No one is perfect, we're all a little fucked up, as Rae says, and, if everyone would just realize that, then we'd be a lot better off. The question is, however, if this message will be accepted, or even understood, by all who see the film. That's another story.

One thing not up for debate is how great Jackson and Ricci both are here. You'd think with the role of a sex-crazed woman, overacting would be a given but not here and not in the least. Ricci is astounding and demonstrates her true talent with a raw performance that, despite being in dozens of films, is her best to date. Then there is Jackson who, for the first time in a long time, makes us forget who he even is. He's done the Samuel L. Jackson shtick so much lately that it's truly great to be reminded of what a wonderful actor he really is. Justin Timberlake is solid as well. He didn't reach the same level that he did in January's Alpha Dog, but this is still a strong outing from an actor who is just starting out.

The efforts of Craig Brewer can not go without mention. His last film was Hustle & Flow - a film that had such low expectations and surpassed them all gaining critical acclaim and putting him, and Terrence Howard, on the map. What he has done with Black Snake Moan will be what sets him apart from other new directors in the industry. He wrote and directed Moan and the end result is a story that is surprising and clever. As you watch you feel lik you know exactly where it is headed despite its valiant composure. Just as you think you've predicted the next move, Brewer shifts gears and takes an entirely different route. In an industry where everything is predictible, it's nice to see this in a film. There are just two problems that I can think of: the background characters are drab and uninteresting and the ending may disappoint some (although I actually really liked it) who are looking for something more exciting. While Ricci and Jackson should be praised for their fearless work, the absolute best thing about the movie has got to be the music. It's a Southern folk and rock and blues soundtrack that hits all the right notes.

Grade: A-