Film Forum

Episode Recap

Episode 8

11/29/2005

Films Reviewed: Walk the Line and Pride and Prejudice

Commentary: Who is the better actor: River Phoenix or Joaquin Phoenix?

Featurette: Behind the scenes of Get Rich or Die Tryin’

Regarding Walk the Line:

Matt: “Hello, I’m Johnny Cash!”  Well, you don’t need to tell me this twice.  But your movie, featuring Joaquin Phoenix as you and Reese Witherspoon as June Carter is one of the best films of this year.  Not to mention the talent mined from music and Hollywood that play your peers and the timelessness of your music really propel this film beyond “musical biopic of the week” status.  In fact, since I loved your movie so much, I’m going to give it four “Rings of Fire” instead of stars!

Aron: Oh, wow!  Take everything Matt said about this film and make it double for me.  Reese Witherspoon more than delivers as June Carter, even down to the signing.  In fact, Reese and Joaquin did all their own singing as June and Johnny.  And it was so good, you could have sworn it really was June and Johnny.  Look for this soundtrack to be a perennial best seller for years to come.  And the movie’s great, too!  Four “Lines to Walk” instead of stars!

Average Rating: **** (out of ****)

Regarding Pride and Prejudice:

Aron: Well, for a Jane Austen adaptation, I wasn’t bored.  Keira Knightley makes a wonderful Elizabeth in the oft-told tale of five sisters who are encouraged to marry well.  But there’s more to marriage than money, and this film illustrates this well.  Three stars from me.

Matt: Yes, Jane Austen really is an acquired taste.  Her film adaptations can be hit or miss.  Thankfully, this one’s a hit thanks to the talent involved here.  That’s really Emma Thompson’s screenplay you’re hearing instead of the credited writers.  But don’t let that stop you.  Three stars from me as well.

Average Rating: *** (out of ****)

Commentary:  While River Phoenix and his younger brother Joaquin Phoenix have both been nominated for Oscars, the debate as to which is the better actor has never really been settled.  Aron and Matt took a few salvos at each to determine which will stand the test of time.  Joaquin took a slight edge because he’s had an additional 12 years to hone his craft.

Featurette: Behind the scenes of Get Rich or Die Tryin’, with Curtis “Fifty Cent” Jackson and directed by Jim Sheridan