Black Snake Moan DVD Review

"Black Snake Moan" reviews

DVD

Black Snake Moan

Author

anonymous

Date reviewed

2007-08-31 14:51:12

Provider

DVD Review

Samuel L Jackson is the man. Well, he certainly was the man up until the disappointing Snakes On A Plane but now, we're glad to report, he's the man all over again.

Yes it has the word snake in the title but, helmed by Hustle & Flow director Craig Brewer, this is a different kind of film altogether. Jackson plays Lazarus, a retired blues man who comes into contact with a troubled young blonde girl, played brilliantly by Christina Ricci, who was left dying in the road by a friend of her absent lover whose advances she spurned.

Trying to heal the girl proves to be a healing process for Lazarus too, despite how incompatible they appear to his suspicious neighbours. This is a very entertaining film with bags of atmosphere and humour to add to the fine performances and solid script.

Stereotypes are subtly toyed with to thought-provoking effect and some might be surprised to learn that Ricci's character's boyfriend is solidly played by Justin Timberlake. It's not perfect however, the film outstaying its welcome by 20 odd minutes and boasting a rather untypical and uninteresting happily-ever-after hand-holding ending.

Despite this, Black Snake Moan is a delight of a movie encompassing the evocative religion, music, warmth and hostility of the American south with outstanding cinematic style.