"Walk the Line" is the tragic but true story of legendary country crooner Johnny Cash and the enduring love he shared with wife and partner, June Carter Cash. Directed by James Mangold who wrote and directed "Girl, Interrupted," this film is a biopic that attempts to reveal Cash's infamous troubles with drug and alcohol addiction, his relentless pursuit of June Carter, and his struggles with his own terrifying inner demons.

Joaquin Phoenix ("The Village," "Gladiator") is Johnny Cash, a young man who grows up in rural Arkansas under the watchful eye of his alcoholic father who was never satisfied. Young Cash loves country music, including the Carter family, who he listens to often. After leaving the Air Force, he settles down by marrying and getting a job, but his love of music never wavers. He dreams of performing professionally, and although his wife scorns his attempts, he continues to write songs and practice with his friends.

Finally, Cash and his friends get a break. They audition for an executive at a major record label, but fail to impress him. At the last moment, Cash plays a song that he wrote himself and earns himself a record deal. Next comes his life on the fast track to superstardom, wild fans, more money than he can handle, and the hectic life of constant performing. As many know, Cash eventually follows in his father's footsteps by becoming an alcoholic and finally abusing drugs.

He is on the fast track to self-destruction when he finally really connects with June Carter (Reese Witherspoon) of the famous Carter family. Although he is instantly smitten, Carter refuses his advances for different reasons. They are both married and she is understandably leery of Cash's obvious problems with addiction. Carter is already a well known country music star, popular for her silly antics on stage as well as her vocal talent. With her encouragement as well as that of her family, Cash is finally able to overcome his problems with drugs and alcohol.

I was eager to see this film for many reasons, a few being that I am a huge Johnny Cash fan, an even bigger Joaquin Phoenix fan, and I was eager to see Reese Witherspoon is her best role since her first in "The Man In the Moon," which I loved. I was not disappointed. "Walk the Line" is moving, powerful, and truly draws you in and makes you believe that the two stars are who they pretend to be. Their enormous talent helps. Phoenix and Witherspoon may not know that they had it in them, but we can tell as we watch them croon and play instruments, and act - well, become - musicians. I loved Phoenix in this role. He was incredibly fierce as the dynamic Cash, and Witherspoon proved to one doubter than she can master a dramatic role just as well as she's mastered the cutesy stuff.


Extra! Extra! Tidbits About the Movie:
NOTE: June Carter Cash died in May of 2003. Johnny Cash died just 4 months later.

Editor's Rant: Of course, "Walk the Line" has been compared to other biopics, especially the Oscar favorite of last year, "Ray," the story of Ray Charles' life. Personally, I don't think a comparison is necessary or even fair, considering the two musicians had very little in common other than the obvious (i.e. drug and alcohol problems). To determine that "Walk the Line" is an excellent film, one doesn't need to detract from the fact that "Ray" was just as enthralling. Joaquin Phoenix is just as perfectly cast as Jamie Fox was. The film is fabulous and perhaps the only comparison that should be made is that like "Ray," "Walk the Line" should walk away with several Oscars next year.