Dixieland

It was a low budget movie for sure but entertaining for what it's worth. I wish it didn't end like it did. Faith Hill was great of course. I hate when some reviewers bash other people's hard work and risk, but they themselves just play it safe all their life at a 9-5 and never take a risk or never subject themselves to creating anything because they are scared. Some people will relate to the movie and some won't, but that's just how it is. For what it's worth the sound track was pretty good (if you like hip hop). There were quite a few songs from a group called LOWC, and it's hard to believe it was made 20 years ago. http://www.lowcbigballin.com

This indie, set in Pearl, Mississippi, has solid acting and believable characters, but evoked in me quite a lot of sadness. It moves along at its own deliberate pace, relies too much on flowery flashbacks, but is strangely enhanced by cuts to brief interviews with real locals of the area, who tell some harrowing personal stories.

Chris Zylka is quite solid in the lead role of Kermit, just released from prison after serving a 2 year stint. There's nothing new to the plot element that he's trying to go straight, but will be quickly lured back into one last job to help his neighbor and new girlfriend Rachel pay her mother's medical bills.

Riley Keough is excellent in the role of Rachel, and Faith Hill is superb as Kermit's sexy and free spirit mother Arietta. In supporting roles, Brad Carter is quite believable as the lowlife Larry Pretty, who's seeking revenge against Kermit, and Steve Earle adds well to the mix as Kermit's Uncle Randy.

All in all, although this movie written and directed by Hank Bedord, who's making his feature debut here, takes some predictable paths early on but it does have some twists and turns as it progresses, which I didn't guess were coming. The film gives the viewer a look at many lost souls who are ensconced in a cycle of poverty, drugs, violence, and family loyalties, often leading to incarceration. However, if one doesn't mind the deliberate pacing or the grimness and sadness, it can be worth a watch.

I noticed that movies and shows I like a lot are often written and directed by the same person. That level of control and continuity ensures a story that's true to the author's intention. It certainly works with this film. This is one of those small screen gems that I enjoy immensely—well crafted and acted with a somewhat unpredictable plot.

You would think that inter-cutting the film with real life interviews would distract from the dramatic momentum, but that's not the case here. The short documentary type interviews inserted at intervals actually inform the unfolding drama —we realize by the end that those interviews are actually the foundation of the film.

This film was lovingly put together: the acting, the cinematography and the music all come together artfully, resulting in an authenticity that has left me thinking about the real life people caught in an unfortunate cycle of poverty, drugs, and crime.

I loved the movie, because it deals with a situation that many ex-cons deal with once released from prison. Faith played a convincing , caring mother. I felt all the actors played their roles well. I loved her sons desire to go straight and help his girlfriend out. it showed he had a heart and was a good kid inside, just faced challenges in the environment he was in. The same for his girlfriend, a good daughter in a bad situation and only could work with what she knew. I love the fact also that Faith is so versatile in acting and singing. I know some reviews thought it was a waste of her acting ability, but I saw the opposite. she was very convincing and her love and concern for her son came thru in her acting.

This is a good film. It kept my attention and is an interesting take on a love story which is destined for destruction from the beginning. The way it is shot is compelling and the use of lighting within certain scenes really contributes to an almost drunken romance feeling and gives a feeling of their lives being blurred by each other. The actors portray their characters well and show depth. In a sense it reminded me of the film 'True romance' by Quentin Tarrantino, where the love struck characters are doomed by each other. A good film, and a great take on romantic cinema. The lead actors Chris Zylka and Riley Keough are well suited to their roles. Having never seen any of their previous work I would be inclined to watch a movie with either of their names in.