Daltry Calhoun

If you dig deep into this movie, you will find superb & intelligent writing, fine acting, and great music choices that fit the film to a T... such an eclectic spread of musical choices! The scene of Sophie bouncing the ball on a wall and talking to Daltry about music is pure genius. This film also sort of highlights the 'simple life' in Appalachia - where love is King, but which also tends to be somewhat dramatic on personal/family levels - a nice touch.

{Johnny Knoxville} gives such a touching performance in this simple little film, which - ironically - is set in his home state of Tennessee. {Elizabeth Banks} is outstanding in her own subtle, amazingly beautiful way. She is truly a breathtaking woman. Watch the scenes of her in the bathtub talking to Daltry, and her telling June that Daltry is her daddy. You will quickly fall for her as you watch her simple yet heartfelt performance. She is a true artist in every sense of the word. {Juliette Lewis} is such a GREAT actress, and she nails this - as usual. Her trademark scene is where she meets Elizabeth Banks and sees |straight| into her soul. And just watch how she simply twirls her hair 'round her finger all the time - it is so sweet, it's mesmerizing. {Sophie Traub} as June is just soooo adorable in her nerdy, prodigal way. She is very smartly cynical, but has true love of heart. She steals every scene she's in, and her character shows hints of genius in her music genre choices/comparisons. She spanks it as the narrator of the story, leading you easily thru and investing you in the characters. While the {Doyle} character tends to be somewhat irritating, listen closely! He is actually the one who will focus you to the deep, loyal, beautiful LOVE that is the true message of Daltry Calhoun. If you can find THAT - then get ready for a good cry.

I am writing because the only person, so far, who has posted a comment was clearly a man. It is so easy for someone to dismiss this movie as a "chick flick," but it only falls into that category if you are the kind of man who is totally out of touch emotionally. Yes, that is the norm, but still. I would highly recommend this film to anyone. Mothers will cry and young women will relate to the wonderful young actress who stars in the movie. Johnny Knoxville is surprisingly good as the unwitting father, and there are some very sweet father/daughter scenes. Juliette Lewis is, as always, fun to watch, and she handles her small role perfectly.

Daltry Calhoun is a self-made man, riding to the top of the business world with his hybrid grass seed, and re-inventing himself along the way. But this "new man" will be put to the test when his old girlfriend shows up with his 14 year old daughter at the same time that his business is tottering on the edge of the abyss.

In actuality, this film is more about Daltry's daughter, who narrates much of the events in his life. It is an uncomplicated story line with LOTS of strange and complicated twists – just like life. This film is listed as a "Comedy", but would best be described as "Light Drama", marinated with comedy. It covers some very serious and dramatic events, but with a matter-of-fact lightness, rather than a flippant or ponderous or judgmental attitude. Another director would probably have attempted to wring out every drop of emotion out of the story, which would have made the film a cheap, melodramatic over-the-top waste. THIS director did NOT do that.

The entire cast gives very solid performances and creates real, lovable, endearing characters, with some truly moving and memorable moments. The biggest problem is that you want more when the movie ends. The script is a joy, leading you down some stereotypical paths then nimbly adding interesting tidbits of information to make you change direction. It has an honest look to it, compliments of filming in a real southern town. Add to this an amazing collection of music with some very new ways to interpret old songs, and you have a solid, well done movie.

It is not in the "Oscar" group. But if you are looking for some pleasant entertainment, go get your popcorn, kick back, and enjoy. Add another ½ star if you are a big country-western music fan.

I thought this was a really great movie. It's different, but great. Johnny Knoxville did a good job with this. It was both funny and serious. I don't think that there's anything wrong with Johnny Knoxville doing a semi-serious movie. I'm sure a lot of people won't agree, though. I think you have to have a certain mind set to enjoy this movie as much as I did. Also, I started off kind of biased because I'm a huge fan of Johnny Knoxville. I also think that the character of his daughter was a perfect choice. She was absolutely amazing. I can somewhat understand why people would hate this movie, though. They can't see Knoxville doing a serious movie, or they just think it's an awful movie because the plot doesn't appeal to them. Just try it. It really is a great movie.

Going into "Daltry Calhoun", I really didn't know what to expect. I've been a long time fan of it's star, the likable Johnny Knoxville, and knew it was something of a comedy, but that was about it. I surely wasn't expecting the type of movie that I got, but it was by no means a let down either. "Daltry Calhoun", While named after Knoxville's character, is actually more the coming of age story of Calhoun's daughter, June, as she's reunited with her father. The story is told from her point of view and is very pleasant, heartwarming and damn near a "family" type of film, save for a bit of bad language (probably the only time you'll hear "family" describing a film with Quentin Tarantino's name on the cover). It almost reminded me of a more contemporary and far less cheesy version of "My Girl", which will leave most of it's audience going "awww." as oppose to "haha". But for the kind of movie it was, a light sentimental comedy, I found it quite enjoyable.