Country Blue

The budget for this film may have been $10,000. But I don't care. It was set in South Georgia / North Florida, which is close to my heart since I grew up a middle Georgia. Was set in the early to mid-70s, which is near and dear to my heart since I was born in 1966. And it has some very redeeming elements and charming aspects, even though it's an extremely low budget movie with no name brand actors or anybody involved in this production. The 15 mph stop sign in Valdosta was funny as was the mega size Schlitz beer bottle in an early bar scene. And there were several scenes that had high production values, like the primary couple being affectionate in the water, and some of the chase scenes, very well done. I'm not sure that Smokey and the Bandit was much better than this movie.

Alright, stripping down to the essence, this is standard "southern discomfort" storytelling - poverty, crime, sex, corruption, and retribution. There's nothing inherently clever in the individual elements: we've seen 'em all before, and mostly done better. It does have the strength of atmospheric authenticity: it was shot in the South, and it feels real. The locations are appropriately weatherbeaten and lived-in, the character's behaviors don't feel over-the-top stereotypical; you get the notion real Southerners put this together. And of course, who doesn't love Dub Taylor? What I find most effective and interesting is that this movie has the perfect pace for a drive-in date. Whenever things get boring or a scene with the hero and his girl goes a little too long, you suspect this is when people in their cars would in turn focus on their beloved and start with the midnight baseball. You know how on the old Letterman show he'd sometimes say, "When you see me enjoy a delicious beverage, feel free to enjoy one at home"? The kissin' n' huggin' scenes seem to be giving the same signal to the viewer: it's follow-the-leader time. And sure enough, it puts all the really important plot detail and high-speed action at the end, just in time for when the average lover would have depleted their personal energies and would turn their attention back to the movie. Don't believe me? Try it at home sometime. It's much more fun than playing one of those sitcom drinking games.

Another one of the ol Mill creek 200 drive I cult cinema box set ya hear. Not a bad movie at all. Decently acted and shot. And the story was pretty good probably would watch this again. Even the music was pretty good.

Some interesting scenes with character actor legends Dub Taylor and David Huddleston. Shot in and around Tallahassee, Fla. the locations and local bit players are fun to watch. Opening aerial and local dirt track raceway footage is full of locals and red clay dust. The robbery at a small country grocery store, and a small town bank, the jail scene and state trooper action are totally authentic. This is probably Dub Taylor's (Bonnie & Clyde, The Getaway, You Can't Take It With You) longest screen role. The original music soundtrack is written and performed by several of L.A.'s top session artists. A strong first effort by twenty-somethings just out of USC Film School.

I was fairly surprised with this film. It's actually better than I expected it to be. It's a pretty good story - no not great - but decent. I liked it to a degree. It's not a film I would watch over and over but one that I might watch again sometime.

Stereo-typical redneck movie... not all Southerners are like some of the people in the film but some are. You can expect to see car chasing, bank robberies and love story in this movie. It's sorta a Bonnie and Clyde type of film.

This movie is OK if you like to watch B crime-dramas - you aren't missing anything if you pass this film up but if you do decide to watch it just know it's just an "ok" film but not all that bad either.

4/10