Black Snake Moan (2007)

Unexpectedly good

This movie has a serious theme which is sex addiction. It is a real problem that some people have particularly someone that has been abused...The performances were emotionally wrenching at times... people saying this movie was ridiculous are just not aware of what goes on around them. If I had seen this movie 10 yrs ago I probably would have thought it was ridiculous too... get out and meet some people is all I can say to that....
The chain, the anchor became a wonderful symbol and that is in some ways a better symbol of marriage than the rings we wear.
Overall I must recommend it quite highly. July 17, 2008

Unbelievably full of 'soul'.

This movie was painful, beautiful and full of soul. What looks like a swanky sex story on the surface turns out to be a touching, spiritual journey. The soulfull music chosen to accompany was a perfect choice as well, and Sam Jackson looked like he'd been born with a guitar in his hands. Christina Ricci plays a unique role, and very different from her 'little girl' days, as a damaged young woman clinging to an equally emotionally challenged young man played by Justin Timberlake. When her beloved leaves, the one thin thread helping her hold her life together is broken and she's back on the prowl, thinking sex is all that can save her from the wretched past. Beaten up and left for dead by the side of the road, Rae is rescued by a black man named Lazarus. It turns out Lazarus is a bit beaten up by life as well. I love how the 'chain' becomes a beautiful tether of love that helps ground these emotionally scattered people trying so hard to cope with all the pain in their lives. What a fantastic story!

Chrissy K. McVay - Author July 8, 2008

This is bad

I'm sorry I bought it, actually. It's unnecessarily sordid, ridiculous, and ultimately unbelievable. I give it two stars only because the style is accomplished and the cinematography is sharp, but as for the script and 'the message'? Forget about it. A tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing . . . July 5, 2008

Worth seeing again

I saw this film on Cinemax last night and I think I need to see it again. What started as a taut, emotional, sexual rollercoaster ended up losing steam midway through and wrapped up too neatly for me.

Some incredible themes were explored in this film, mainly the exorcising of people's personal demons.

I absolutely loved the relationship between Rae and Laz, brilliantly portrayed by Christina Ricci and Samuel L. Jackson. Really, I think it's some of the best work either actor has ever done and the film is worth watching just for that!

And Justin Timberlake was surprisingly moving in his role. Very impressive!

And the blues! Oh! The blues! AWESOME MUSIC! I loved getting a taste of that culture.

But again, there was this weird drop in pacing about 2/3 of the way through and I really wonder what got lost on the cutting room floor. I'll have to give it another view to see what I might've missed.
June 13, 2008

As good as it gets: Great pace, superb acting, terrific story

I saw a picture of Ricci kneeling on the grass with only scanty pants on in PLAYBOY. The snapshot--a key part of the movie--enticed me to see the
movie. I had not read any of the reviews or even dreamed of Sam Jackson's
versatility. So many have reviewed the movie in detail that I will
disappoint. Ricci's gutsy performance done with total abandonment and yet also grace has to been seen. Sam Jackson shows his versatility, firmness, tenderness and musical abilities in a role that no one else could play as well. There is a great supporting cast. The music adds to the movie and
brings some liveliness into a story that otherwise could have been very
cold. Seeing intermingling of races in a southern town is refreshing yet one has to wonder if this could happen in more liberated northern cities.
Yes there is some nudity yet it is essential and handled in a delicate
artistic manner. Those who want to drool at Ricci's anatomy will find the film disappointing. Those who appreciate superb acting and a lively moving plot will find Very Few Better. Atypical and great!
June 8, 2008

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