I was skeptical. Â*I like Joaquin Phoenix, but I couldn't see him pulling it off as Johnny Cash has such a specific and large persona. Â*He did so well! Â*I have to say that for most of the movie, I was not aware that it was someone merely playing the part of Johnny Cash. Â*Now, there were alot of long close-ups where it was hard to not think of him as Joaquin because he has that unmistakable scar on his upper lip that is so a part of his look. Â*Reese was pretty good too, actually. Â*The music is infectious, and the scenes that include Elvis, the Killer and Chet Atkins are quite entertaining. Â*Primarily though, it's more the story of Johnny's struggles to exorcise his childhood demons, break free from pill-popping and excessive drinking, and secure June's love. Â*It's interesting to learn how some of his more famous songs were inspired, and Joaquin has enough personal charisma to be a very visually engaging frontman. Â*I think he may have even done some of the very rudimentary singing earlier in the movie. Â*Certainly not the later bits, but I think some of it may not have been lip-synced. Â*I'd be interested to know if anyone agrees.
Overall, I liked it much more than I thought I would.
Overall, I liked it much more than I thought I would.
