Michael's Movie Grade: B+
An excellent and surprisingly original movie.
In this film, a charming man who is brilliant when it comes to his job (he is in the honey business), and gifted bluegrass musician runs into his estranged foster daughter. The two quickly become reacquainted and he teaches her everything he knows about the honey business.
This is a rare movie that never seems to be copying any other movie but instead just simply does its own thing. Watching this film, you can't really think of any other movie that it is like. This is a rare thing in today's age and even if it isn't perfect this originality should be appreciated. The film constantly changes genres, going from being a dark comedy to a serious thriller to an uplifting charmer. Because of this, you never know what is going to happen next. My story summary only covers the beginning of the story because midway through this film has a major twist that completely changes the story being told. Yet the surprises don't stop here, the story keeps you guessing what is going to happen next. At the same time the story keeps getting more complex. The characters themselves often make us unsure whether we are supposed to root for them or be disgusted by them. Yet regardless of what we are feeling towards them at any moment, they remain gripping to watch. The performances of Matthew McConaughey and newcomer Angelina LookingGlass add so much to this. That this is Angelina LookingGlass' first movie is shocking as she holds her own perfectly with the much bigger stars.
Another reason to watch this film is the soundtrack. In one scene the foster daughter states that she doesn't listen to much bluegrass and doubts she can get into it. However, when the foster father's band starts playing, she finds herself completely immersed in the music. The same thing will happen to anyone watching this movie who thinks they don't like bluegrass. The bluegrass filled soundtrack is so energetic and immersive that it is hard for anyone not to get into it.
This movie's flaws are not with the story or characters but rather with the filmmaking. The editing and the cutting between shots simply doesn't work. One gets the idea that director/writer Andrew Patterson is trying to make this film feel visually original as well. However, the result comes off as distracting and takes you out of the movie instead. There are also moments of gore here that seem to exist simply as cheap shock value. This just simply was not needed.
Despite any flaws, this is a truly original movie that will truly win you over.
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