Review of Sling Blade (1996) by Chaff D — 21 Dec 2009
One of the more underrated 90's movies that doesn't get as talked about as it should. It's a real surprise and by far Billy Bob Thorton's career achievement in just about every way possible. The direction, lead performance and writing... It's all Billy's work and it's all top notch. The rest of the cast is great also though.
I think the main thing is that this isn't just a drama about a mentally changed man that pulls at your heartstrings. It's a drama that brings lots of emotions out of you at different points. One time you're enjoying the good nature of the scenes with Karl and Frank. The next minute your exposed to the entertaining, but also sad character of Doyle Hardgraves.
Who comes off as a typical trailer park trash character, but it's played so convincingly that you really don't care that it's a stereotypical character.
Doyle is an evil man that put down those around him in entertaining but also sickening fashion. Quotable lines come fast and often in this film, and it's hard not to laugh at some of it even though it's at the expense of characters that you actually root for. But that's what makes Sling Blade so special... It's brings out a lot of different emotions because it's so well written.
This review of Sling Blade (1996) was written by Chaff D on 21 Dec 2009.
Sling Blade has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
