Review of Sling Blade (1996) by Jordan K — 16 Jan 2015

300th total review. Sling Blade is a good movie with an interesting character, but it's also extremely depressing and f'd up. If you're looking for another Forrest Gump, this isn't the film for you - Sling Blade is a tale of Southern abuse.

Karl Childers killed his mother and his bully with a Kaiser blade (hence the title) when he was 12 and is being let out of the state home for the first time in years. He moves into his small town he grew up in, meeting a good but troubled boy named Frankie and eventually moving in with him, having to deal with Frankie's mother's abusive alcoholic boyfriend's homicidal tendencies when drunk. The end is what I expected from the beginning, although not the way I really wanted it.

Sling Blade is an interesting movie. It's without a doubt good but like I said, it's nothing but two hours of depression. To give the ending away, Karl gives up his dreams and pursuits sought in the beginning and kills the film's antagonist in the end, making the film run on a loop. Thornton is excellent as Karl, although he's extremely different than he is in other roles. Don't expect anything mindblowing, but it's certainly good.