Review of The Newton Boys (1998) by Demarkus H — 22 Nov 2013

I got the sheriff's pecker in my pocket.

Four Texas cowboys from a poor farming family in the 20s decide a poor man's life is not the life for them. They head on a rampage of robbing banks across the country. They rob over 80 banks and 6 trains without ever getting caught or killing someone; however, one day a new group they decide to work with causes things to go astray. Can the Newton boys quit the game and start a new life, or are they destined for jail or maybe even death?

"You don't look like any criminal I've met.".

"You'd be right about that.".

Richard Linklater, director of Dazed and Confused, Before Sunrise, The School of Rock, Before Sunset, Bad News Bears, A Scanner Darkly, Bernie, and Before Midnight, delivers The Newton Boys. The storyline for this picture is very interesting and reminded me of Lawless. The action scenes are solid, the script is well written, and the character development is very good. The cast delivers worthwhile performances and includes Mathew McConaughey, Ethan Hawke, Skeet Ulrich, Vincent D'Onofrio, and Gail Cronauer.

"Ain't this a hell of a way to make a living?".

I've actually began watching more Mathew McConaughey movies after thoroughly enjoying his last few pictures (Paper Boy, Mud and Killer Joe). I actually thought this movie was better than I anticipated (I had never heard of it until I scrolled through his movies). I loved how they showed interviews with the actual Newton Boys during the closing credits. Overall, this is an entertaining gangster movie and period piece that is definitely worth your time.

"God hates a coward.".

Grade: B.