ViewGuide

Created Dec 29, 2011 09:10PM PST • Edited Dec 29, 2011 09:10PM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Good 3.0

   A surprisingly good movie about Missouri guerrilla fighters called the Bushwackers (now I know where this term comes from) who hide in the woods and skirmish against Union soldiers and loyalists called Jayhawks. The film has plenty of fighting, including an impressive gathering of rebels to avenge an attack in Kansas, but the movie is more about the trio of Jake (Tobey Maguire), Jack (Skeet Ulrish), and Daniel the slave (Jeffrey Wright). Tobey’s character is the one that eventually stands out, marries the pretty sue (Jewel Kilcher) and does right by Daniel. This movie will reward you with a unique view of the times — I imagine that most folks think of the civil war in classic army fighting terms, not guerrillas in the woods. It also highlights the sense of honor and civility which took work to maintain outside of the uniformed ranks. What is also unique is that this film comes across as mostly impartial to either North or South, instead just dealing with the realities of the times for people trying to live through it.

4. Acting

   Good 3.0

   Tobey Maguire completely shows his acting promise a full 3 years before Spider Man. Jeffrey Wright has an understated role, but it is also easy to see he is a solid acting talent. Jewel Kilcher – apparently all over the place as a music performer, TV shows, etc. – not sure why we haven’t seen her in more movies – she seemed a natural on the big screen – sort of reminded me of Renee Zellweger.

5. Male Stars Good 3.0

6. Female Stars Good 3.0

7. Female Costars Good 3.0

8. Male Costars Good 3.0

10. Film

    Good 3.0

    The movie is good, but suffers from a slow start and a bit of a jumbled end. Stick with it through the middle, and you’ll be rewarded with a good experience.

11. Direction Good 3.0

12. Play Good 3.0

13. Music Good 3.0

14. Visuals Good 3.0
15. Content

16. Edge

    Risqué 2.0

17. Sex Titillating 2.0

18. Violence Fierce 2.0

19. Rudeness Salty 2.0

21. Reality

    Glib 1.6

22. Circumstantial Glib 1.6

23. Biological Glib 1.6

24. Physical Glib 1.6