So, it's not 'Walk the Line'. But as the Phoenix/Witherspoon film was hardly flawless itself, I can't be too hard on this one. I'm not familiar with Jewel's music, but she portrayed June Carter very authentically. Far closer to the real June than Witherspoon (even if Witherspoon is the more seasoned actress). Johnny was not cast especially well, though he did okay. Didn't sound anything like Johnny when singing, which is a shame. Neither did Phoenix for that matter. Too bad they couldn't get that guy who tours with the Million Dollar Quartet show. He was very authentic-sounding.
Overall, good casting, particularly Mother Maybelle. Her funeral scene was really a heartfelt treat to see depicted (Why they cast a 'big' woman in Walk the Line, I'll never know. Maybelle was NEVER more than skinny). I like how they took this film to the end of June's life, but really disappointed that there wasn't more of her music. They did well in the first half-hour, then resorted to typical Lifetime drama for the rest. The film was far too short to give this love story justice. They would have been better served having more of the Carter Family years depicted as their story is virtually unknown/forgotten (read Mark Zwonitzer's book 'Will You Miss Me When I'm Gone'). And, as others have already stated, how the heck can they have 'Wabash Cannonball' TWICE and 'Jackson' not even ONCE?
Ending on a positive note, closing the film with 'Far Side Banks of Jordan' was a brilliant move. Nice touch.
Overall, good casting, particularly Mother Maybelle. Her funeral scene was really a heartfelt treat to see depicted (Why they cast a 'big' woman in Walk the Line, I'll never know. Maybelle was NEVER more than skinny). I like how they took this film to the end of June's life, but really disappointed that there wasn't more of her music. They did well in the first half-hour, then resorted to typical Lifetime drama for the rest. The film was far too short to give this love story justice. They would have been better served having more of the Carter Family years depicted as their story is virtually unknown/forgotten (read Mark Zwonitzer's book 'Will You Miss Me When I'm Gone'). And, as others have already stated, how the heck can they have 'Wabash Cannonball' TWICE and 'Jackson' not even ONCE?
Ending on a positive note, closing the film with 'Far Side Banks of Jordan' was a brilliant move. Nice touch.