FREE STATE OF JONES (Video Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Free State of Jones—spectacular effects and scenery help make a film, but they do not make a movie. Matthew McConaughey cannot pull enough force to enable the character Newton Knight to make that critical impact necessary to completely captivate the audience. Nevertheless, the story comes based in many real historical facts and real people that may be little known to the larger audience. Be aware that there are some plot holes in the story. One will derive greater enjoyment if a plotline is read before buying that ticket.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A Confederate soldier deserts the Confederate army and maintains his own private rebellion that supports Northern values.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Gary Ross for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Oren Aviv, Michael Bassick, Robin Bissell, Leonard Feder, Adam Fogelson, Stuart Ford, Leonard Hartman,T.G. Herrington, Matt Jackson, Russell Levine, Christopher Lytton, Bruce Nachbar, Robert Simonds, Donald Tang, Zhongjun Wang, Zhonglei Wang, Lee Jae Woo, Christopher Woodrow, and Jerry Ye for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Newton Knight (Matthew McConaughey), Rachel (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), Moses (Mahershala Ali), Serena (Keri Russell), Jasper Collins (Christopher Berry), Will Sumrall (Sean Bridgers), Daniel (Jacob Lofland), Elias Hood (Thomas Francis Murphy), Lieutenant Barbour (Bill Tangradi), and Davis Knight (Brian Lee Franklin).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. Visually spectacular experience without a clear storyline.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers