Full Movie Reviews
Rating of
2.5/4
The Downtrodden Will Rise Again
Chris Kavan - wrote on 09/14/2016
Free State of Jones imparts some powerful messages on the viewer. As much about class warfare as race, Jones shows us what happens when the have-nots and the persecuted have been pushed too far and how easy it is to start a rebellion when the system is so broken. Surprisingly, that sounds awfully familiar, something I'm sure Gary Ross was all too aware of.
The story of Newt Knight may be a bit streamlined in this version (and like all "based on true story" films - not an exact history lesson) but star Matthew McConaughey is invested in bringing the Civil War deserter, and rebel leader, to life. Stirring speeches, heartfelt emotion and calls to action - this is what you want in a leader. He's powerful but at the same time I get a sense that McConaughey has also become almost too …
Rating of
1.5/4
History Lesson
Unknown - wrote on 07/04/2016
'Free State of Jones' has some strengths to start. It begins with a great opening authentic battle sequence and a solid introduction to the main character and his stance to the Confederacy, as well as his personal (somewhat socialist) political beliefs. What's missing from the rest of the film is actual drama and characters worth investment. This decades-long story streamlines Newt Knight's Civil War involvement into history book format. It becomes a series of scenes that relate dates, names, and places on screen to create a continuously jumping timeline of events. The Civil War itself is resolved just after the hallway mark of the film. From that point on everything drags. Dynamic character relationships that could've added some much needed drama are completely brushed over. I …
