They’re the Bondurant Brothers and in their own mind they’re indestructible…
Brothers Tom Hardy, Jason Clark and Shia LaBeouf protecting and defending their turf, honor and alcohol.
This is LAWLESS, the bloody new prohibition drama set during the depression era in 1930’s Franklin, Virginia as the local clan of bootleggers is about to be muscled out by rival distillers and a corrupt U.S. Marshal who wants his cut.
However nothing had prepared the boys for what was yet to come. He’s terrifying lawman Guy Pearce from Chicago playing special deputy Rakes.
And he’s going to show these bushwackers who’s boss.
“You fucking hicks are a sideshow.”
Yeap, these three brothers helped built the American dream in what became crime’s first major gold rush.
Rounding out the R-rated action are Gary Oldman as Chicago mobster Floyd Banner and Jessica Chastain as ex showgirl Maggie who escaped the trashy glitz of Chicago in favor of the Bondurant brothers in them thar hills.
LAWLESS is based on—no inspired by— The Wettest County In The World and is allegedly a true story.
Whatever it is, it’s a violent, slow moving character-driven drama. A good guys outlaws bootlegging tale complete with a bad case of tar and feathering.
“We control the fear. And without the fear we’re as good as dead.”
It’s gangster meets western this holiday weekend at the movies.
LAWLESS raises 3 out of 5 brutal yet rollicking and stylish fingers.
JACK GOES TO THE MOVIES Friday mornings at 6:40 a.m. on KMBZ AM & FM / Also anytime on K.C. ON DEMAND, Channel 411 / And throughout Nebraska on NEBRASKA ON DEMAND.
Seems like a slight departure for him, which is probably a good thing as far as mine and his psyche are concerned, but John Hillcoat (the excellent double-play of The Proposition and The Road) directing is enough reason for me to see this flick. Judging by the reviews I’ve read, he’s now a solid 3-for-3 to start his big-screen directing career.
I’m intrigued and will see it on your recommendation.
La Beef.
Its comical that we are expected to suspend our disbelief and pretend Shia LeBeouf is tough.
looks good otherwise, thanks for the review
I thought the same thing.
Shia LaBeouf???
I really like Tom Cruise movies, but I had the same reaction when I saw the Trailers for the Jack Raecher movie coming out.
Very BAD casting.
You know what’s cooler than seeing Gary Oldman strut around brandishing a tommy gun? The answer is nothing.
Very good movie.
Remember Romeo Is Bleeding?
He killed it in that.
Hell, he kills it in everything.
Other great Oldman moments…
As the dirty cop in Leon:The Professional. Scenery chewage at it’s absolute finest.
As Drexel Spivey, the sadistic, Rastafarian wannabe in True Romance. “It ain’t WhiteBoy Day, is it?”
His bizarro turn as Zorg in The Fifth Element.
As the Russian terrorist in Air Force One, elevating what was basically nothing more than a shitty, TV movie-like action flick.
Out chews Sean Penn (no easy feat) in State of Grace.
And also great as historical figures in JFK, Immortal Beloved and Sid & Nancy.
Along with Caine and Freeman, even lends so much-needed respectability to the latest Batman franchise.
Love Oldman. Not that it matters to me, but I’d like to see him pick up a much deserved Oscar someday just to somewhat validate what has been a great career.
+1