egg-suckin' dogs

i don't know how many of my avid blog readers realize what a HUGE FAN of johnny cash i am. i have an old flame to blame (thanks, fry) and his older brother, for introducing me to cash's deep, twangy, heart-wrenching, story-telling-genius sounds... but for that i'll be forever grateful.

so, listen to me when i tell you to dress up in all black, then go to the theater this week and see "Walk the Line".

soak in the music, sing his songs for two days... then, come back and read this nytimes article, which sums up all the criticism I have about the movie.

it's funny to have a full day to reflect upon a movie script, only to sit down monday morning and read someone else's words that exactly echo your own... that's what this article does, if you care about my opinion.

don't get me wrong - i loved walk the line. i'd see it again in a heartbeat! it's my nature to be critical, and it's my right as a fan to be selfish. i wanted to see all of cash's brilliance reflected onscreen so the world could also discover a love for him that so many of us already know.

the movie misses some of the best wit and creativity of cash's music -- it never touches or even hints about the ballads he wrote, one of the reasons why i love his work so much. his songs are so much more than just a deep voice. and his music is anything but ordinary. or boring.

who else can write songs about railroad workers, boys named sue, nights in vietnam, hangings, murder, prison... and still sing a gospel song thats rich enough to make you cry?

as a tribute and a love story, i will commend the movie. the actors were great. it was worth my ten bucks. and it definitely left me wanting more... i wonder what the chances are they'll do a sequel?