JohnHowardReid
Much to my surprise, I really enjoyed this movie. It was quirky, yes, very quirky, but that was part of its charm. You can't say that The White River Kid was reminiscent of any other movie at all. The script takes grand swipes at Roman Catholicism and rural values as well as throwing the dirt at rustics, crooked sheriffs, sleazy businessmen and aspiring wanna-bes. The acting is well-nigh perfect with Bob Hoskins as an engagingly crooked friar narrowly leading the way from crooked stumble-bum, Antonio Banderas, quick-on-the-trigger outlaw, Wes Bentley and keen-to-be-re-elected sheriff, Randy Travis. The males don't have all the best lines, though they do tend to dominate the action. But who will forget Ellen Barkin as the blind prostitute or Swoosie Kurtz as the bewigged Mummy Weed or young Kim Dickens who makes such a lithe and engaging heroine? The movie was beautifully photographed by Michael Chapman on some really arresting Arkansas (?) locations. Available on an excellent Columbia Tristar DVD under the title, "White River".
BloodTheTelepathicDog
From the beginning, this film has a feel of a pseudo Coen Brothers flick, rich with eccentric characters and southern appeal. But the writing fails to deliver the same wit as Ethan and Joel.Bob Hoskins owns this film, with support from an over the top Antonio Banderas. Wes Bentley and Kim Dickens were truly horrible in their roles. Neither brought any emotion or depth to their characters, strictly playing their roles blandly.In the proper hands, this could have been on the same playing field as Raising Arizona, but the scriptwriting failed to take advantage of the eccentric southern setting, and Bently and Dickens just destroyed any decent feelings I had for this film.All that being said, it is a decent rent. Bob Hoskins shines, overshadowing Antonio and Swoosie Kurtz was riot as an Elvis obsessed yokel, but the writing just missed one opportunity after the other.
bryanthomas
It is quirky, yes, but I enjoyed it's offbeat sense of humor and unique storytelling. The characters were wacky, and so was the story, but I liked it. So it's not a total waste of time despite the other person's feelings. For some people anyway. I watched it because Wes Bentley and I worked together recently, and I am glad I did.
Mark Seaman
A movie with Hoskins, Banderas, Barkin & Bentley. Can't be bad, you might think. You would be wrong. I only saw it through to the end because I was suffering from the flu, my back was welded to the sofa and my kids were out of shouting distance to pass me the remote. In all seriousness, I cannot think of any reason to suggest that anyone should watch this, it is just plain ludicrous.
AD
