Main Page
Alphabetical Menu
The "D" Menu

Doing Time for Patsy Cline (Unrated)





Release Date: March 3rd, 2006 (Quad Cinema) by Oilrag Productions. The Cast: Richard Roxburgh, Mirando Otto, Matt Day, Tony Barry, Roy Billing Directed by Chris Kennedy.

BASIC PREMISE: When Ralph (Day), a 17 year-old country/western singer, hitches a ride with Patsy (Otto) and Boyd (Roxburgh) on his way to become famous in Syndey, he gets framed for drug possession and lands in jail.

ENTERTAINMENT VALUE: Doing Time for Patsy Cline starts off with a derivative, clichéd first act. How many movies have you seen about a young, struggling musician trying to follow his dreams? Fortunately, the plot manages to become refreshing and fun thanks to three lively and memorable characters—Ralph, Patsy and Boyd. Their scenes together are sharply-written by talented screenwriter Chris Kennedy with humor and sensitivity to the way people actually talk. During the second act, Ralph and Boyd end up in jail but, even then, the plot gets creative—it even gets surreal with fantasy sequences. The cinematography captures the beauty of the Australian scenery while the exciting musical numbers will please country/western music fans. Occasionally, the plot does get tedious as Ralph continuously tries to get out of jail without being able to prove who he is or where he’s from—his wallet was thrown out of the car earlier. He also ends up in a love triangle between Patsy and Boyd which just seems a bit contrived and doesn’t really amount to much. However, it’s thoroughly engaging to follow Ralph’s journey and watch how he changes as a character. Miranda Otto is stunning and charismatic as Patsy.

SPIRITUAL VALUE: One of the messages in Doing Time for Patsy Cline is the importance following your dreams—which sounds rather simplistic. However, director Chris Kennedy makes this message surprisingly sweet and uplifting. Ultimately, the message that sticks with you is the value of friendship, kindness, as well as sacrifice.

INSULT TO YOUR INTELLIGENCE: Slightly contrived.

NUMBER OF TIMES I CHECKED MY WATCH: 0

IN A NUTSHELL: Imaginative, refreshing and immensely entertaining!

RECOMMENDED WAY TO WATCH: Movie Theater (1st Run)


Main Page
Alphabetical Menu
The "D" Menu


______________________________________________________
Avi Offer
The NYC Movie Guru
themovieguru101@yahoo.com
Privacy Policy