The Newton Boys (1998)

A light and almost comical twist on the western...
`The Newton Boys' is not your typical western. Running more in the lines of `American Outlaws' then say `Unforgiven', `The Newton Boys' is in all respects a `fun film'. It doesn't take itself too seriously. It jokes around and rests heavy on comedic timing and a loud atmosphere. The cast is young and fresh as apposed to mature and polished. They are the `it' boys of the given year, cast to draw in a slew of teen viewers and boost ticket sales. This is not an adult drama but more like a teen dramedy. None of this is a bad thing; it's just a different thing. I expected something more when I initially saw this when it was released, but after watching this again the other night I can see it for what it is and thus enjoy it even though it is not as good as it could have been, had it gone the more artistic route.

The film chronicles the infamous Newton boys, four brothers who became the most successful bank robbers in history. They were not your typical heathens either. They never killed anybody; they lived near respectable lives and never turned a fellow in. They were likable people. I'm sure they had flaws but this film is not about embellishing them for our enjoyment, this film is about making them as charming and approachable as possible, and they do that. The very idea of casting Matthew `charming' McConaughey as the lead is a dead give away for the films intent. So Willis, Joe, Jess and Dock rob nearly eighty banks and would have gotten away with it entirely if they hadn't decided to take one `last' job, a mail train, a robbery that got so botched they almost lost their lives but in the end just lost their fortune.

The acting is not too shabby considering the cast. In fact Vincent D'Onofrio, who is arguably the best overall actor in the bunch despite his lack of `star power', has very little screen time in comparison to his co-stars yet the film still moves along fine. Casting McConaughey as a Texas cowboy was smart since that's kind of what he is. He is always charming even if he has less talent than most and here he uses his charm to help us forget he's riding fame on his looks. Skeet Ulrich is decent as the apprehensive Joe, a far cry from his more famous role as Neve Campbell's killer boyfriend in `Scream'. Julianna Margulies does her best to survive the at times horrific dialog and Dwight Yoakam does all he can to remain memorable in a film that doesn't care much for him. The true highlight of this film though is Ethan Hawke who just nails his performance as Jess. He's hilarious and enthralling. In fact you can't keep your eyes off of him. By far he gives the best performance of the bunch.

In the end `The Newton Boys' is not a masterpiece but it is not a waste of time either. It's not the type of film you may be expecting considering the `darkness' of more current westerns but it has a `fun' factor and is at times purely delightful. It's as charming as its stars and as entertaining as can be expected. At times the dialog is rough, but it's nothing to mull over. Just sit back and relax and enjoy have a rootin'-tootin' good time.

What's not to like?
I saw this on HBO recently when I was home sick. What a fun farce! The four Newton boys and a safecracker manage to bumble through 80 bank robberies. But things get serious when they try to pull of a "big" job.

The acting is outstanding, but Dwight Yoakum and Skeet Ulrich turn in phenomenal supporting performances. Yoakum plays the hypochondriac safecracker and Ulrich is youngest brother Joe. Ulrich has the most to do as he matures from baby brother to convict, while serving as the conscience, worrier, romantic, and accountant of the group.

The Texas accents were great. Never once were the accents or speech distracting from the movie itself. The music is also perfect for this movie. It intensifies for a moment as something blows up, or you think something bad is about to happen, then it goes back to bum-bump.. dee bum bum bum-bump.

Whoever thought the line "You're mean, you know that?" was dumb, is missing the point. These boys had guns full of bird shot. They had no intention of hurting anyone, and when they were caught in the act and this lady wouldn't shut up, they worst thing they could think to do was call her mean. Hilarious!

I think the film missed some opportunities for character development. Doc was underdeveloped and Vincent D'Onofrio underutilized. There was a subtle resentment from Jess towards Willis that could have been brought out. I didn't like the stylized introduction. But overall this movie was a blast.

What's not to like?
I saw this on HBO recently when I was home sick. What a fun farce! The four Newton boys and a safecracker manage to bumble through 80 bank robberies. But things get serious when they try to pull of a "big" job.

The acting is outstanding, but Dwight Yoakum and Skeet Ulrich turn in phenomenal supporting performances. Yoakum plays the hypochondriac safecracker and Ulrich is youngest brother Joe. Ulrich has the most to do as he matures from baby brother to convict, while serving as the conscience, worrier, romantic, and accountant of the group.

The Texas accents were great. Never once were the accents or speech distracting from the movie itself. The music is also perfect for this movie. It intensifies for a moment as something blows up, or you think something bad is about to happen, then it goes back to bum-bump.. dee bum bum bum-bump.

Whoever thought the line "You're mean, you know that?" was dumb, is missing the point. These boys had guns full of bird shot. They had no intention of hurting anyone, and when they were caught in the act and this lady wouldn't shut up, they worst thing they could think to do was call her mean. Hilarious!

I think the film missed some opportunities for character development. Doc was underdeveloped and Vincent D'Onofrio underutilized. There was a subtle resentment from Jess towards Willis that could have been brought out. I didn't like the stylized introduction. But overall this movie was a blast.