John Sayles' leisurely portrait of mid-century African-American life in backwater Alabama is basically a "Hey, kids, let's put on a show!" tale steeped in Southern atmosphere and the beguiling sounds of gospel, blues and fledgling rock 'n' roll — and that's not a criticism.
Harmony, Alabama, 1950: There are two juke joints by the crossroads just outside town: Former piano-man Tyrone "Pine Top" Purvis' (Danny Glover, enjoying his best role in years) Honeydripper is the failing one. If he doesn't follow the lead of rival club owner Old Man Toussaint (James Crittenden) and replace aging blues performers like Bertha Mae (Mable John) with a well-stocked jukebox,...
Released:
2007
Rated:
PG-13
Length:
122 mins