Black Snake Moan: Hustle & Flow Meets Jerry Springer

This movie demonstrates how sheer reputation will make viewers purchase tickets. I only went to see this movie because Samuel L. Jackson, S. Epatha Merkerson and Christina Ricci were in it. We know these actors from Pulp Fiction, SVU and Ally McBeal. The title translates to a film about dealing with heart break and pain.

Lazarus Woods is a man who is farmer whose heart gets broken by his cheating wife with his own brother. Throughout the film, I kept waiting to see what symbolism would come from his biblical name even though his best friend was a minister (Reverend R.L. played by John Cothran, Jr.). We learn how singing the blues releases the stress for Lazarus and has built his reputation in the community along with his home grown produce.

Rae, a molested troubled teenager, is a girl trying to dull the pain of being sexually abused by being promiscuous. Her character has no depth other than the fact that all her co-stars are musicians that make the viewers wonder if critics are right by saying not all musicians can act and not all actors and sing.

This is where it gets bad. I am supposed to care that Lazarus wants to find meaning in his life by trying to save this mentally disturbed girl. I am also supposed to feel sorry for Rae because the love of her life Ronnie (Justin Timberlake) left her to try to make a life for them by joining the military.

I am a true believer that when someone with no motive actually takes an interest in your life that they can completely change your perspective on what life has to offer. Lazarus was this for Rae. Rae was this for Ronnie. Angela, the pharmacist (S. Epatha Merkerson) was this for Lazarus. Mentors are the big difference in people's life mentally and physically because they restore one's faith in humanity. However, the fact that unconditional love in a father- daughter (Lazarus-Rae), husband-wife (Rae-Ronnie), and friend-friend(Lazarus-Angela), situation still did not resolve the basic issues that needed to be fixed.