This film went through the ringer in the press. Reviews stated that it was a mess, confused and poorly realized. Some said it was badly handled in its historical toing and froing. This doesn’t actually seem to find the issues with the picture and also its saving graces. Based on a true story it has to be seen in the light of intention and the dark of reality. It should have been called a tale of two cities, the film is a film of two halves. One is a very well made and engaging story of a man that is rebelling against an evil system. A system of privilege and place. Jones is a class hero and a warrior for change. This part of the film is well paced, skilful constructed often and well performed. McConaughey is very robust and has a manner of a man that relates to his character in his historical battle for hope.
The modern era pieces of the film are sadly weak, slow and jar. They have the unfortunate feel as well of being crowbarred into the film and this is done with no skill or grace but simply forced into the film at points. This execution has the effect of delegitimising the story. The sequences also last such a short amount of time that they are erratic. I was irate when this happened as it distracted from a compelling enough central story. I understood at the end their inclusion but felt it was what drew people out.
The disc contains nothing of significance. The history of Jones County doc should have been the one on Youtube but instead is a hack version.
