For our 9th annual Mob Movie March, we travel 100 years to the past. Based on a real life family of bank robbers, “The Newton Boys” is a western crime film with big names at every turn. In reality, the Newton brothers have gone down as the greatest bank robbers in US history. Travelling across the states, the brothers robbed hundreds of banks in the Midwest during a five year span.
1920s Crime
Richard Linklater wrote and directed. and directed. Linklater has become one of my favorite filmmakers. He’s excellent with dialogue, and making mundane situations thrilling. The movie also includes two of my favorite actors; Linklater veteran Ethan Hawke, and the great Matthew McConaughey.
The story opens in rural Oklahoma as we meet The Newton Brothers; Willis (McConaughey) Jess (Hawke) Joe (Skeet Ulrich) and Dock (Vincent D’Onofrio). As the clan robs banks in Tulsa, Chicago, and across the border in Canada, we feel the strength of their brotherly bond. “We are just little thieves stealing from the big thieves.” Willis explains to his brothers in a way only Matthew McConaughey can.
I love crime of the 1920s, and seeing several towns and cities from the era is nice. There’s an old timey score that adds to the atmosphere. The acting from the stars is where one would expect it to be. Seeing McConaughey and Hawke together in a period piece is a thing of beauty. Skeet Ulrich and Vincent D’Onofrio fit their parts well. Dwight Yoakam and Julianna Margulies add supporting roles.
Capone, Dillinger, Newton?
“The Newton Boys” never quite takes off as one would expect, given the cast and crew. At 123 minutes, it’s paced slowly.
The story is too real to be fun, and too much of a Hollywood production to be a documentary. And the sharp Linklater dialogue is barely touched upon.
“The Newton Boys” is an okay movie. There’s a treat during the ending credits that bumped the grade a notch. It’s a fine option, but not the best one out there.
“The Newton Boys” available to stream on Amazon
