LeonLouisRicci Not Without Curiosity and Concern about the Transsexual/Gay/Lesbian Alternative Lifestyle, this Odd Movie is a Well Acted Murder-Mystery that has a Backdrop of Corrupt Communities Overseen by Semi-Crooked Cops and Politicians, with Citizens that are Witless and Willing and Clueless to an Out of Sync World Around Them.The Sexual Deviance of the Alternative Types Almost Looks More Appealing than the Rut of Rural Life that is the Lair of the Supposed Straights in this Movie. The Slant is Definitely on the Side of the Underdog and Ostracized "New Orleans" way of Life. It does make its Case in an Atmosphere that Focuses on a Mid-Witted, Half-Corrupt Cop that has a Father that is a Basket Case, Mentally Impaired Alcoholic, and a Brother who was Kicked Out of this "Ideal" Location because He was Different.There are More Dysfunctionals, like His Estranged District Attorney Wife and Goth Daughter and there are more Sub-Plots, like Billy Bob Thornton's Badge Wearing Protagonist being Framed for Statutory Rape and Forced Off the Ballot for Re Election because He is On to Something that could Bring Down the Governor.There are a lot of Ingredients in this Gumbo and it is Remarkable that it Somehow Works and Comes Together in the End. It's Strength is in its Daring Display of the Gay Lifestyle with Some Sympathy and Understanding. As a Murder Mystery it is Less Compelling and the Reveal is a Revolting Revelation that is Nervously Uncomfortable. The Rest of the Movie will Probably be Uncomfortable for those with a Disdain for the LGBT Lifestyle.

moonspinner55 Sheriff with dirty hands in a Louisiana parish, up for re-election and losing to an officer he himself hired, ties in the murder of a transgendered female with the all-powerful local judge and officials in high government positions. Paltry murder investigation without a hint of mystery, but plenty of sordid goings-on and continual foul language. Billy Bob Thornton, once an actor and filmmaker of some merit, simply goes through the motions here, talking in a low guttural tone. As the judge, William Devane (walking slightly stooped and with a cane) plays Southern like a Bostonian on vacation. The little bursts of artistic 'style' (speeding up or slowing down the footage randomly) are the earmarks of a filmmaker who doesn't know what he's doing behind the camera. Writer-director Robby Henson seems to know very little about the manner of small Southern towns; either he has no rhythm or his timing is off. Henson's narrative skills are also puny (Thornton keeps running into characters he's apparently related to, their backgrounds clumsily sorted out later in the exposition-heavy dialogue). It's a mess, with plenty of offensive talk that serves no particular purpose except to show off the ignorance of hicks. NO STARS from ****

OJT Billy Bob Thornton does another good role as more or less corrupted Mississippi small-town Sheriff Darl Hardwick. A sheriff who drinks too much (just like his father), bends corners to get reelected, and is heavily prejudiced both towards genders and races.The story gives you a bad taste in your mouth, but nevertheless the story and slow pace gives a good picture of southern small-town prejudices.Rotten morals and ethics shines of this movie, until someone is trying to get rid of Darl, after him finding the transvestite Mona in a swamp after sex-party...I found myself liking the movie very much, and the ending is also good, but somewhere on the road the story loses grip. Still interesting, but something is missing from the plot. You really don't believe the trouble Darl gets in when Monas wife gets the grip of him...Due to this it's not easy to give this more than a 7 or 8 out of ten, but I think many fans of Thornton and Arquette will like this one.Absolutely worthwhile watching, and not far from becoming a cult classic. Go see it!

cristisphoto One user comment though I agree with mostly was slightly inaccurate.. Homophobic mean Irrational fear of HOMOSEXUALS Whera TRANSPOBIA/IC means the same but with Transexuals etc and there are folks whom are actually BORN that way we call then Intersexed... ISNA.ORG is a good site.. BIG differences indeed.. The movie was OK .... Could have been more accurate and the Script a little more thought out.. But nonetheless we live in an ignorant/hateful world and the reaction towards people that are "different", were acted out accurately enough.. SO I say Long live Billy Bob Thornton.. May he rule all always lolAnyhows, warm Regards Crista