Walk the Line (***)

Following on the heels of last year's Ray, Walk the Line is another exemplary musical biopic featuring two of what will probably be the most nominated performances this awards season. Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon are both amazing here, and give some of their finest performances to date. Director James Mangold does a good job of capturing the intensity of Johnny Cash's music and performances, but is also smart enough to focus on the love story between Johnny and June Carter. The love story is what makes this film shine. If not for that, it'd be just another "musician makes good despite daddy issues and a drug addiction" movie. You'll get goose bumps during the climactic engagement scene. And although the viewer knows where the movie's going from a mile away (even those who know diddly about Johnny Cash), it's always entertaining and makes you leave the theater wanting to buy a Johnny Cash album or read more about him.