Honeydripper (2007)

User Rating:

6.7/10   

Director:

John Sayles

Writer (WGA):

John Sayles (written by)

Release Date:

9 May 2008 (UK)

Genre:

Drama | Music

Plot:

1950. Rural Alabama. Cotton harvest. It's a make-or-break weekend for the Honeydripper Lounge and its owner...

Plot Keywords:

Alabama | 1950s | One Word Title

Awards:

2 wins & 3 nominations

Cast

Danny Glover	...	Tyrone Purvis
Lisa Gay Hamilton	...	Delilah
Yaya DaCosta	...	China Doll
Charles S. Dutton	...	Maceo
Vondie Curtis-Hall	...	Slick
Gary Clark Jr.	...	Sonny
Mable John	...	Bertha Mae
Stacy Keach	...	Sheriff
Nagee Clay	...	Scratch
Absalom Adams	...	Lonnie
Arthur Lee Williams	...	Metalmouth Sims
Ruben Santiago-Hudson	...	Stokely
Davenia McFadden	...	Nadine
Daryl Edwards	...	Shack Thomas
Sean Patrick Thomas	...	Dex

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for brief violence and some suggestive material.

Runtime:

124 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

USA:PG-13 | Canada:PG | Ireland:PG | Finland:K-11

Filming Locations:

Alabama, USA

Company:

Anarchist's Convention Films

Trivia:

The principal shooting location was less than 50 yards from Hank Williams's boyhood home.

Movie Connections:

Featured in "Siskel & Ebert & the Movies: (2008-01-05)" (2008)

Soundtrack:

Honeydripper

sweet musical trip down south

OK, let me say right off the bat I am a little biased. This film was shot here in Alabama, and most of it was filmed right here in my home county of Butler. One of my high school classmate's son is featured throughout the movie as "Lonnie" and other folks I know served as extras or performed as part of the choir.

And I loved seeing the people and places I know up on the big screen. I think Maggie and John are "da bomb." The woman is a hugger; I love that warmth. John's the most down-to-earth guy.

That being said, I can also honestly report to you "Honeydripper" is a good movie - not perfect, but very much worth seeing. I think Danny Glover is sensational in the lead role as Pine Top and he and Charles Dutton are totally believable as two old pals fighting the odds to save Pine Top's blues club. Keb' Mo' is delightful as the "Greek Chorus" known as Possum, a mysterious and witty blind guitarist.

If you love blues music and early rock 'n' roll; if you enjoy a story that takes its time, one filled with complex characters and some memorable lines penned by Sayles - a movie made with love and lots of heart - then "Honeydripper" just might be for you.