Honeydripper - limited appeal

WHAT'S IT ABOUT: Alabama in the '50s had to be a difficult time to grow up, especially if you were a cotton picker; and if were watching this film, that's exactly the feeling you'd get. Things haven't been particularly easy for Honeydripper Lounge and its owner, piano player Tyrone 'Pine Top' Purvis (Glover) who's struggling with creditors, his landlord, a redneck Sheriff and dwindling business in the face of competition.
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So he fires his regular Blues singer, Bertha Mae, hires a popular electric guitar Guitar Sam, and announces a Saturday evening that people will remember.

That Saturday, however, Guitar Sam doesn't show up. Desperate situations call for desperate measures, so he gets hold of a fresh-off-the train guitar picker, Sonny Blake (Gary Clark Jr) to play as well as "any Guitar Sam".

WHAT'S HOT: Sayles has been around long enough to give you a fair idea of his distinct style of filmmaking. You're treated to a decidedly local slice of an America very rarely visited. the casting is flawless and standout scenes include two kids going at it, in a mock play of instruments.

WHAT'S NOT: The pace is sluggish and the film gives you the impression of being longer than it is. While there is authenticity in the effort, one really wonders if there was need to linger so long before getting to the performance, which was quite good.

WHAT TO DO: This one has limited appeal. You'll only appreciate it if you get the point and if you're hooked tou00a0 these genre of music.