The Newton Boys (1998)
Average Rating: 6.3/10
Reviews Counted: 37
Fresh: 23 | Rotten: 14
No consensus yet.
Average Rating: 5.7/10
Critic Reviews: 9
Fresh: 4 | Rotten: 5
No consensus yet.
liked it
Average Rating: 3/5
User Ratings: 9,690
My Rating
Movie Info
Richard Linklater's fifth feature is a major departure from his previous work -- his first big-budget picture, it's also the first of his films since his 1987 Super-8 effort "It's Impossible to Learn to Plow by Reading Books" not set during his signature 24-hour time frame, offering instead a ravishing bankrobber period piece buoyed by a gentleness of spirit rare among movies of any genre. Its true story tells of the four Texas-born Newton brothers, who between 1919 and 1924 were the most
Mar 27, 1998 Wide
May 25, 1999
Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
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Cast
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Matthew McConaughey
Willis Newton -
Skeet Ulrich
Joe Newton -
Ethan Hawke
Jess Newton -
Vincent D'Onofrio
Doc Newton -
Julianna Margulies
Louise Brown -
Dwight Yoakam
Brentwood Glassock -
Charles Gunning
Slim -
Becket Gremmels
Lewis -
Gail Cronauer
Ma newton -
Chloe Webb
Avis Glasscock -
Bo Hopkins
K. P. Aldrich -
-
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All Critics (51) | Top Critics (15) | Fresh (23) | Rotten (14) | DVD (1)
A handsome production that nicely evokes the 1920s and a likeable cast headed by McConaughey can't compensate for a Western-gangster film that's too diffuse and lacks a discernibel POV to be dramatically engaging.
Top CriticLike the Newtons themselves, the film never goes for the kill.
Linklater seems to understand the root of McConaughey's appeal stems from his wild side. Casting McConaughey as someone noble and high-minded... is like hiring Madonna to play a housewife.
There's little nuance in the straightforward, chronological way the tale is told--it's hard to point to a scene that's worth discussing after you've left the theatre.
Linklater's genuine regard for his characters and fidelity to his setting are his strongest directorial traits.
Audience Reviews for The Newton Boys
Super Reviewer
It came out during 1998, which saw both "Mask of Zorro" and "Armageddon", so maybe that's one reason for me never hearing about it. I think it was right before Matthew McConnaughey broke onto the scene.
Either way, I just plain enjoyed watching it...They show interviews from a couple of the real Newton Boys as the credits roll, which are pretty good. In particular, the interview on Johnny Carson is pretty funny.
This makes me even more excited for "Public Enemies", another bank-robbery movie...They even have a minor character in here who supposedly goes on to work with John Dillinger, the guy that movie will be focused on.
Super Reviewer
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July 21, 2005:
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Director: Richard Linklater
Summary: Four Texan brothers (Vincent D'Onofrio, Ethan Hawke, Matthew McConaughey and Skeet Ulrich) ignite a crime spree in the 1920s, robbing more than 200 banks across the nation -- without ever killing anyone. In a career highlight, the unexpectedly compassionate team pulls off the largest train robbery in U.S. history. Richard Linklater (School of Rock) directs this heist film, based on a true story, that focuses more on characters.
My Thoughts: "I hadn't planned on seeing this film, but the cast of the film changed my mind. Great cast of talented actors. They were really good together in this movie. Also it being based on a true story helped reel me in as well. I really enjoyed the movie. I was surprised by the lack of action, considering the film is based on bank robbing. But then again I enjoyed that they focused more on the character's. Gave you a chance to know them and to care for the character's. Might not be to everyone's liking, but it wasn't a waste of my time and I am glad I watched it."