POPCORN REVIEW: AINT THEM BODIES SAINTS

3.5/5

Texan Triangle.

Case in point, Casey Affleck has come out of the shadows of being Batman's baby brother to make his name all for himself. It all started with Ben Affleck's directorial debut 'Gone Baby Gone', when the former 'Good Will Hunting' and 'Oceans' trilogy supporting actor became a leading star. Now in the same indie, critical vein of the blood work of 'The Killer Inside Me' and his Oscar worthy, award nominated 'The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford' comes 'Aint Them Bodies Saints' for the 'Interstellar' actor. An enduring and endearing love story named after a country song and set in the lonesome state of Texas as three go for love in the triangle. This outlaw romantic drama of crime and time through the heart and soul is a cinematographer and composers dream, as debut director David Lowrey lays all of this out beautifully. With rising 'The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo', 'Side Effects' and 'Her' actress Rooney Mara and one of Hollywood's most underrated and hardest working actors in Ben Foster ('3:10 To Yuma', 'Lone Survivor' and even more Wahlberging films) this film is more than just Casey. But like brother Ben when Affleck went all 'Argo', this is his moment too. With great support from rising actors Rami Malek and 'Red Tails' standout Nate Parker this rising independent picture is all about the new, best and brightest. Just like this old Texas turn of events on the whole Bonnie and Clyde, ride or die scenario complete with Stetson and western Wrangler shirts. As these star crossed lovers risk their lives by the gun for some grand action, nothing is more compelling here than the opening, perfection image of affection of 'them' (Casey and Rooney), being cuffed and carried away by officers with their heads resting on each other lovingly and longingly. It sets the tone for this whole movie of poetic style. The substance stating that real love, real "till' death do us part" lasts through anything. Will go through anything. Ain't that what it's all about? These bodies really are worthy of saints. TIM DAVID HARVEY.