According to the movie’s official website, “Lawless,” which opened last weekend, is “the true story of the infamous Bondurant brothers (who were) bootlegging siblings who made a run for the American dream in Prohibition-era Virginia. In this epic outlaw tale, inspired by author Matt Bondurant’s family in his novel ‘The Wettest County in the World,’ the loyalty of three brothers is put to the test against the backdrop of the nation’s most notorious crime wave.”

There are a lot of great actors in this film. The brothers Bondurant are played by Shia LaBeouf, Tom Hardy and Jason Clarke, who was in the excellent but short-lived series “The Chicago Code.” Guy Pearce plays the villain, while Jessica Chastain plays Hardy’s love interest.

In “Lawless,” Pearce is so good as the slimeball lawman. Hardy proves he’s at the top of his craft by bringing to life a hero so epic that he needs no more than a glare and a grunt to communicate. Chastain is right on Hardy’s level, proving that an Oscar will be hers in no time. And LeBeouf does a pretty decent job of carrying the film.

This isn’t some formulaic script thrown together in the course of two weeks. “Lawless” isn’t perfect, but it’s got action and drama.
The film opened at No. 2 at the box office. I’m glad, because I’m a fan!

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