The read
Critics rate it 30 points higher than audiences do.
Synopsis
Ruby and her husband Claude are a working-class couple who live in suburban Arkansas. As crazy as they are for each other, their relationship is far from harmonious. (The lack of money doesn't help matters, either.) In fact, their whole family is fraught with unresolved conflicts. Then Claude's uncle is arrested on a felony charge, and everyone rallies round. Ruby's mother Jewel and flirtatious sister Rose (Claude's ex-girlfriend) even fly in from Tennessee; but, far from being a source of support, Jewel seems only to want to break up Ruby and Claude.
Ratings
IMDb5.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes86%
Critics rate it 30 points higher than audiences do.
41 audience votes
Key crew
- Billy Bob ThorntonWriter
- Billy Bob ThorntonDirector
- Marty StuartOriginal Music Composer
Cast
- Billy Bob ThorntonClaude Montgomery
- Laura DernRuby Montgomery
- Brenda BlethynJulia Montgomery
- Andy GriffithO.T. Montgomery
- Diane LaddJewel
- Kelly PrestonRose
- Jim VarneyHazel Montgomery
- John PrineAlvin Montgomery
- Walton GogginsTommy Christian
- Tuesday KnightBilly Montgomery
- Sandra SeacatElbe Montgomery
- Jeff BaileyJ.C. Montgomery
Stills
Themes
jealousyhusband wife relationshipsouthern usatherapistarkansasdysfunctional familyworking classdefense attorneyjury trialgun shootingfamily crisisinsecure woman