Ranking Every Richard Linklater Film Worst To Best
15. The Newton Boys (1998)
Starring frequent Linklater collaborators Ethan Hawke and Matthew McConaughey, The Newton Boys was the director's first stab at a major, big budget Hollywood picture. And though the film itself is far from his best work, there is something oddly charming about it after all these years.
Whether its the cast (rounded out by Skeet Ulrich and Vincent D'Onofrio), the true story narrative about a gang of bank robbers who get in way over their heads, or Linklater's ability to balance the western themes with the dark comedy of the plot, The Newton Boys is a predictable but satisfying popcorn action-dramedy.
Some of the dramatic beats fall a tad flat over the film's two-hour runtime, and the script is lacking in any major plot twists or narrative daring, but the acting is top-notch and the period detail of the sets is exquisite. Not going to win any awards, but good fun all the same, and a solid first go at something with a bit more of a blockbuster edge.