I love how, though there is a plot, Thornton's direction never seems in a hurry to get to it. Instead, his steady & strong hand just meanders around this wonderful town. The performances are authentic and the characters engaging; you just wanna stay with them as long as you're welcome. And that conversation at Ritter's doorstep about God not sending him to hell sent gave this the official 5-star bump for me.

I'm not going to go in to detail. This movie is a moving study of the decency and beauty of ordinary people. I can hardly believe that I missed it on release. Billy Bob Thornton has been one of my favourite actors for many years but this performance simply blew me away. He proves himself in the Steve Carrell class of actors who can take on a character to the extent that you can't even tell who he is.One of the best movies ever made.

Sling Blade (1996): Dir: Billy Bob Thornton / Cast: Billy Bob Thornton, Lucas Black, Dwight Yoakam, John Ritter, Robert Duvall: Title represents periods in the hero's life when he commits wrong when believing he is doing right. Billy Bob Thornton plays a mentally challenged patient at an institute about to be released into society. He committed murder at a young age without fully comprehending reality. He finds employment at a garage where his ability to fix things becomes useful. One day he befriends a boy and learns that his mother lives with an abusive boyfriend. Predictable circumstances follow where viewers are asked the wrong questions in the conclusion. Thornton directs, wrote and delivers a flawless performance as someone whose willingness to please result in fatal consequences. Lucas Black plays the boy whom Thornton befriends. Strong supporting performances from Dwight Yoakam as the abusive boyfriend whose fate is obvious, and John Ritter who is also good as the mother's gay friend who has observed the situation and befriends Thornton whom he gives insight. Robert Duvall is featured as Thornton's father. While a very strong message exists, it doesn't redeem its flaws. Viewers will likely arrive at the ending long before it happens but its delivery is effective. Extremely low budget but observant character study. Score: 8 / 10

I wished Billy Bob made more films like this story. Billy Bob Thornton won an Oscar for adapted screenplay but his performance as Carl Childers should have won an Academy Award. Carl is a mentally challenged man who spent 25 years in a mental hospital for killing his mother. He is released to the public where he befriends a fatherless Frank Wheatley and his mother Linda. Linda's boyfriend Doyle can abusive to both Frank and Linda. Carl stays in the garage and works fixing lawn mowers. Linda's boss and best friend is Vaughn (played wonderfully by John Ritter). Vaughn is gay in a small Arkansas town. The film was done entirely on location in Arkansas. Natalie Caraday did a terrific job as Linda. Robert Duvall and J.T. Walsh have memorable roles in the roles. J.T. Walsh was one of America's best character actors and died too soon. The film is an authentic representation of Americana life and not the Hollywood/New York version. I wished Hollywood made more films like this.