Watch Daddy & Them

Daddy & Them is a comedic drama film released in 2001. It is directed and co-written by the talented actor and filmmaker Billy Bob Thornton who also stars as the protagonist of the movie. It boasts an impressive cast featuring renowned actors like Laura Dern, Diane Ladd, Ben Affleck, Andy Griffith, and Kelly Preston. The story of Daddy & Them centers around a dysfunctional Arkansas family, the Turners. The patriarch of the family is Claude (played by Jim Varney), a boisterous and irascible man who has been recently released from prison. Claude's wife is Ruby (played by Diane Ladd), a strong-willed and tough-talking woman who stays loyal to her man despite his numerous flaws.

The couple has three children together, including Claude Jr. (Billy Bob Thornton), Hazel (Laura Dern), and Rose (Kathy Wittes). Claude Jr. is a former convict and a troubled man who struggles with anger issues and alcoholism. Hazel, on the other hand, is a hyperactive and eccentric woman who has a talent for exploding with violent fits of rage. Rose is the youngest of the siblings and is portrayed as a country bumpkin with a good heart.

As the story unfolds, the Turners are forced to deal with a number of challenges that threaten to tear them apart. Ruby is diagnosed with cancer and goes through a painful treatment that leaves her bedridden. Hazel's husband, the sensitive and well-meaning Lonnie (played by Andy Griffith), is accused of murdering his ex-wife and is thrown into jail. Meanwhile, Claude Jr. is struggling to keep his marriage with the equally troubled Ruby Kay (Kelly Preston) intact.

As the family rallies around Ruby during her illness, old wounds are re-opened, and long-standing grudges are dredged up. The Turners are forced to confront their deepest fears, flaws, and resentments, but also rediscover their love and loyalty for each other in the process.

Daddy & Them is a darkly comedic and poignant exploration of the complex dynamics of a dysfunctional family. Thornton's direction is confident and assured, and his performance as Claude Jr. is one of his best. The other actors also deliver standout performances, particularly Laura Dern as Hazel, who steals many scenes with her manic and unpredictable energy.

The film's tone is a blend of black comedy and melodrama, which can be jarring at times. However, Thornton's script balances the humor and pathos well, and the end result is a film that is both entertaining and emotionally resonant.

Furthermore, the film features a rocking soundtrack, with songs by the likes of Lynyrd Skynyrd and AC/DC that capture the spirit of the American South. The cinematography is also impressive, capturing the lush, verdant landscapes of Arkansas and immersing the viewer in the world of the Turners.

Overall, Daddy & Them is an underrated gem of a film that deserves more attention. It's a funny, moving, and honest portrayal of family dysfunction that is sure to resonate with viewers who have experienced similar struggles in their own lives. Thornton proves once again that he is a talented filmmaker as well as an actor, crafting a film that is both entertaining and insightful.

Daddy & Them is a 2001 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.