In 2003, Toby Keith released the hit song, “Beer For My Horses.” Recently, the Huffington Post criticized the song for being racist and an “ode to lynching.” Max Blumenthal of the Huffington Post, the reporter who took a slam at the piece, also called Toby a racist and pro-lynching. Despite the controversy, the movie Beer For My Horses inspired by the song has become a huge hit.
Keith co-produced, co-wrote, and stars in the movie Beer For My Horses, a wild, wild west story all about getting the bad guys. The movie follows the life of two small town deputies and good friends, played by the country superstar himself, who plays Rack and Rodney Carrington, who plays Lonnie. Carrington also co-wrote the movie. Despite the local sheriff’s (Tom Skerrit) wishes, the boys head out on the ultimate road trip to save a damsel in distress — one of the boy’s girlfriends — from a drug lord (Carlos Sanz) as revenge since his brother, Tito (Greg Serano), was arrested. There is a special appearance by Willie Nelson, who sings “Beer For My Horses” with Toby Keith.
Although the film has received a few bad reviews — every film has those — critics are applauding the new flick. Nashville's City Paper notes that the movie “overall will appeal to Western and adventure lovers as well as fans,” while the Buffalo News describes the film as “idiomatically dead-on, well-written, smartly paced and provides plenty of belly laughs.”
Toby Keith is the perfect man for the job. He is one of the most famous country acts around. According to what I hear from friends, his concerts are amazing. In the last decade, he has sold 25 million albums, which I guarantee are amazing. His songs have been number one on the singles charts for over a year. This film is his first acting appearance since Broken Bridges in 2006.
The movie is currently in limited release; of course, there’s no theater showing it within fifty miles of my house. But if you are lucky enough to have this movie around, be sure to catch this hilarious story with Toby and company!
Article comments
1 - elsietee
Great review! I haven't been able to see it yet, since it isn't playing anywhere near me either, but I can't wait to get the DVD and see it on CMT!!!
2 - kathy
saw the movie the first week it was out toby is getting better each time he dose a movie . will buy it when it comes out on dvd. can't wait for toby makes another movie to go see it.
3 - Angel
The song Racist? Ridiculous. Why do people always want to start something. As far as the movie goes... we've been waiting for weeks for it to show up at our local theater, but alas, no sign of it anywhere. Now, that's ridiculous as well!! As soon as it's on DVD, we will certainly be purchasing it! It looks like a decent movie that will provide a decent laugh. We can always use a few of those!!
4 - bliffle
The lyrics I read ARE racist.
Why?
The song advocates vigilantism, which has always (and in various societies) been used to enforce Judge Lynches Law, which has always been racist.
When vigilantes go into the streets they target blacks, chinese, etc., whatever are easily identified targets by their appearance, e.g., the color of their skins, the slant of their eyes.
Racism.
5 - elsietee
If you listen to the lyrics of the song, it clearly states that he is talking about "criminals," regardless of what color they are!!! You are the one assuming they would be minorities! Racism!