THE NEWTON BOYS

If you value sharply made historical drama, THE NEWTON BOYS earns its four-star entertainment rating. The cast is bravado, the sets and costumes feel authentic, the music is strong, and Richard Linklater’s direction gives this true story energy and polish. The film also avoids gratuitous violence, and the brothers boast that they never killed anyone during their robberies.

But the movie’s charm is part of the problem. These men behave courteously while stealing thousands of dollars, remain unrepentant, and get off relatively easily after capture. The film recognizes prayer and includes Christian elements, yet it also makes criminals unusually endearing.

The decisive cost is content: 41 obscenities, 22 profanities, moderate violence, alcohol, smoking, and a worldview that treats unrepentant thieves sympathetically. Adults who can weigh those concerns may find it worthwhile; families with children or young teens should choose something else.

From 1919 to 1924, four brothers become America’s most successful bank robbers, stealing from more than 80 banks across the country. Willis Newton, tired of picking cotton, rallies his brothers to build a new life through crime.

With help from an old companion who understands explosives, the brothers travel across America and keep ahead of the law. Their polished manners and bold schemes make them surprisingly engaging, even as their choices grow more dangerous.

Four stars means this is an exceptionally well-made historical drama. The acting and direction are excellent, supported by keen art direction, authentic sets and costumes, great music, and solid storytelling.

The movie gives an inside look at how the brothers continued their wrongdoing for so long. Its engaging story and talkative, character-driven approach make the criminals compelling without relying on much violence, sex, or nudity.

The closing footage of Willis and Joe as old men provides a charming bonus. They explain their careers as bank robbers, including appearances involving Johnny Carson and writer Claude Stanush.

The film presents a pagan worldview centered on unrepentant criminals, while also including Christian elements such as hymn singing, prayer, and Bible quoting. It does not endorse crime openly, but its engaging treatment of the Newton brothers can make their theft seem more acceptable because they are courteous, clever, and occasionally generous.

The movie recognizes that the brothers had some regard for religion, including giving money to the Salvation Army and recognizing prayer. Yet they remain unrepentant until their dying day. Their manners and lack of murderous intent do not change the fact that they lie, cheat, and steal.

The film’s central tension is whether charm and good behavior can excuse serious wrongdoing. Scripture gives a simpler answer: “You shall not steal” (Exodus 20:15).

THE NEWTON BOYS is brilliant historical drama with excellent acting, direction, music, and visual detail. Its sympathetic portrait of unrepentant criminals, heavy obscenity and profanity, and adult content make it unsuitable for children and young teens. For discerning adults, it is WORTH THE TRIP — ADULTS ONLY. Families looking for another option can start here: