Free State of Jones

Watching ‘Free State of Jones’ transported me back in time, but not back to the Civil War era. The 139 minute war drama took me back to high school on the days when my U.S. History teacher would play a historical movie, like 1986's Glory, in place of a lesson plan. But if any teacher is looking to add a movie to their syllabus, it shouldn’t be Gary Ross’ ‘Free State of Jones.’

The Oscars aren’t until February, but we already have a contender for next award season, sort of, with the first trailer for Free State of Jones. From Hunger Games director Gary Ross, the new Civil War-era film stars Matthew McConaughey as a confederate soldier who turns against his southern brethren and attempts to establish a free state in Mississippi. Yes, it’s another installment in the “a white man will save us all” genre, but as usual, McConaughey is running on all cylinders.