From the reviews I read prior to seeing Black Snake Moan, I expected the movie to be over the top at top, possibly gratuitous at times and overall a flawed film. Even with the mediocre reviews, I went to see it because it has 2 of my all time favorite actors. Christina Ricci and Sam Jackson. Not surprisingly, it is an extremely well acted film. Ricci is a tour de force as the messed up nympho and Sam Jackson is Sam Jackson.  Jackson even shows off singing ability as a blues man and Ricci even does a little singing in the end. Ironically enough the only person main character who does not sing is played by Justin Timberlake who holds his own in the role of boyfriend going off to war. Rapper David Banner makes a solid cameo as well. Despite the shock value premise of Jackson chaining Ricci in order to help save her, the movie never becomes ridiculous. I recommended seeing it for Ricci great performance above all else. (and she is half naked for about half the movie which is not a bad thing) Overall Grade: B