Oscar Winning Milos Forman's The People Vs. Larry Flynt is a fascinating (if not too trashy) look at how without the first amendment, people like Flynt would not exist. We see an expose on the man, myth and legend of master porno publisher Larry Flynt (played to damn close perfection by Oscar nominated Woody Harrelson) who releases Hustler (in my opinion the best porno mag ever, but that's just me) and gets severe backlash from censors, church people and just people in general. But, we see his struggle to fight back at any cost (even his legs) to send a message- just because you don't like doesn't mean you can't let me publish what I want. Forman directs this pumped drama with 5-star performances from Harrelson, Love (as the tragedy queen girlfriend) and Especially Norton (as the suffering yet compelling lawyer). Never ashamed and always On the edge, this film has a place not only in film history, but in Hustler magazine's also. The real Flynt appears as a Cinncinatti judge and Norm MacDonald appears as a reporter. A+

I remembered when this film came out how the film reviewers nearly orgasmed (this word is fitting based on the movie in question) when lauding The People vs. Larry Flint. Huh?! Raising a dirty little lecher to hero status?! Come off it--there are millions of Americans infinitely more deserving of praise!! A hero for his love of the first amendment?! Come on, Flint just wants to make money---period. If he thought it would pay, he'd feature necrophilia or child porn in Hustler. He is certainly no hero. If this is their vision of heroism, then I can see why Hollywood always seems to be out of step with the nation.

Since this movie raises Larry Flint to hero status, maybe the studio might want to try the same with Jeffrey Dahmer, Joseph Stalin or even John Wayne Gacy.

Growing up in the backwoods of Kentucky, Larry Flint would make moonshine as a kid. As an adult, Larry Flynt (Woody Harrelson) runs a strip club in Cincinnati. Althea Leasure Flynt (Courtney Love) is the new strippers. Then he publishes Hustler magazine as a regular guy's Playboy. It gets notoriety with the publication of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis pics. The brash offensive pornographer comes to the attention of righteous Charles Keating (James Cromwell) and gets charged. Alan Isaacman (Edward Norton) is his lawyer in the long running battle with the government.

It's a great performance from Woody Harrelson in one of the most compelling modern characters. Love him or hate him, one cannot ignore Larry Flynt. Also one should not ignore this performance. Surprisingly Courtney Love gives a coherent and wonderful performance. It's a quick moving movie despite a lot of courtroom drama. It takes a dirty subject and shines a light on a brighter meaning.