On the one hand, I could give this perhaps two stars for the total unbelievability of the story and for a much too tidy ending. On the other hand, we have Christina Ricci parading around for half the film in a pair of panties and a top that barely covers anything, not to mention being chained to a radiator by a well meaning but troubled ex-blues musician played by Samuel L. Jackson, whose wife has just left him. So, yes, the plot is insane. But the performances of Ricci and Jackson are superb, as is Justin Timberlake, playing a man who goes to pieces at the sound of loud noises and can only be calmed down by Ricci's character--while he at least can help her to control her nymphomania a bit....and there is so much more, including a really evil so-called friend, a down-to-earth preacher, a kind woman at the pharmacy, a teenager who crosses Ricci's path, a hustler, and Ricci's estranged mother. There's no way it should work at all, but somehow--unless you really want to think about it too much--it just keeps you watching, waiting for the train wreck you feel must be coming. The confrontation scene at the end is great, before the too-pat conclusion. Certainly Black Snake Moan should receive some points for originality. And then there are the black-and-white segments of Son House that frame the film. It took some courage to give this one the green light. Or maybe it was just the sight of Christina in her panties. ( )

Sex, drugs and the blues, with a cameo by Son House. ( )