EVERY MOVIE HAS A LESSON

Since Hollywood has become a hit-generating factory more than a garden of artistry and truth, a historical drama film like “Free State of Jones” only has to raise its barometer to a midpoint of “good enough.”  That is because there is nearly unwinnable tug-of-war of disservice between history lessons and entertainment value, especially when your poster reads “based on a true story.”  Veer away from the facts too far with dramatic license and the film becomes disingenuous.  Veer too close to history without cinematic flashiness and no one will pay to see it.  “Free State of Jones” falls somewhere in the middle of that mud pit.