you can not watch this film for a history lesson . this be the first i have hear of the ma barker saga and but i could tell almost immediately that the fact be way off . and with a little internet research i realize i be of course right . ma barker sure a hell isn not the sexy and calculate woman the movie portray her a and and apparently do not orchestrate all the bank rob scheme and kiddnappings and and murder that her criminal boy carry out . but do not expect a brilliant crime drama . the script and the acting be adequate and the gunfight be excessive and mostly unrealistic and and there be a very laughable slow motion death scene . so why do i give it a positive . because it be damn entertaining . the gunfight be fun to watch but there be some deep theme that emerge between them . the movie have a strong sense of ego intimidation among it cast of alpha male and each of whom have his own agenda . and i appreciate the minimal use of swears for the period . the set piece be great and reproduce a convince 1930s era . so watch this film like you would a cult film and and take the excessive bloodiness and ruthlessness in stride with the cheesy ultra serious comment from the fbi man who want to take the barker down at any cost . inotherwords and do not take it too seriously and just have fun with it . and if you like this and you will love serial mom .