Search - Happy, Texas on DVD

HAPPILY EVER AFTER

Michael Butts | Martinsburg, WV USA | 09/07/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"HAPPY, TEXAS is a delightful film, earnestly and honestly directed by Mark Illsley and acted with professional finesse by a talented cast.

Jeremy Northam, who usually plays stuff-shirt gents (Mimic, Gosford Park) stars as Harry Sawyer, and Steve Zahn, who is proving to be a marvelous comic actor, plays Wayne Wayne Jr., two small time cons who escape from a chain gang. They end up stealing an RV which is owned by two gay pageant directors, who are delighted to have it stolen. They head off for an island getaway, waiting to report the stolen RV after the insurance rates go up. The boys end up in Happy, Texas, where they are greeted by the townspeople who hope that their expertise will help them to the state finals. Zahn is shocked when he discovers the contestants are little 5 year old girls. Northam and Zahn go along with the ruse so they can rob the local bank. But, wait...Northam finds himself falling for the bank's manager, played joyously by Ally Walker. Zahn meanwhile is falling for the pageant's local director, Ileana Douglas. Next thing you know, Zahn is making outfits for the girls, and Northam doesn't want to rob the bank anymore. And if this weren't enough, the town's sheriff, played to the hilt by William H. Macy, comes out of the closet and admits his attraction to Northam. They go out on a date at a Dallas gay bar, where they dance their little feet off.

What distinugishes this movie, however, is the direction that takes a humanistic, straightforward approach. When Northam rejects Macy later, it's a poignant and touching scene. Macy is brilliant in this role, and it is his honest performance that keeps his feelings for Northam real and honest, and not slapstick or comic. Throw in Ron Perlman in a small supporting role, and you have a movie of rare honesty and emotion.

A hit at the Sundance Festival, it should've done better in release, but at least you can get it on DVD and relish in its

power."

Surprising gem

gothic cowgirl | NorCal | 11/02/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Read the plot once over. It sounds like a recipe for disaster, doesn't it? At the very least, it sounds like it'll be an unholy meld of slapstick and cheeseball cutesiness. It does incorporate both elements, but with honest restraint. The rest of the movie is warm and enjoyable, chock full of characters you actually *gasp* care about. And while you're busy wondering how that happened, you're also laughing your ass off. Because it's funny as well as heartwarming. And Steve Zahn is hilarious."