Happy, Texas
Date: April 21, 2000
Cast:
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Director: Mark Illsley
Several movies have tried, and succeeded in capturing the spirit of small-town America. It is an atmosphere that simply has to be experienced to be understood. Happy Texas is yet another perspective, and while not always original, or unique, it is pleasantly entertaining, and surprisingly enjoyable.
Wayne and Harry are convicts, who make a jailbreak and through some humorous circumstances end up in Happy Texas, a slice of Southern suburbia that has more in store than these two can imagine. They are mistaken for pageant coordinators in a town hungry for winning, and yes, hilarity does indeed pursue. It is never insulting, or over the top, but has just the right mix of laughs, and heart to balance things out.
What it lacks in originality (Trapped in Paradise meets Waiting for Guffman) It makes up for in intelligent, real dialogue and emotions. The performances are what carry this film above and beyond it’s slightly campy and predictable premise. Headed up by newcomer Steve Zahn (Wayne Wayne Wayne Jr, hilarious!!) William H. Macy (as a lonely sheriff who just wants love and attention) and Ally Walker (as the bank president, who is also in search of someplace for her heart to reside), we are given well-written and developed characters, who you can actually imagine meeting if your car ever breaks down in one of these towns.
Ultimately, Happy Texas has a simple charm that matches the simple, innocent, yet fiery spirit of small town America. It is perfectly balanced between “happy” poignant and touching but always entertaining, enthralling and a truly pleasant surprise. ($$$ out of $$$$)
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