Happy, Texas 1999

Critics score:
81 / 100

Reviews provided by RottenTomatoes

Roger Ebert, At the Movies: This is one of those comedies that doesn't pound us on the head with the obvious, but simply lets us share vast amusement. Read more

Susan Stark, Detroit News: Northam provides low-key comic counterpoint to Zahn's hilariously manic turn. Macy's deadpan, earnest sheriff is the one to watch, though. Read more

Stephen Holden, New York Times: Almost everybody in this not-so-funny comedy is giddy and cuddlesome with a gosh-oh-gee enthusiasm that is at first engaging but quickly becomes a sign of a desperation to be liked. Read more

Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Read more

Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times: Happy, Texas is a hoot, a hilarious comedy that's smart and caring, yet sexy and ingenious enough that it just might stir up some of that elusive Full Monty-style box-office appeal. Read more

Houston Chronicle: Read more

Entertainment Weekly: Read more

Peter Rainer, New York Magazine/Vulture: Read more

James Berardinelli, ReelViews: ...a wellspring of sweet, effervescent humor that reminds us that comedies don't have to be all about fart jokes and bathroom humor. Read more

Mary Elizabeth Williams, Salon.com: ...if the world is not exactly aching from a lack of fish-out-of-water criminal capers, Happy, Texas nevertheless pleasingly proves that even a shtick we've seen before can charm when it's done well. Read more

Bob Graham, San Francisco Chronicle: Anybody with a soft spot for fakers, who either identifies with them or just admires their chutzpah, is going to get a kick out of Happy, Texas. Read more

Jeff Strickler, Minneapolis Star Tribune: A charming fish-out-of-water romantic comedy, the modestly budgeted Happy, Texas more than makes up in heart what it lacks in splash. Read more

Derek Adams, Time Out: Read more

Emanuel Levy, Variety: Steve Zahn shines in Illsley's feature debut, elevating this eccentric small-town comedy two notches above the level of writing. Using the fish out of water format, this Sundance premiere begins well but then declines rapidly. Read more