Happy Texas is where two escaped felons, Harry Sawyer (Jeremy Northam) and Wayne Wayne Wayne Jr. (Steve Zahn) end up after they steal a Winnebago belonging to two gay guys who are beauty pageant consultants. Happy Texas is eager to have their five year olds in the finals of the regional talent quest and they`re willing to pay for some help without turning a hair at the pair`s presumed homosexuality. Wayne does his best under the adoring eyes of Ms Schaefer ( Illeana Douglas) while Harry susses out the local bank but falls under the charms of its president (Ally Walker). But Harry has kindled passion in the local sheriff Chappy Dent (William H. Macy).
This is a charming film. It doesn`t have a lot of depth, it doesn`t have a lot of internal logic, but it does have some super performances - William H. Macy is a knockout at pathos and Steve Zahn has a crazy brilliance that`s rivetting. Also it`s funny and goodhearted. First-time director Mark Illsley working with first time writer Ed Stone hit paydirt at Sundance this year with their film. It`s a little bit too aware of its cuteness sometimes and it doesn`t quite bring off the climax you would expect but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
