Happy, Texas: Critic Reviews

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.

A charming fish-out-of-water romantic comedy, the modestly budgeted Happy, Texas more than makes up in heart what it lacks in splash.

Northam provides low-key comic counterpoint to Zahn's hilariously manic turn. Macy's deadpan, earnest sheriff is the one to watch, though.

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.

...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.

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

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.

Every bit as cheery as the title implies--but good will can only go so far.

first-time filmmaker Illsley displays a surprisingly firm yet gentle hand with both his script and his enormously appealing cast.

Odd couple buddy picture with Rom-Com elements that work. Zhan gives one of his most hysterical performances to date. Lighthearted, watchable, and fun.

Very, very, tears-rolling-down-your-face funny.

The set-up is so strong that it's impressive to see it progress so effortlessly.

...although it reverts to slapstick for its set-piece chase finale, for most of its length Mark Illsley's debut film offers an unexpectedly gentle, even sentimental comedy of sexual identities...

Bank-robbery/beauty-pageant caper is sweet, silly fun.

...an irresistibly winsome and winning comedy...

It's a breath of fresh air to review a film that, having received an award from the Sundance Film Festival, actually deserves the accolade.

Jeremy Northam gives a deft performance and Steve Zahn is especially brilliant in delineating his character's transformation from illiterate lug to finicky choreographer.

This is one of those comedies that doesn't pound us on the head with the obvious, but simply lets us share vast amusement.

A joyous entertainment, tinged with an appealing innocence both singular and welcome in contemporary American film.