...a larger-than-life premise that’s employed to watchable yet decidedly forgettable effect...

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | May 12, 2024

"Happy, Texas" is a fresh, frisky and very funny feel-good comedy that delights in upending expectations by avoiding cheap shots and demeaning caricatures.

| Sep 3, 2021

It is a film I love, a film I watch regularly, and a film that makes me laugh each and every time.

| Original Score: 3.5/4.0 | Sep 10, 2020

| Original Score: B- | Sep 7, 2011

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

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Jan 3, 2009

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.

Full Review | Original Score: B- | Jan 29, 2007

| Original Score: 3/5 | Dec 6, 2005

| Original Score: 4/5 | Dec 6, 2005

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

| Original Score: 3/4 | Nov 14, 2005

| Original Score: B- | Apr 9, 2005

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | May 14, 2003

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

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Mar 25, 2003

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

| Original Score: 3/5 | Dec 8, 2002

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

| Original Score: 4/5 | Dec 8, 2002

...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...

| Original Score: 4/5 | Dec 2, 2002

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

| Original Score: 4/5 | Nov 7, 2002

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

| Original Score: 4/5 | Nov 6, 2002

| Original Score: A- | Sep 18, 2002

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Aug 21, 2002

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

| Original Score: 4.5/5 | Jun 5, 2002