| Original Score: B- | Sep 7, 2011

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

...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

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

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.

| Original Score: 4.5/5 | Feb 14, 2001

Happy, Texas is a light, breezy and very amusing comedy.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Jan 1, 2000

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.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | Jan 1, 2000

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Jan 1, 2000

...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.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Jan 1, 2000

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.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Jan 1, 2000

Uneven in places but with a few choice hilarious moments, it is well worth the rental.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Jan 1, 2000

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

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Jan 1, 2000

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

| Original Score: 3/4 | Jan 1, 2000

| Original Score: B- | Oct 1, 1999