Funny, mistaken identity comedy about escaped convicts posing as gay beauty pageant professionals in a small Texas town. The performances of Jeremy Northam, Steve Zahn and William H Macy are worth the price of this movie alone, but add in a cast of real characters like Mo Gaffney, Paul Dooley and Illeana Douglas and you have a real winner. Ally Walker as banker 'Jo' the love interest, is a ray of pure summer sunshine, she lights up the screen with her performance. M.C. Gainey is the 'Bad' convict who wants to take over the guy's 'Bank Burglary' (YES, Burglary, - It's Robbery when a weapon and people are involved) Other characters include cameos by the producers Mark Illsley and Ed Stone, Ron Perlman as a gay state trooper, Scarlett Pomers in an early performance as one of the pageant girls, David Shackleford as 'Varnel', Tim Bagley and Michael Hitchcock as 'David' and 'Steven' the pageant pros who see the loss of their mobile home / workshop as the chance of a lifetime to scam the insurance company and Tim Cowgill as the tantalizing cowboy seen in many shots but never given some decent screen time 'sigh', never did tight jeans, cowboy boots and a hat look so hot!!

When my husband I first watched this movie, we both laughed through the whole movie. It is a riot. About a couple of prison escapees that are mistaken for a couple of gay little girl pageant wranglers. If that isn't funny enough, the rest of what happens as they try to "sell it" is. I laugh every time. Of course movie reviews are risky - everyone like something different. There's some language... themes (gay and some regular sex discussion) ... but honestly it's mostly language - I would let my 13 year old watch it.

I'm always amazed when I read reviews of films - ESPECIALLY COMEDY - how irrate and seemingly angry people are that don't like the film!! Humor is so incredibly PERSONAL!! How can one possibly PURCHASE a film based entirely on someone else's opinion? It's beyond me! We are all "critics" - merely giving our "opinions" - and 99% of us do not get paid for this act!! Anyway, since very, very few comedies make me throw my head back and laugh from my "gut," I was so surprised and pleased when this little "feel-good" gem did just that! Steve Zahn's performance is the "glue" that holds this film together! He is zany, sweet, silly, and "eats up the scenery" in a somewhat understated way - if that's possible!! I was surprised to see the accomplished actor Jeremy Northam ("Emma," "An Ideal Husband") in this small, underrated bit of confection! But he is the perfect foil for Zahn's craziness! As has been previously mentioned, Bill Macy is his usual excellent self! And Illeana Douglas is marvelous (as always)as the frustrated kiddie beauty pageant director and the object of Zahn's repressed affections! The scene when these two FINALLY "connect" is a stitch, and bears comedic resemblence to the steamy love scene in "The Postmas Always Rings Twice" - but without the flour!! So fellow movie lovers, don't BUY this because I loved it!! Rent it or watch it on cable, and make up your own minds!! But if the scene where Steve Zahn attempts to teach the tiny would-be beauty queens to dance doesn't at least bring a smile to your face, I suggest you hold a mirror under your nose to check if you're still breathing!! (That's sarcasm, folks, and intended for humor purposes only!) Enjoy!!

GREAT entertainment. Unique twist on 'jail break' twist of fate! This movie is soooo entertaining and casting is simply perfect. Steven Zahn gives a prime comedic performance. William H. Macy's role as sheriff and the decisions he makes while trying to 'break the case' "Unique". Macy is at his quirky best. Jeremy Northam's role and scene stealing prowess is priceless. This movie is up there with Cohn Brothers satire and back water Texas folks are at their best.

I will watch this movie again and again--just to laugh and enjoy these performances.... YEA for "Independent Films"!!

Supporting rolls include great looking females. However, the children 'steal the show' and turn the movie into a 'softee'!

Delightful mistaken-identity romp from 1999 set in small-town Texas has Steve Zahn and Jeremy Northam as escaped convicts, assumed to be the gay couple in charge of coaching the local "Little Miss" pageant. Things being what they are, they take the gig with no experience at all. Comic and romantic complications ensue. With Ileana Douglas, Ally Walker, M.C. Gainey and Ron Perlman, but it's William H. Macy who darn near steals the show as "Chappy" the forlorn Sheriff. Worth multiple viewings.

Best and most enjoyable movie I have seen in years. Not a movie person, but I loved it! Joyful pleasure and comedy!

I have no idea why this DVD is no longer beiong manufactured! Just last weekend, I watched it again on a cable network, and was blown away for the 4th or 5th time by Steve Zahn's performance. Jeremy Northam & William H. Macy are terrific, as well, although this should have been a star turn for Zahn. Want a completely "Happy" day? Watch this & "That Thing You Do" back-to-back; while both movies are extremely clever, for me, Zahn's characterizations linger most in the memory. Right now, I'm going to peruse local used stores to try and find a copy of "Happy, Texas!"

Won't play on my dvd player.