Accidental Texan
| Accidental Texan | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Mark Lambert Bristol |
| Screenplay by | Julie B. Denny |
| Based on | Chocolate Lizards by Cole Thompson |
| Produced by |
|
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Matthew Wise |
| Edited by | James K. Crouch |
| Music by |
|
| Distributed by | Roadside Attractions |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 104 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Box office | $292,687[1][2] |
Accidental Texan(formerly titledChocolate Lizards) is a 2023 Americancomedy-dramafilm directed by Mark Lambert Bristol, and starringThomas Haden Church,Rudy Pankow,Carrie-Anne MossandBruce Dern.It is based on the 1999 novelChocolate Lizardsby Cole Thompson.[3][4]
The film was released in the United States byRoadside Attractionson 8 March 2024.
Premise
[edit] | This articleneeds an improvedplot summary.(March 2024) |
When Harvard grad Erwin gets kicked off the set of his first acting gig for leaving his phone on, he flees in his car only to break down deep in Texas oil country. Lacking funds to repair his car, he accepts local driller Merle's offer to work on his site. He then discovers the project is failing and Merle begs him to help by acting as an oil expert leading the project.[5]
Cast
[edit]- Thomas Haden Churchas Merle[6]
- Rudy Pankowas Erwin Vandeveer[6]
- Carrie-Anne Mossas Faye[7]
- Bruce Dernas Scheermeyer[7]
- Brad Lelandas Max Dugan
- Julio Cesar Cedilloas Sheriff Nall[7]
Production
[edit]Principal photographybegan inAustin, Texason October 13, 2021,[7]and also took place that month inBartlett, Texas.[8]
Release
[edit]The film premiered at theDallas International Film Festivalon April 29, 2023.[9][10]
In January 2024, it was announced thatRoadside Attractionsacquired North American distribution rights to the film.
Accidental Texanwasreleased theatricallyon March 8, 2024.[11][1]
Reception
[edit]On thereview aggregatorwebsiteRotten Tomatoes,55% of 22 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 5.4/10.[12] Metacritic,which uses aweighted average,assigned the film a score of 51 out of 100, based on 4 critics, indicating "mixed or average" reviews.[13]
Joe LeydonofVarietywrote: "The next time you hear someone complain that they sure don't make them like they used to, point them in the direction ofAccidental Texan,an unapologetically old-fashioned feel-gooddramedythat, with a few minor tweaks, could pass as a newly rediscovered family-friendly feature from the mid-1970s ".[14]
References
[edit]- ^ab"Accidental Texan".Box Office Mojo.RetrievedMay 24,2024.
- ^"Accidental Texan".The Numbers.RetrievedMay 24,2024.
- ^Grobar, Matt (October 27, 2021)."'Chocolate Lizards': Rudy Pankow Joins Carrie-Anne Moss, Thomas Haden Church, Bruce Dern & More In Indie Dramedy ".Deadline Hollywood.Archivedfrom the original on November 20, 2021.RetrievedNovember 20,2021.
- ^Kay, Jeremy (February 27, 2023)."Taylor & Dodge boards sales on 'Chocolate Lizards' starring Thomas Haden Church, Rudy Pankow, Carrie-Anne Moss (exclusive)".Screen Daily.Archivedfrom the original on March 28, 2023.RetrievedApril 18,2023.
- ^"Roadside Attractions Buys Thomas Haden Church, Rudy Pankow Comedy 'Accidental Texan' (EXCLUSIVE)".February 18, 2024.
- ^abWatts, Elena Anita (November 11, 2021)."Movie role in Bluebonnet Youth Ranch auction goes to Karnes City resident".The Victoria Advocate.Archivedfrom the original on November 20, 2021.RetrievedNovember 20,2021.
- ^abcd"Production Begins in Austin, Texas on Chocolate Lizards".Cision.October 15, 2021.Archivedfrom the original on August 31, 2023.RetrievedNovember 20,2021.
- ^Jaklewicz, Greg (October 23, 2021)."Twenty years in the making: Abilenian's novel 'Chocolate Lizards' finally becoming a movie".Abilene News-Reporter.Archivedfrom the original on August 31, 2023.RetrievedDecember 31,2021.
- ^Cummings, Tommy (April 11, 2013)."Premieres dot Dallas International Film Festival's schedule".The Dallas Morning News.Archivedfrom the original on August 31, 2023.RetrievedApril 21,2023.
- ^Gray, Kevin (April 11, 2023)."5 Things to Know About the 2023 Dallas International Film Festival".Thrillist.Archivedfrom the original on August 31, 2023.RetrievedApril 21,2023.
- ^Lang, Brent (January 24, 2024)."Roadside Attractions Buys Thomas Haden Church, Rudy Pankow ComedyAccidental Texan(Exclusive) ".Variety.RetrievedFebruary 15,2024.
- ^"Accidental Texan".Rotten Tomatoes.Fandango Media.RetrievedMarch 22,2024.
- ^"Accidental Texan".Metacritic.Fandom, Inc.RetrievedMarch 20,2024.
- ^Leydon, Joe(March 8, 2024)."Accidental TexanReview: Amiably Old-Fashioned Dramedy Showcases Appealing Performance by Thomas Haden Church ".Variety.RetrievedMarch 8,2024.
