“Accidental Texan,” based on the 1999 book “Chocolate Lizards” by Cole Thompson, follows the story of failed actor Erwin (Rudy Pankow) after his car breaks down in middle-of-nowhere Texas. He seeks the help of borderline-bankrupt oil digger Merle (Thomas Haden Church) who promises to help him if Erwin agrees to use his acting skills to outwit a corrupt oil company.
Directed by Mark Lambert Bristol and written by Julie B. Denny and Cole Thompson, “Accidental Texan” contains all the Texan charm folks could ask for. The color grading utilized warm orange and yellow tones to give a homey feeling to each frame, one that’s come to be associated with the Wild West, as well as Texas. Filmed in both Austin and Bartlett, Texas, the authentic Texan charm shines through. Merle’s costume design also feels distinctly southern, with a charm only found in the beautiful Lone Star State.
Chemistry makes or breaks a duo narrative, and Pankow and Church’s chemistry is the main reason the film works so well. Their arc throughout the film mimics a “mentor-mentee” relationship, and seeing how the pair begins to understand one another will leave audiences thoroughly entertained. One of the most fun scenes between the two characters that describes their personalities and relationship is when Merle offers Erwin a sip of alcohol while driving, and Erwin hesitantly accepts before choking down the strong drink.
Even the characters’ individual moments prove charming. Particularly the opening scene in which Erwin arrives on the first day of his film shoot, just to be promptly fired for messing up the squibs, the practical effect used for fake bullet wounds, ruining the entire set. His shock and disappointment make him a sympathetic character despite the uptight Harvard personality that Pankow and the script give him.
Cinematographer Matt Wise does a good job competently setting up each shot throughout the film. His grasp of shot composition achieves a memorably shot indie feel that will give the audience a feeling of watching actual people’s lives play out. His range of camera work will impress audiences, especially considering the tone shift from some of his previous work like Imagine Dragons’ 2017 music video for their song “Thunder”.
“Accidental Texan” proves a charming little film featuring the lovely state of Texas that residents and non-residents alike will enjoy thanks to a competent director, cinematographer, writers and, of course, the highly entertaining performances. Audiences should look forward to a heartwarming story of two individuals coming together to see each other for who they really are.
3 failed squib rigs out of 5
