This week, we feature a hopeful dramedy about a young man taken in by kind Texans and a fun-filled comedy about a traveling ad executive.
New Release
‘Accidental Texan’
After wannabe actor Erwin Vandeveer (Rudy Pankow) ruins his acting prospects in New Orleans, he skedaddles to Texas, where he is taken in by friendly waitress Faye (Carrie-Anne Moss) and oil-drilling cowboy Merle (Thomas Haden Church). Merle and Erwin formulate a risky plan that may end up being a win-win situation.This film’s simple plotline belies its portrayal of realistic interactions, with some great acting by its main players. At its heart, it’s a feel-good movie about the power of communities, friendship, and loyalty.
Comedy | Drama
Release Date: March 8, 2024
Director: Mark Lambert Bristol
Starring: Thomas Haden Church, Rudy Pankow, Carrie-Anne Moss
Running Time: 1 hour, 44 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Where to Watch: Theaters
Rated: 4 stars out of 5
Family Pick
‘Terra Willy’
Willy (Landen Beattie) is a youngster traveling through space with his parents when disaster strikes and their ship is compromised. He escapes on a rescue pod and lands on an alien planet. With the assistance of his trusty robot and a helpful alien, Willy must survive until a rescue team arrives.This is a fun adventure movie with vibrant, fluid animation, and all sorts of exotic aliens—some cutesy and others hostile. Parents should know that some of the peril the main characters face may be a little too mature for younger children.
Animation | Adventure | Comedy
Release Date: Oct 23, 2020 (limited)
Director: Eric Tosti
Starring: Landen Beattie, Jason Anthony, Edouard Baer
Running Time: 1 hour, 29 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG
Where to Watch: Amazon, Yideo
Rated: 3.5 stars out of 5 
An Comedy With a Positive Message
‘Planes, Trains & Automobiles’
Marketing executive Neal Page (Steve Martin) is on a trip from New York to Chicago to visit relatives for Thanksgiving. However, severe weather conditions cause delays and he eventually meets fast-talking salesman Del Griffith (John Candy). Together, they’ll face more than just bad weather.While this film features two standout comedy actors in their primes that will elicit plenty of laughs, it also has a surprisingly heartwarming undercurrent that comes to the fore as it reaches its conclusion.
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Comedy | Drama
Release Date: Nov. 25, 1987
Director: John Hughes
Starring: Steve Martin, John Candy, Laila Robins
Running Time: 1 hour, 33 minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Where to Watch: Amazon, Vudu, Apple TV
Rated: 4 stars out of 5
A Satisfying Melodrama
‘Parrish’
Based on Mildred Savage’s novel of the same name, this film follows the life of titular Parrish McLean (Troy Donahue), who comes into conflict with his stepfather, a cruel tobacco magnate.This is an entertaining, yet slightly overstuffed melodrama that would have benefited more as a mini-series, but satisfies as a film because of its great cast and engaging narrative.
Drama
Release Date: May 4, 1961
Director: Delmer Daves
Starring: Claudette Colbert, Troy Donahue, Karl Malden
Running Time: 2 hours, 18 minutes
Not Rated
Where to Watch: Apple TV, Vudu, Amazon
Rated: 3 stars out of 5
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