Accidental Texan (formerly titled Chocolate Lizards) is a 2023 American comedy-drama film directed by Mark Lambert Bristol, and starring Thomas Haden Church, Rudy Pankow, Carrie-Anne Moss and Bruce Dern. It is based on the 1999 novel Chocolate Lizards by Cole Thompson.[1][2]
| 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 |
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| Distributed by | Roadside Attractions |
Release dates |
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Running time | 104 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
The film was released in the United States by Roadside Attractions on 8 March 2024.
Premise
editThis article needs an improved plot 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.[3]
Cast
edit- Thomas Haden Church as Merle[4]
- Rudy Pankow as Erwin Vandeveer[4]
- Carrie-Anne Moss as Faye[5]
- Bruce Dern as Scheermeyer[5]
- Brad Leland as Max Dugan
- Julio Cesar Cedillo as Sheriff Nall[5]
Production
editPrincipal photography began in Austin, Texas on October 13, 2021,[5] and also took place that month in Bartlett, Texas.[6]
Release
editThe film premiered at the Dallas International Film Festival on April 29, 2023.[7][8]
In January 2024, it was announced that Roadside Attractions acquired North American distribution rights to the film.
Accidental Texan was released theatrically on March 8, 2024.[9][10]
Reception
editOn the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 50% of 24 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 5.3/10.[11] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 51 out of 100, based on 4 critics, indicating "mixed or average" reviews.[12]
Joe Leydon of Variety wrote: "The next time you hear someone complain that they sure don't make them like they used to, point them in the direction of Accidental Texan, an unapologetically old-fashioned feel-good dramedy that, with a few minor tweaks, could pass as a newly rediscovered family-friendly feature from the mid-1970s".[13]
References
edit- ^ Grobar, Matt (October 27, 2021). "'Chocolate Lizards': Rudy Pankow Joins Carrie-Anne Moss, Thomas Haden Church, Bruce Dern & More In Indie Dramedy". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on November 20, 2021. Retrieved November 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. Archived from the original on March 28, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
- ^ "Roadside Attractions Buys Thomas Haden Church, Rudy Pankow Comedy 'Accidental Texan' (EXCLUSIVE)". February 18, 2024.
- ^ a b Watts, Elena Anita (November 11, 2021). "Movie role in Bluebonnet Youth Ranch auction goes to Karnes City resident". The Victoria Advocate. Archived from the original on November 20, 2021. Retrieved November 20, 2021.
- ^ a b c d "Production Begins in Austin, Texas on Chocolate Lizards". Cision. October 15, 2021. Archived from the original on August 31, 2023. Retrieved November 20, 2021.
- ^ Jaklewicz, Greg (October 23, 2021). "Twenty years in the making: Abilenian's novel 'Chocolate Lizards' finally becoming a movie". Abilene News-Reporter. Archived from the original on August 31, 2023. Retrieved December 31, 2021.
- ^ Cummings, Tommy (April 11, 2013). "Premieres dot Dallas International Film Festival's schedule". The Dallas Morning News. Archived from the original on August 31, 2023. Retrieved April 21, 2023.
- ^ Gray, Kevin (April 11, 2023). "5 Things to Know About the 2023 Dallas International Film Festival". Thrillist. Archived from the original on August 31, 2023. Retrieved April 21, 2023.
- ^ Lang, Brent (January 24, 2024). "Roadside Attractions Buys Thomas Haden Church, Rudy Pankow Comedy Accidental Texan (Exclusive)". Variety. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
- ^ "Accidental Texan". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
- ^ "Accidental Texan". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved September 30, 2024.
- ^ "Accidental Texan". Metacritic. Fandom, Inc. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
- ^ Leydon, Joe (March 8, 2024). "Accidental Texan Review: Amiably Old-Fashioned Dramedy Showcases Appealing Performance by Thomas Haden Church". Variety. Retrieved March 8, 2024.
