'Outside Ozona' is an OOP dtv title largely forgotten about from the 90's with a plot of intertwining characters, life stories that you don't see get made much anymore. At the center a serial killer and a radio station as everyone driving down the back roads of California. It's cast might be the first thing you notice, but it's real life sentiment fleshed out by fine atmosphere that brings it home.
The latest victim sits dead behind the wheel with the radio still on. It's DJ Dix (Taj Mahal) who butts head with manager Floyd (Meat Loaf) as a broke couple Wit (Kevin Pollak) and Earlene (Penelope Ann Miller) take to the road when he's fired from his latest job. Sisters Marcy (Sherilyn Fenn) & Bonnie (Beth Ann Styne) on a cross-country trip pick up Alan (David Paymer) who's car has broken down. Widowed long haul driver Odell Parks (Robert Forster) prone to stops has a chance meeting with Reba Twosalt (Kateri Walker) who he lends a hand. Meanwhile FBI Agent Deene (Lucy Webb) follows two steps behind.
Chances are you're thinking a large part will be figuring out who the killer is, but thankfully that's not the case. If you're paying attention you'll know before it's spelled out. The enjoyment is watching, listening to a bunch of people from different paths, perspectives. Taj does a great job as the DJ who's the backbone of the tale. Pollak & Miller give a honest picture of unfulfillment, drifting & countless bad decisions. Forster, Walker supply a large dose of heart, warmth.
'Outside Ozona' is one of those movies that looks to be dividing people. Either you'll enjoy it's simple down to earth nature, characters & accept the contrived bit of how they all come together or you'll find the whole experience a bore. I saw this back in the late 90's and I thought it was alright. That feeling is still largely here two decades later.
