'Outside Ozona' is an OOP dtv title largely forgotten about from the 90's with a plot of intertwining characters, their life stories that you don't see made much anymore. At the center is a serial killer and a radio station everyone listens to driving down the back roads, highways of California. It's cast might be the first thing you notice, but it's real life sentiments, blurbs fleshed out by fine atmosphere brings it home. Only a slightly long runtime keep it from being stronger.
The latest victim sits dead behind the wheel with a particular radio station still on. It's DJ Dix (Taj Mahal) butts head with manager Floyd (Meat Loaf). 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 for their fathers funeral pick up Alan (David Paymer) who's car has broken down. Widowed long haul driver Odell Parks (Robert Forster) prone to stops for coffee, gas, food has a chance meeting with Reba Twosalt (Kateri Walker) who he lends a hand. Meanwhile FBI Agent Deene (Lucy Webb) follows the bodies two steps behind.
If you haven't seen the film before chances are you're thinking a large part will be figuring out who the serial killer is, but thankfully that's not the case. They don't try to pull any twists. If you're paying attention you know who it is 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. Though it does lose some of it's spark near the end when the nonstop talking has run it's course.
