Crazy Like a Fox

I loved this film. Crazy Like a Fox will touch all of your emotions. A perfect blend of humor and drama. It is hard to compare this film to others I've seen. It is certainly in the league of Funny Bones, and Napoleon Dynamite, but with even more of a heart.

In an infuriatingly plausible plot, Nat Banks (Roger Rees) plays the perfect champion of an individual's right to be brave, stubborn, and insane in a fight to hold on to tradition, honor, and the past. Despite Banks' methods, you root for him (and his long suffering family) to the end. Equally, CLF was beautifully shot, in a way which brings out the beauty of the south.

Richard Squires has written and directed an intelligent, original, and perfectly paced film. More than any other in the past several years, I reflect upon the scenes of this film.

I saw Mr. Squires film, "Crazy Like A Fox", in Leesburg, Virginia two years ago at a special screening.

I am a filmmaker of mostly documentaries and a transplanted Yankee, who, while watching the film was moved to tears several times – something that never happens.

The message in this film, to me, is a strong sense of the loss of ones home, of land, of tradition, of pride, of culture, of history, and of the environment because of suburban sprawl that is driven by quick cash and greed.

In the opening of the movie it could easily have read, "This film is based on a true story", because this tale is happening all over Northern Virginia right now! The beauty of Virginia's piedmont region is captured well. These visuals, juxtaposed with the voice-over speaking of tradition, family, and roots sent chills through me.

The acting, editing, and directing ranged from good to great.

This film exemplifies the all-too-real land-rape of today created by speculators, developers, and local governments. Someday I hope to personally meet Mr. Squires and thank him for his great work and even greater message.

I was pleased to screen this film at my festival:

The Santa Fe

Film Festival... this is a quirky and heart felt dramedy with a strong message. The acting is terrific.

I love the tone. A great story. Definitely worth seeing. You root for the hero. You feel pride for the cause. You can feel the scenery. I also like the feel of times past.

Mary Mcdonnell is a gem. The male lead is also addicting. What a wonderful face. I loved this film. Very well directed. A unique film unlike anything I've ever seen.

There is nothing complex about "Crazy Like A Fox". It is the straightforward story, really a fairy tale, of a man who through bad luck or being irresponsible, or both, is forced to sell his historically rich Virginia farm. Most certainly the entire movie is both unrealistic, and yet at the same time quite charming. If at times it seems a bit too "warm and fuzzy", that is because it is. The yuppies seem to give up way too easy, and the joyous singing and dancing is overdone. The performances are fine, the scenery is beautiful, but the story lacks realism and depth. I would not call this a comedy, it is more a family feel good movie that will appeal to some, while others will most likely be dozing off. - MERK

I was delighted to be part of the audience when this film was shown in Washington, DC,at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. The storyline reflected a frequently overlooked "scenario" that is part of many small, southern towns, i.e., the mandatory sale of large, plantation style houses because they are too expensive to maintain in today's economy. I thought each of the actors demonstrated an "honest" portrayal of the emotions and internal conflicts that would be a part of this kind of situation, especially when these homes have been in families for many generations. I also think this movie was sensitive to another part of this scenario that is seldom addressed, because in today's world it is not considered "politically correct." In many instances, some of these changes adversely affected the domestic staff, because they considered themselves to be part of these families. With that being said, I think that Myrrh Cauthen gave dignity and honesty to the role of the housekeeper. And, this story was carried out amid the beautiful scenery that is part of rural Virginia. Great Job.