Texas Heart

Texas Heart is an indie suspense film directed by Mark David. The plot concerns a man on the run who ends up in a small Texas town and ultimately finds an opportunity for personal redemption while he is there. I enjoy indie films like this that tell a unique story, this one about people in small town USA. There are a few recognizable actors, which is always fun, and some solid performances by others who I'm not as familiar with. If you're looking for an original indie film to watch tonight, maybe one with (Texas) heart, then I'd recommend checking out Texas Heart!

Predictability: 10/10 Script: 3/10 Acting: 2/10 Please ... Don't waste your time.

I watched a lot of indie films this week, including Texas Heart. I read all the good reviews and all the bad ones. I don't get the low reviews on this one. My barometer of a film is whether I can walk away from it part way through. Texas Heart wouldn't let me go get a snack, and that's an unusual thing. Some of the acting in the Southern town may seem exaggerated to those who don't live in one- but I live in a place where when you move in, someone may very well turn up on your front porch with a home backed pecan pie. The cinematography was top notch and the editing and pacing was spot on. A few weaknesses as in any indie film, but well worth your time to watch.

I enjoyed watching Texas Heart, it had several funny moments and the joke about the pie is quite the zinger. With enough suspense to hold you until the end, you'll find some solid performances by the cast. What I particularly enjoyed was the performance of the mentally challenged Tigger. This could easily be an over the top SNL skit, but it was played with finesse and the proper tone. The dog kinda fell flat in his performance as Buddy. The lead actor, he was good too, but the thugs chasing him could have been more menacing, but the courtroom scenes come off as convincing.

Overall I recommend Texas Heart.

A wonderful, character-driven story about a loveless mob lawyer on the lam who ends up in small town Texas hoping to reinvent himself (and stay clear of the pursuing mob). Terrific performances from relative newcomers Kam Dabrowski (as a mentally-challenged young man, Tiger), Erik Fellows (as Peter, the mob lawyer on the run), and Jared Abrahamson (playing the rebellious, volatile football star, Roy), along with truly memorable work by Johnny Dowers as the Sheriff, Susie McPhail as the 'Pie Lady', Blake Clark as the local barkeep/gun seller, Stid, and the incomparable Lin Shaye, of INSIDIOUS fame, (as Ms. Smith, the mob boss) and THE DEER HUNTER'S John Savage, as the alcoholic father--all this makes Texas Heart an emotionally involving ensemble film with committed actors directed by the energetic and amazing indie director, Mark David. A must-see!