Texasville
Starring: Jeff Bridges, Cybill Shepherd, Annie Potts, Cloris Leachman, Randy Quaid, Eileen Brennan, Timothy Bottoms, William McNamara
Directed by: Peter Bogdanovich
Rating: R
Genre: Drama
1990

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Duane Jackson (Jeff Bridges) struggles with life and his wife (Annie Potts) in the same old small town. Things start to change when Jacy Farrow (Cybil Shepherd) returns and Sonny (Timothy Bottoms) suffers from increasingly worrisome mental issues.

Review:

Tim: Nineteen years after The Last Picture Show and 30 years after the events of that film in terms of the characters and story, we get Texasville. I love this almost unprecedented sequel, which managed to bring back the majority of the cast and the crew behind the camera as well. It was wonderful having the opportunity to connect with these characters again, to see how their lives have turned out. There were surprises, but each of the characters has remained true to themselves. I liked that aspect of the film.

One of the aspects of this film I didn't fully understand was why the film shifted its focus to Duane Jackson. Was it just because Jeff Bridges was a more successful actor than Timothy Bottoms? I like to think it was more intentional, but I don't know. I actually really enjoyed Bottoms in the original film, and I was disappointed his role was scaled back so much here. Usually this would be the death blow for a film, but Bottoms is replaced by Jeff Bridges. Bridges is such a terrific actor that I could overlook this change.

It was really exciting seeing all these actors playing their old roles again. Jeff Bridges, taking over the lead role, is very good. Bridges has such an easygoing, charismatic screen presence, and I had fun watching him here. He is so likeable, and I enjoyed having him in the lead role. Cybill Shepherd is good as well, although I felt like her character underwent the biggest transformation since the first film. I had trouble recognizing that young girl, desperately wanting to be the center of attention, with the world weary, broken woman in this film. I understand people change, but I felt like Shepherd's character almost changed too much.

Timothy Bottoms is enjoyable once again as Sonny, but I really wish he had more screen time. Bottoms is an underrated actor and gives a very good performance here. I think the film would have been better with more time with him. Cloris Leachman and Randy Quaid were both welcome presences, although neither has a great deal to do. I loved seeing Eileen Brennan in a small role. Annie Potts, a new addition to the cast, does terrific work. She gives such a memorable, strong performance and fits right in with the rest of the cast. I thought she worked well with Bridges and with Shepherd.

I can't imagine too many people expected this film to achieve the same level of success as The Last Picture Show. Those would have been unrealistic expectations. This film isn't as powerful, memorable, or influential. The film feels very short on plot, as our characters mostly just walk or drive around town, not really doing anything of real importance. It is fascinating to watch these characters together, but I wish something would have actually happened in this film. It's almost bizarre how little actually takes place in this film. We needed more than just talking.

That's not to say this is a bad movie. While not as easily apparent, this film also has some powerful messages. This is really a film about what life does to us. If the first film touched on themes of potential and dreams, this film is more about what happens when our dreams don't come true, and how we continue with our lives regardless. It is a film about middle age, and the struggles that come from that particular point in our lives. The film might not be great, but I thoroughly enjoyed checking in with all those characters once again.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: The Last Picture Show