Happy, Texas

Watch Happy, Texas

"Escaped convicts disguised as beauty pageant experts? This could get ugly."
  • PG-13
  • 1999
  • 1 hr 39 min
  • 6.3  (10,266)
  • 62

Happy, Texas is a comedy film from 1999 that follows the story of two convicts, Harry and Wayne, who escape from prison only to get stranded in a small town called Happy. The two men decide to pose as gay pageant directors in order to avoid suspicion and start a new life in the town. The story is a hilarious mix of mistaken identities, love, and friendship.

Harry and Wayne, played by Jeremy Northam and Steve Zahn respectively, are an unlikely duo. Harry is a smooth-talking, educated criminal, while Wayne is a goofball who is seemingly more interested in checking out the local beauties than in staying out of trouble. However, they both have one thing in common - a desire to escape from prison and start over.

As they make their way towards Mexico in a stolen RV, Harry and Wayne run out of gas and find themselves in the small, sleepy town of Happy. They soon realize that the town is in need of some serious entertainment, and they spot an opportunity. When they overhear a local woman talking about a children's beauty pageant that was cancelled due to the previous organizer's ill health, they see a chance to make some money and start a new life. However, to pull it off, they must pretend to be gay beauty pageant directors.

The town of Happy is not used to outsiders, and the pair are initially met with suspicion by the locals. However, they quickly win over the town with their charm and enthusiasm. Harry and Wayne's transformation from outlaw criminals to respected pageant directors provides the basis for the movie's comedic moments. The film is packed full of humorous scenes as the duo navigate their way through preparations for the pageant.

As the story progresses, Harry and Wayne both begin to have romantic interests in the town. Harry falls for Jo, the town banker, while Wayne is attracted to the local sheriff's deputy, Chappy. Naturally, they are reluctant to reveal their true identities to the women as it may threaten their safety and their plans for the pageant.

William H. Macy plays Sheriff Dent, the lawman in charge of Happy. He is suspicious of the newcomers at first, particularly the perceived threat that they may be gay, but eventually, he too falls under their spell. Macy's character is both humorous and endearing, providing an excellent foil to the duo's antics.

The town's colorful characters provide additional comic relief. One standout character is the town's accountant, who is determined to get in on the pageant action. The eccentricity of the characters, combined with the duo's increasingly ludicrous attempts to cover their true identity, create a steady stream of laughs throughout the film.

As the day of the pageant approaches, tensions rise, and the duo's cover is threatened. In a race against time, the pair must try to keep their true identities hidden while also pulling off the pageant of a lifetime.

Happy, Texas is a feel-good movie that will have you laughing from start to finish. The film skillfully balances humor with moments of sincerity, creating a heart-warming story about the power of friendship and the lengths people will go to start over. It is a charming, entertaining romp that is perfect for a lazy afternoon or a night in with friends.

Happy, Texas is a 1999 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3 and a MetaScore of 62.

Happy, Texas
Description
Where to Watch Happy, Texas
Happy, Texas is available to watch free on Pluto TV. It's also available to stream, download and buy on demand at Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent Happy, Texas for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1999
  • MPAA Rating
    PG-13
  • Runtime
    1 hr 39 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.3  (10,266)
  • Metascore
    62