Del Shores directed and wrote this adaptation of his own play about how an elderly woman's (comical) accidental death causes her family and friends to rue her passing while digging up ancient misgivings. Low-budget film played the Palm Springs movie circuit for months but didn't hit many other towns; easy to see why, it's rather like an R-rated sitcom lost on the big screen. While Shores isn't exactly erratic as a director, he's possibly too flexible with his material and his group of actors, and the movie sometimes resembles nothing more than a stunt. There's not much plot (it's just an exercise in showcasing the worst possible sides of humanity for a dirty laugh),yet some good things do come out of this. Leslie Jordan pulls off a difficult transvestite role with un-self-conscious relish; not played for pitiable sympathy or all-out laughs, Jordan's Tammy Wynette-worshipping drag queen amiably walks a fine line--it's a portrayal dead-on in its accuracy, and Jordan is never a pain like the other characters. Delta Burke and Bonnie Bedelia visibly strain to punch up their scenes, while Olivia Newton-John opens the picture with a rousing song but is given nothing else important to do. Too many of the gags are recycled, rehashed and rerun, and the jokes tend to stem from various humiliations. Strictly as a curiosity, the movie certainly lives up to its oddball reputation, and there are some outré laughs for those in the proper spirit. ** from ****

I am usually one who loves effects and huge KABOOM flix. Gimme Eye Candy, or get off my screen!

But once in a great while, someone will bring out an Indy (May, Ginger Snaps, Brotherhood of the Wolf) which grabs me and won't let go. This is one of those jewels.

Based on small town life in Texas, this wonderful story rings true all across the Deep South of the US. If you're not from the US (at least),you probably won't understand the truthfulness of this work; how true to life these characters are. I honestly felt like I was down home, visiting my family. No other movie (Sweet Home Alabama, Under Siege, Stone Cold, Forrest Gump) has made me feel more like I was sitting in Aunt Mary's parlor, enduring another day in the life, than this production.

They wanted to catch the feel of the moment. They wanted to expose the way life really IS in the Deep South. They succeeded on a level I have never before experienced. It was brilliantly witty and heart touching.

The story itself was wonderful, the dialog was brilliant, the sets and costuming were inspired, accents were beautiful and not forced (Jessica Simpson's Daisy Duke),and the thespians submit dead on portrayals.

This one is not for the kiddies (unless they are FROM the Deep South in which case they've probably heard and seen worse),but is wonderful inspiration for anyone who is homesick. This movie will either break you down and make you buy that ticket home, or will give you the resolve to stay put by reminding you why you don't live there anymore!

I give it 10/10 on the Indy Scale. That's a solid 8/10 on the A Scale from...

the Fiend :.

Del Shores is simply a writing genius! Having grown up in a Southern Baptist household and church, I totally relate to these characters. I've probably watched it over 100 times and still laugh at each carefully worded line! It is one of those movies that just sticks with you and gives me a giggle every time I experience the same scenario's in "real life" Bravo, Del Shores and Cast!