Joey Magidson
A good genre mashup is a lot of fun when done well. By that same token, an up and coming filmmaker homaging the masters that came before can either be a delight or a bit of a bummer to witness. Thankfully, while LaRay, Texas doesn’t have anything particularly new to offer, it toys with genre and pays tribute to the Coen Brothers in a really satisfying manner.
LaRoy, Texas is a love letter to Joel Coen and Ethan Coen, without a doubt, and it doesn’t shy away from it, either. In fact, by directly pointing out what has influenced the flick, it allows things to never feel like an imitation. You’re watching a good cover band, as opposed to someone doing karaoke. Mixing comedy, crime, and noir, you wind up with a darkly good time.
After we meet Harry (Dylan Baker) in an unsettling opening, we’re introduced to protagonist Ray (John Magaro), who is in the midst of the worst time of his life. Second-in-command at his family’s hardware store, he’s in the shadow of his older brother Junior (Matthew Del Negro). Having discovered that his wife Stacy-Lynn (Megan Stevenson) is cheating on him, Ray plans to kill himself. He’s broke, depressed, and ready to end it all. Then, in an instant, things take a turn when a stranger mistakes him for a dangerous hitman and is given an envelope full of cash.
Unfortunately, the actual hitman is Harry, and he wants what’s his. Helped out by his private investigator friend Skip (Steve Zahn), who actually clued him in to his wife’s infidelity, Ray needs to stay alive. If he can avoid Harry and make it out of LaRoy, he’ll be set. That, however, if a big if, especially as paths begin to cross.
John Magaro leads a very well cast film by showcasing a man at wits end. Magaro rarely gets to play a part like this, so he embraces every aspect of it. I always enjoy seeing him in anything, but given a lead role and a chance to shine, Magaro makes the most of it. Steve Zahn is an enjoyable sad-sack, while Dylan Baker is perfectly unsetting. In addition to Matthew Del Negro and Megan Stevenson, the supporting cast includes Emily Pendergast, Galadriel Stineman, and more.
Filmmaker Shane Atkinson makes his debut here with a definite sense of Coen Brothers style. LaRoy, Texas never calls too much attention to itself, but Atkinson has a clear-cut idea of what he wants his flick to be. I’d quibble with the pacing a bit, but the ending is quite satisfying. Without question, I’m eager to see what Atkinson does next.
LaRoy, Texas doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it does homage the Coens in just the right manner. Especially if you’re a fan of them, you’ll be pleased with what this film has up its sleeve. From John Magaro to the handle on tone, this is a fun and dark bit of business. Provided that you enjoy black comedy with your noir, you’ll find plenty to like here.
SCORE: ★★★
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