Square Dance - Wiedersehen in Texas

The only Winona Ryder film to elude me trying to buy a US import in the UK in the early 90s, and after watching for the first time a couple of decades later it was such a shame it has taken me this long to finally achieve this.

Whilst Lucas may have been WR's film debut, this film takes her to another level in her first starring role and opens up the door to the rest of her career.

The film is very slow paced with no real direction or much of a story other than moving from one place and back again, it feels almost depressing knowing she will probably end up their for the rest of her life in her final destination.

But saying that it's still enjoyable for the most part, with some great acting from all the lead characters especially Winona, but the film is lacking that certain something and its not a film i will return to very often.

Loved this movie as a teen! My cousin and I still quote it often. It's not out of the ordinary at all for us to yell across the room "first you take the shicken and you wash em" or "I think you do! I think you do in a shicken casherole" Rob Lowe and Winona Ryder are phenomenal!

Square Dance had a great cast and great acting, which helped make it's story more alive.Some parts were slow but over all it was a good movie.Throughout the movie I was impressed to see that Lowe could be a good actor.All those true Romance fans will love this one.Square Dance was also Ryder's first staring role.

I like the movie but without saying too much to spoil it the scene with winona, rob and debi richter (if you watched the movie you know what scene) that one scene is a bit disturbing but other then that the movie is one of my faves. but to this day i can't watch debi richter in anything. I think winona portrayed a powerful performance with a character that is confused and lost on life, jason robards as the grandfather is very well portrayed, the setting i couldn't see it in any other setting besides Texas where it is set it seems to fit the movie and the atmosphere tremendously. rob lowe as a mentally retarted young man rounds the movie out very well as good as his portrayal in the outsiders 4 years earlier.

Anyone who is of the opinion that Rob Lowe comes across as being 'dull' on screen, or perhaps 'just a pretty face', should take time out to watch 'Square Dance'. His 'Golden Globe nominated performance' was justly deserved for his portrayal of the 'mentally-impaired man-child', Rory.

There are some films watched during your childhood or teenage years that have a profound effect on you and, for me, 'Square Dance' is one such film. It is nice to see it released on DVD format so promptly.

Lowe skillfully plays the role of Rory, eliciting what can only be described as an emotional reaction from myself and, I'm sure, many others who have watched this heart-warming drama. It is roles like this and his portrayal of deaf mute, Nick Andros, in Stephen King's 'The Stand' that substantiate Lowe's talent and versatility as an actor.

'Square Dance' also features Winona Ryder in her acclaimed screen debut as Gemma, a 13-year old girl tired of living in Texas with her quarrelsome grandfather (Jason Robards), and who decides to go live with her mother (Jane Alexander) in Fort Worth. Whilst there, Gemma falls in love with Rory. She also discovers some hidden truths about her mother and the father she has never met. Life in Fort Worth turns out to be not as exciting and uncomplicated as she had initially expected.

Critically acclaimed, 'Square Dance' is an emotional drama that will remain with you forever.

Matthew J Lee-Williams, Review.