The Positively True Adventures of the Alleged Texas Cheerleader-Murdering Mom

After a decade of pumping out a long string of really bad cookie-cutter Hollywood clinkers ("Wildcats", "The Golden Child," "The Couch Trip," etc, etc) Writer-Director Michael Ritchie came up with a classic that ranks right up there with his great 70's films. This movie packs the same satirical punch, social commentary, and insightful characterizations as "Downhill Racer," "The Candidate," and "Smile." Great. Too bad it was only on HBO.

When the story of Wanda Holloway's arrest for soliciting the murder of her daughter's rival cheerleader and the cheerleader's mother hit the news here in Texas, it was absolutely bizarre on one hand, but sooo Texas on the other. How does something like this happen, I mean, who ARE these people?

Michael Ritchie does an outstanding job of explaining this in his scathingly hilarious movie. These characters are so Texan! (But not representative of us all, mind you!). Holly Hunter, a born Texan, is brilliant as Wanda Hollow. I can't think of anyone else who could have played the character. There are excellent performances from everyone, actually.

Maybe it helps to live in Texas to fully appreciate the movie. But as you watch it, just remember that this is a true story about real people, and their characterizations are probably not overly exaggerated. Y'all enjoy!

From the great Michael Ritchie, director of The Bad News Bears, comes this very funny, sharp film based on the true story of a woman who tried to hire a hitman to kill the mother of her daughter's cheerleading rival. Great performances all around from Holly Hunter to a very funny Beau Bridges and a weird Swoosie Kurtz. I like the film a lot, Ritchie has always enjoyed skewering Southern culture and he is firmly in his element here. Definately doesn't view Texans kindly, but watch King of the Hill for that point of view.

Holly Hunter, once again, steps into television and shows us what could be. This is, believe it or not, based on a true story. I won't go into the plot, but the actors are all great. Besides Hunter, Beau Bridges and Swoozie Kurtz are standouts. The direction is swift and bold and brave, and the music and camera work are all stellar. Worth a look indeed.

"Positively true Adventures..." takes a bold look into the life of an obsessive stage mother thus making it a successful satire. Holly Hunter gives a killer performance and is arguably one of the greatest female actors around today (see The Piano, Copycat and A Life less Ordinary for evidence). It's a shame this had to be a telemovie as a cinematic release would've guaranteed Holly an Oscar nom, but ah well.

Beau Bridges and Swoosie Kurts also give fantastic performances rounding out the talented cast.

Much like 1999's Drop Dead Gorgeous, this film is black to the point of extreme ebony and should appeal to most, but if you're into frigid sugar-coated films, I suggest you steer clear.

9/10