Radio Killer

As I was flicking through channels one night I just caught the beginning of a film. It was probably the names of Swoozie Kurtz and Meat Loaf that made me go 'what the heck, I'll watch'. The acting is not superb, but the film doesn't demand great acting. The script isn't brilliant, but the film doesn't demand a great script. Taj Mahal (an interesting name) is the highlight as latenight radio host Dix Mayal. A few gory scenes but interesting to see how the night progresses.

Outside Ozona is a creepy, quirky offbeat web of interesting characters woven into a tapestry of American life on the fringes, in the hinterlands. Numerous standout character performances spice up a slow building story- including Kevin Pollak as an acerbic, grouchy clown, Penelope Ann Miller as his stripper girlfriend . For the music fan we have the great Taj Mahal as a late night radio DJ as well as Meat Loaf as his boss- they could be their own "cant stand each other" buddy flick.

The heart of the movie is in the performances of Kateri Walker and Robert Forster- he"s a trucker and she's a school teacher out of gas in unfriendly territory. My reason for writing this review is to alert fans of Robert Forsters work to this great performance- he is everything he is in Jackie Brown in this one --ENJOY

This movie is like a rural version of Pulp Fiction, where several subplots are drawn together at the end. It's interesting and moves along well, complete with serial killer, stripper, armed robber, budding romances, and a cool DJ. If you liked the kind of subplot dialogues in Pulp Fiction, you'll like this one.

'Outside Ozona', an off-beat dark comedy/thriller directed by J.S. Cardone, is a little gem, brightened by a cast of established Hollywood actors. The story involves a serial killer, pursued by agent Lucy Webb (in a role reminiscent of Frances McDormand, in 'Fargo'), but it is really a character study of a group of people whose lives will be changed forever by the killer, during one eventful night.

Standouts in the large cast include Taj Mahal, as a burned-out deejay at a country music station, who switches the playlist to rhythm and blues, and ruminates about life; Robert Forster, portraying a good-hearted trucker dealing with loneliness following the death of his wife; Kevin Pollack and Penelope Ann Miller (who is EXCELLENT!), as an unemployed circus clown and his dancer/hooker girlfriend; and Sherilyn Fenn (cast WAY against type!), as a shrewish, materialistic woman travelling with her sister to visit their father. As each character's story unfolds, you are drawn into a rich, involving tale of humor, melancholy, and a touch of the macabre!

The film is very well-paced, and will hold your attention, throughout, and the explosive climax is both exciting and emotionally satisfying!

Take a drive down the highway 'Outside Ozona'...you'll enjoy the trip!

'Outside Ozona' is an OOP dtv title largely forgotten about from the 90's with a plot of intertwining characters, life stories that you don't see get made much anymore. At the center a serial killer and a radio station as everyone driving down the back roads of California. It's cast might be the first thing you notice, but it's real life sentiment fleshed out by fine atmosphere that brings it home.

The latest victim sits dead behind the wheel with the radio still on. It's DJ Dix (Taj Mahal) who butts head with manager Floyd (Meat Loaf) as a broke couple Wit (Kevin Pollak) and Earlene (Penelope Ann Miller) take to the road when he's fired from his latest job. Sisters Marcy (Sherilyn Fenn) & Bonnie (Beth Ann Styne) on a cross-country trip pick up Alan (David Paymer) who's car has broken down. Widowed long haul driver Odell Parks (Robert Forster) prone to stops has a chance meeting with Reba Twosalt (Kateri Walker) who he lends a hand. Meanwhile FBI Agent Deene (Lucy Webb) follows two steps behind.

Chances are you're thinking a large part will be figuring out who the killer is, but thankfully that's not the case. If you're paying attention you'll know before it's spelled out. The enjoyment is watching, listening to a bunch of people from different paths, perspectives. Taj does a great job as the DJ who's the backbone of the tale. Pollak & Miller give a honest picture of unfulfillment, drifting & countless bad decisions. Forster, Walker supply a large dose of heart, warmth.

'Outside Ozona' is one of those movies that looks to be dividing people. Either you'll enjoy it's simple down to earth nature, characters & accept the contrived bit of how they all come together or you'll find the whole experience a bore. I saw this back in the late 90's and I thought it was alright. That feeling is still largely here two decades later.