Walking Across Egypt

"Walking Across Egypt" is a pleasant little film whose entertainment comes mainly from the dialogue and interaction. Yes, it's fairly predictable, but you almost can't help be charmed by the rich character development. The filmmakers did an excellent job creating a little Southern town where everyone knows everyone and everything. Fantastic starring role by Ellen Burstyn.

Late last night, suffering from insomnia, I decided to watch the Walking Across Egypt video I purchased over the weekend. JTT has such a magical performance in this film, I was actually watching the timer count down on the VCR as I simply didn't want this film to end. It is truly a gift, that I found this film in the "pre-viewed video" bin at one of the rental stores in Berkeley, CA. How I missed knowing about this film astonishes me, as it is must surely be one of the best films made in 2000. Both Burstyn and JTT give reserved, cool performances, but it is those calm, taking-my-time characterizations that allow for a real acme to surface during the film before the end of the story. I admit it, I've had a crush on JTT for years, but in this film I was even able to separate my belief that "JTT can do no wrong" from the truly brilliant acting of this fine fellow. I am only sorry that there are not more JTT films around. I have been completely unsuccessful in locating Speedway Junkie. As far as a recommendation on Walking..., run to your nearest video store to see this work of art! I promise, there is not a boring moment, and you will not be disappointed. Burstyn and Thomas absolutely sing with their synergy and sympathetic performances. The pairing of two of my very most favorite actors was someone's genius and my outstanding good luck. Speaking of luck, JT, if you are out there reading this - please keep with the films. You are an exceptional talent that needs to be seen and heard! Thanks to everyone for reading. Kieran O'Connell

This film shows the beauty of a simple elderly woman's efforts to obey Jesus' teachings in Matthew 25. She has to struggle with her own misgivings about helping the boy, coming from her fears and common self-protection, as well as with the opposition of her adult children and even fellow church members. But her simple acts of love toward the boy prove to be a most powerful and effective way of reaching into his soul and reforming him. It is a profound critique of our tendency to institutionalize both the elderly and juvenile people in our society, and shows that basic humanity and love are still what life is really all about.

Walking Across Egypt is a GREAT movie! It is a classic but with modern manners. I don't know how else to explain. At first you may think it is a classic type movie, but then it changes to the real world. It has great acting and is one that everybody should watch sometime. It is a good, clean (except for the language, but it is a integral part of the movie) movie. It is great!

Clyde Edgerton's novel, on which this movie is based, is one of the funniest books I have ever read. Some of that comedy is situational, which can be translated to the screen, and some is a matter of Edgerton's writing-- his tone, his word choice, his timing-- which can't be carried over into a movie. That said, this adaptation catches the heart of the story-- about an elderly widow who decides to accept a juvenile delinquent as a sort of foster son-- and Burstyn portrays the widow as feistily as Edgerton describes her. If this summary make the movie sound like a "Touched by an Angel"-style wannabe, it should not. The characters behave like believable human beings [or worse!], and their idiosyncracies both charm and irritate. By all means, rent this video. And then do yourself a big favor and read the book.