Walking Across Egypt

Independent films are becoming some of my favorites, because you get to see great actors who aren't "big" enough to get leading roles in the studio movies. Ellen Burstyn, one of the biggest stars of the '70s, and still one of the most talented actresses working, has found new life for her waning career in independent pictures like Color of Evening, The Spitfire Grill, this film and most recently her Oscar nominated (which should have been Oscar winning) performance in Requiem for a Dream. After a string of 5 Oscar nominations in the '70s and early '80s, she found her best roles were in the past and saw her career take a downward turn, with 2 Emmy nominated TV-movie roles (The People vs. Jean Harris and Pack of Lies), a great part in How to Make an American Quilt and the lead in The Cemetery Club being notable exceptions to the many unsatisfying acting jobs she had in the '80s and '90s. Fortunately, she can still get great parts like Mattie Rigsbee in Walking Across Egypt and proves she still has what it takes.

This movie is a touching story about a lonely widow and a troubled but basically decent teen who has never been loved. Mattie needs someone to love and take care of, because her two spoiled children (played by Gail O'Grady and Judge Reinhold) don't really want to be bothered with her. In fact, her daughter wants to put her in a retirement home. She would much rather be in her house and near her friends and church, though. As Mattie puts it, she is "slowing down." But, she's sharp as a tack and can still take care of herself.

Walking Across Egypt does a great job of illustrating the hypocrisy of so-called Christians. Mattie loves God deeply (when she sings hymns, the best thing that can be said is that she does it with a pure heart) and wants very much to do what He would want. So, she reaches out to young Wesley (played with a new maturity by handsome young Jonathan Taylor Thomas), a 16 year old boy in the Young Men's Rehabilitation Center about whom she hears from his uncle, the local dogcatcher. When things go awry, her minister (Edward Herrmann), the very one whose sermon prompted Mattie's kindness to Wesley, shows some rather un-Christian behavior (as does his wife) that is the antithesis of Mattie's good intentions and of his own preaching.

The acting in this movie is all excellent, especially, of course, Ellen Burstyn, who is made up to look 20 years older than she really does. She is the heart and soul of the film, and, as usual brings depth to her character that can't be described in writing. Those eyes of hers always get to me and are her secret weapon in acting. JTT proves with this role that he is becoming a fine young actor and shouldn't join the ranks of has-been child stars. Another standout is the late Gwen Verdon's amusing performance as Mattie's ditzy neighbor. Mark (Luke Skywalker) Hamill is appropriately slack-jawed as the dogcatcher, Lamar.

I won't reveal any more details, as the viewer should experience the development of Mattie and Wesley's relationship for him/herself. There are some very funny moments, as well as some poignant and even ones that might inspire tears. Overall it is the story of a troubled boy who is looking for hope and redemption and how he finds it improbably in an elderly woman who is herself needing something to fill an empty space.

This movie blew me away completely. I am a Jonathan Taylor Thomas fan, and had been waiting to see him in a new movie. Some of his others films were pretty corny, and I was afraid that he would not escape his "bubble gum, sugar-sweet" image, However, this film proves he can do drama as well as the next guy. Everyone in my family enjoyed the movie tremendously- especially me. Ellen Burnstyn is superb as Mattie, the elderly God-fearing woman practically looking forward her to funeral, until Wesley comes along. He brings youth and joy to her life, and she brings intelligence, truth, and God into his. Both sides benefit from this experience. I would recommend this movie to anyone who is looking for a heartfelt, meaningful drama that is also sweet and funny.

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!

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

"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.