I must say I like to give opinions of movies I have not heard of or read anything before, hence not having been influenced by critics or media in the first place. Well I'm afraid this one is far from what it may looks like. A good 10 minute start brings and offers promising plot, although right after the movie starts its descend to nowhere. A ridiculous Steve Zahn character combined with an excessive twisted plot, pushes the whole story to the edge of the cliff, where it finishes by falling into the abyss of boredom and grotesque. Yet the atmosphere and other characters like Dylan Baker and a good photography, may deserve some consideration, so I dare to give a 5,9 over 10, in the end. LaRoy, Texas results of an failed attempt of bringing back Fargo to live. The division line is clear; whilst Fargo is a tough and violent drama combining horror with bitterness humor, LaRoy Texas just end up being a whole dumb redneck game of useless characters trying but getting nowhere. Nope, not this one guys. Better try with small movies like Sweet Virginia (2017) or the more mainstream Three Billboards outside Edding (2017) , as they may keep the Fargo spirit with some better dignity.
14 Reviews
LaRoy, Texas
FKDZ27 April 2024
LaRoy, Texas, a small scale, small town, crime drama with hint sof comedy that can make or break it. It likes to be silly as a harsh counterpart to the drama. The only issue here is writing and forthcoming characters.
Directing is pretty good, editing is just okay with some off beat cuts here and there but it looks the part and overall keeps a nice consistent style of a beatdown small town in a America. That being said, it's a surprisingly lively town once we go inside of places. Which to me felt odd. You are introduced into practically a ghost town, but the first diner and bar you walk into are full of people and have a pretty cozy/normal vibe to them. For the rest though, good enough, action directing not amazing.
Acting, overall great performances, though mostly quite one note. What irks me most though is the writing and the main downfall of this for me. The main character is intentionally written as a person not to root for, which is fine, if it also meant for a interesting and engaging story with his side characters and his own development. But not really. The character stays stuck in place so hard it becomes annoying to the point where you start to question the character even more, which also leads to a underwhelming ending.
Seeing someone mention Coen brothers, yeah, this is maybe something like that, it comes into that area of oddball characters and a main character that just kind of glides around them. But it lacks the writing (and dialog writing) to make it stick the landing. Only Zahn's character got a couple of chuckles out of me but that's about it.
It's fine, but tends to feel somewhat blunt and lacking.
Directing is pretty good, editing is just okay with some off beat cuts here and there but it looks the part and overall keeps a nice consistent style of a beatdown small town in a America. That being said, it's a surprisingly lively town once we go inside of places. Which to me felt odd. You are introduced into practically a ghost town, but the first diner and bar you walk into are full of people and have a pretty cozy/normal vibe to them. For the rest though, good enough, action directing not amazing.
Acting, overall great performances, though mostly quite one note. What irks me most though is the writing and the main downfall of this for me. The main character is intentionally written as a person not to root for, which is fine, if it also meant for a interesting and engaging story with his side characters and his own development. But not really. The character stays stuck in place so hard it becomes annoying to the point where you start to question the character even more, which also leads to a underwhelming ending.
Seeing someone mention Coen brothers, yeah, this is maybe something like that, it comes into that area of oddball characters and a main character that just kind of glides around them. But it lacks the writing (and dialog writing) to make it stick the landing. Only Zahn's character got a couple of chuckles out of me but that's about it.
It's fine, but tends to feel somewhat blunt and lacking.
Great Movie!
Bruindude215 April 2024
"LaRoy, Texas" is a riveting neo-noir thriller that captivates with its sharp writing and dynamic characters. The film's clever plot twists and dark humor echo the Coen Brothers' influence, while the talented cast, including Steve Zahn, John Magaro and Dylan Baker, deliver standout performances. The small-town setting adds a layer of authenticity to the chaos, making the movie a must-watch for fans of the genre. It's a well-crafted blend of suspense and comedy that keeps you guessing until the very end. Take the time to watch this one as it exceeds all expectations and needs to be on your must watch list!
slow, boring and below average in every way
tohmsono1 May 2024
I was really looking forward to this movie and waited 6 montsh to go and watch it, but all i got was a slow burning heap of trash that stank all the way to Jupiter. Do directors, or actors, or producers, fall in love with themselves or with their own work so that they lose all objectivity and ability to look at the finished probuct with a critical eye and say "hey, this is pretty bad, let's try and improve on it some more"?? I mean c'mon!! This movie has nothing to offer, nothing! I lasted 55 minutes, and I've been meaning to quit watching this after 20 minutes, before I just had to say enough is enough. This is one boring, sleepy, lazy movie that no one needs to see.
laroy
bertininon29 June 2023
I perceived "Laroy" as a blend of comedy and thriller. The performances of the main characters are brilliant; we become attached to them for their overflowing humor and some for their naivety. However, I didn't quite understand the role of some supporting characters, for whom I would have liked more clarification. It's the kind of movie that requires optimal concentration, or else you can quickly get lost. In terms of execution, the film is brilliantly accomplished. At the beginning of the movie, you don't expect such a deep plot. I liked the fact that we continue to laugh despite the violent and tragic circumstances.
Good start. Simply dreadful, frustrating ending
asterion-1349621 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
The dreadful ending more than outweighs the interesting beginning and middle of the storyline. There is no learning arc to the main character's development over the film: he's as dumb and clueless at the end as at the beginning - despite the entire journey the story has taken him on. And the fact that one of the main villains of the piece - his awful, lying, sociopathic wife - gets to walk away pretty much unscathed...? And then for his 'partner' to stop and give her a lift...? I mean, what the...? Well, it had my entire family cursing at the screen! This ending ruins what might have been a decent film.
Certainly, the ending has ensured that no one watching this movie when I saw it will ever view it again!
Nice idea for a film ruined by a seriously misjudged ending. One to avoid, I'm afraid.
Certainly, the ending has ensured that no one watching this movie when I saw it will ever view it again!
Nice idea for a film ruined by a seriously misjudged ending. One to avoid, I'm afraid.
If you like "FARGO" you won't miss this one...!!!
PANDIAN12062114 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Atkinson shows a lot of promise in his debut feature, influenced by mighty Coen brothers...A kind of movie you don't expect much out of, but you end up getting way more than you anticipated...Atkinson's script ingeniously weaves together elements of a thriller with comedic moments that never feel forced or out of place. The narrative grabs you from the outset...
Steve zahn gives his career best performance bringing much more depth to the character. Sure, he's an idiot, and many of the things he does more than turns smarter... Magaro is a good choice for this role,he plays a well- meaned guy who is overshadowed by others make him to look poor & sympathy...His emotional part does lend a golden support to the flick...
From the beginning LaRoy, Texas comes from its twisty nature and solid central mystery of who wants who killed and why situation so too much that you need to stick with plot to get the more out of it... Dylan baker as Harry practically goes door-to-door to perform violent interrogations on those involved. This also lends a sense of danger and urgency to the proceedings; there is no question that things will not end well here keeping your curiousity intense...
Shane Atkinson remains confidently aware that everything works out as long as he cares about the characters...Overall it's a must see movie if ur an ardent fan of Black-comedy thriller genre...
Steve zahn gives his career best performance bringing much more depth to the character. Sure, he's an idiot, and many of the things he does more than turns smarter... Magaro is a good choice for this role,he plays a well- meaned guy who is overshadowed by others make him to look poor & sympathy...His emotional part does lend a golden support to the flick...
From the beginning LaRoy, Texas comes from its twisty nature and solid central mystery of who wants who killed and why situation so too much that you need to stick with plot to get the more out of it... Dylan baker as Harry practically goes door-to-door to perform violent interrogations on those involved. This also lends a sense of danger and urgency to the proceedings; there is no question that things will not end well here keeping your curiousity intense...
Shane Atkinson remains confidently aware that everything works out as long as he cares about the characters...Overall it's a must see movie if ur an ardent fan of Black-comedy thriller genre...
Another STUPID ending...
joao_m_neto24 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
I will once again mention my meaningless existence to justify all these movies I watch... I mean... my life is so empty, that sitting on the couch, watching flicks with my cats is one of the very few things that make me happy, along with going down to the bar alone and grab a few...
I must admit that it was Steve Zahn who lured me into this one... eversince "Happy Texas", this guy is on my Geniouses list.
The opening scene was just UAU!!!!!!! I knew who Dylan Baker was by face, but after this performance, he is also on a pedestal.
I knew right off, that he was going to be one of those "short-appearance, key-moment figures"... I believe he is the next William H. Macy. A FABULOUS actor, who, for some God inexplicable reason, never gets the part (or recognition) they deserve...
I will end this quick...
One of the most ridiculous endings I have ever watched: Doofus comes out on top... (expected) Good guy who, unintentionally, screws up, gets screwed up! (unfair) Bad guys get their comeuppance... (as they should) The most DETESTABLE, HORRIBLE, GREMLIN-LOOKING, PESKY and VOMITIVE character (the wife)... gets away with it...
And what started out as a movie that I was going to keep in my collection, ends up being a happily deleted file in my PC...
What a total waste of my emotions!!!!!!
Congratulations to Mr. Zahn and Mr. Magaro... a statue to Mr. Baker, please!
Mr. SHAME Atkinson should apologize for this atrocity!
I must admit that it was Steve Zahn who lured me into this one... eversince "Happy Texas", this guy is on my Geniouses list.
The opening scene was just UAU!!!!!!! I knew who Dylan Baker was by face, but after this performance, he is also on a pedestal.
I knew right off, that he was going to be one of those "short-appearance, key-moment figures"... I believe he is the next William H. Macy. A FABULOUS actor, who, for some God inexplicable reason, never gets the part (or recognition) they deserve...
I will end this quick...
One of the most ridiculous endings I have ever watched: Doofus comes out on top... (expected) Good guy who, unintentionally, screws up, gets screwed up! (unfair) Bad guys get their comeuppance... (as they should) The most DETESTABLE, HORRIBLE, GREMLIN-LOOKING, PESKY and VOMITIVE character (the wife)... gets away with it...
And what started out as a movie that I was going to keep in my collection, ends up being a happily deleted file in my PC...
What a total waste of my emotions!!!!!!
Congratulations to Mr. Zahn and Mr. Magaro... a statue to Mr. Baker, please!
Mr. SHAME Atkinson should apologize for this atrocity!
LaRoy
ajbraun-5439713 April 2024
The film surprised me I just randomly picked this film to watch and to fill in some spare time, I found the characters interesting and played well the plot kept your attention over all I liked the film its a good film I would definitely recommend watching it.
The plot lines were a bit convoluted the actors gave there characters depth the writers did well gave the characters good lines which one of the actors I would choose who was the best tough to say they were all good.
Yes I gave it an eight it deserves it actors where good direction was good and how it looked was very good all up i think it deserves an eight.
The plot lines were a bit convoluted the actors gave there characters depth the writers did well gave the characters good lines which one of the actors I would choose who was the best tough to say they were all good.
Yes I gave it an eight it deserves it actors where good direction was good and how it looked was very good all up i think it deserves an eight.
LAROY, TEXAS!
Adarsh_Kumar_Singh17 April 2024
I am going to look forward for further up coming flicks either written or directed by Shane Atkinson....
This picture flew seamless. When I watch a movie - I often take breaks.... the breaks let me sink in fully and completely the past 20 or so minutes. For example "All The Presidents' Men" and intelligent pictures like those.
With Laroy, Texas I took breaks within each 30 minutes or so...... to let it sink in :) the characters were so natural - acting was splendid. The cinematography gave the feel of real place where it was shot. Until now.. this year - one of the best that I have seen. Give it a shot - it is worth its money.
With Laroy, Texas I took breaks within each 30 minutes or so...... to let it sink in :) the characters were so natural - acting was splendid. The cinematography gave the feel of real place where it was shot. Until now.. this year - one of the best that I have seen. Give it a shot - it is worth its money.
Funny, twisty plot, much better than the Coen brothers
gp1-318 April 2024
Yes, this tale of a mistaken murder for hire, mixed in with a cheating wife, a professional killer on the hunt, and an overachieving private detective, all in a small dusty town in Texas is somewhat reminiscent of the style of the Coen brothers' movies, Blood Simple and Fargo, but is much, much better.
This movie flows better than those Coen movies, the characters are more sympathetically and realistically portrayed, and the story moves along at a brisk clip that takes you to all the logical conclusions of the original setting, as it also unwinds the mysteries and dark secrets held by these small town folks.
I never much liked the Coen movies as they tended to throw in way too many quirky slapstick stupid moments that seemed to mock the characters that they had created and just felt like not very funny comedic filler.
This movie doesn't do that - by the end of the movie it's possible to understand Ray's mind numbingly stubborn refusal to accept that his wife has been cheating on him - getting her, a beauty queen wife, was after all the greatest achievement of his otherwise utterly downtrodden and drab life.
His wife, Stacy-Lynn is forever reliving the greatest glory of her life, as the winner of the 2008 Beaux County Beauty Contest, and wants only to bring that feeling back to life again. The wide range of facial expressions she brings into this movie is hilarious on their own - from that brilliant beauty pageant smile to lips curled up in disgust.
Similarly, Skip the private eye, Harry the professional killer, and the LeDoux couple all have well fleshed out character arcs. Mrs. Le Doux in particular is a near carbon copy of so many other older Texas women I have met and just seeing her with her overly gracious hospitality interrupting the meeting inside the car in the car dealer lot was also really funny. Well played.
A funny and quite enjoyable movie to watch.
This movie flows better than those Coen movies, the characters are more sympathetically and realistically portrayed, and the story moves along at a brisk clip that takes you to all the logical conclusions of the original setting, as it also unwinds the mysteries and dark secrets held by these small town folks.
I never much liked the Coen movies as they tended to throw in way too many quirky slapstick stupid moments that seemed to mock the characters that they had created and just felt like not very funny comedic filler.
This movie doesn't do that - by the end of the movie it's possible to understand Ray's mind numbingly stubborn refusal to accept that his wife has been cheating on him - getting her, a beauty queen wife, was after all the greatest achievement of his otherwise utterly downtrodden and drab life.
His wife, Stacy-Lynn is forever reliving the greatest glory of her life, as the winner of the 2008 Beaux County Beauty Contest, and wants only to bring that feeling back to life again. The wide range of facial expressions she brings into this movie is hilarious on their own - from that brilliant beauty pageant smile to lips curled up in disgust.
Similarly, Skip the private eye, Harry the professional killer, and the LeDoux couple all have well fleshed out character arcs. Mrs. Le Doux in particular is a near carbon copy of so many other older Texas women I have met and just seeing her with her overly gracious hospitality interrupting the meeting inside the car in the car dealer lot was also really funny. Well played.
A funny and quite enjoyable movie to watch.
LaRoy
satinedewitte8 March 2024
LaRoy, a small village in the middle of nowhere in the USA, where intrigue, absurdity and adultery reign supreme. An explosive cocktail that, in addition to its breathtaking aesthetics, makes the film even more fantastic than it already is. The investigation on which the story is based is quite singular in its pace and twists, revealing the genius of this film. What's more, the film's Western touch gives it a unique, timeless identity. It throws a whole new perspective on thrillers in our faces. The main character, rather weak by nature, is pushed to his darkest depths, giving us a surprisingly comic insight into the emotional limits of human beings.
In conclusion, this film is a little gem discovered at the Deauville Film Festival, which you MUST NOT MISS AT THE CINEMA!
In conclusion, this film is a little gem discovered at the Deauville Film Festival, which you MUST NOT MISS AT THE CINEMA!
Terrific if unoriginal small-town crime dramedy in a Coen Brothers stylee
danieljfarthing19 April 2024
In terrific small-town crime dramedy "LaRoy Texas" put-upon John Magaro's distraught when aspiring private detective Steve Zahn tells him his wife Megan Stevenson's having an affair - but in then prepping to kill himself he's mistaken for cold hitman Dylan Baker, sparking a twisty little tale of murder, blackmail & double-cross that draws in an array of characters like Brad Leland, Brannon Cross, & Darcy Shean. If it sounds distinctly Coen Brothers-esque that's cos debut director / second-time writer Shane Atkinson is clearly inspired by them, and why not be? Performances are great, and the plot engaging. It may not be original, but this is a good film.
New genre: "Texan noir farce"
joseph_brodsky27 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
"The Guardian" in its review designated the film's genre as "Texan noir farce".
Many reviews actually point to Fargo.
Although, even for the Coen's themselves, their first neo-noir is not "Fargo" at all, but "Blood Simple" filmed 12 years earlier (in 1984).
All the heroes of "LaRoy, Texas" are absolutely nobodies, excellent club of losers.
================================ CAREFULLY. SPOILERS!
================================
Skip is a "detective without even a badge" who dresses up like a Texas Ranger, and, even for the taste of strippers, he just looks like a clown.
He gives out business cards, with an outstanding typo ("detetive" instead of detective :)
"Beauty Queen" Stacy-Lynn - out of print a long time ago, looks shabby
"King of car dealerships" Adam Ledoux - has come to the point where he deceives his wife about the fact that he is deceiving her with others :)
Finally, the main character, Ray - who has been robbed right under his own brother's nose for years - is duped by Stacy-Lynn.
And - in general, the entire film, until the final scene, he walks around in the same disgusting green shirt with a huge logo of his own store ("Jepson's Hardware"), although even in the middle of the film he is informed that this is exactly how he got fired up.
However, by the end the characters change, turning out to be better than they seem.
Not because they want to, only due to crazy circumstances.
Ray, who seemed like a complete nonentity, turned out to be able to shoot three people, including a high-class hired killer (in an epic scene that parodies the pathos of Westerns with John Wayne).
In addition, towards the end, he committed, in the name of suddenly realized friendship, a noble, probably the best deed in his life.
Skip "solves the case" and rides off into the sunset, taking a suitcase of money along with the prom queen in a rather lopsided prize tiara.
By the way, "LaRoy, Texas" lasts almost two hours, but it's never boring :)
Many reviews actually point to Fargo.
Although, even for the Coen's themselves, their first neo-noir is not "Fargo" at all, but "Blood Simple" filmed 12 years earlier (in 1984).
All the heroes of "LaRoy, Texas" are absolutely nobodies, excellent club of losers.
================================ CAREFULLY. SPOILERS!
================================
Skip is a "detective without even a badge" who dresses up like a Texas Ranger, and, even for the taste of strippers, he just looks like a clown.
He gives out business cards, with an outstanding typo ("detetive" instead of detective :)
"Beauty Queen" Stacy-Lynn - out of print a long time ago, looks shabby
"King of car dealerships" Adam Ledoux - has come to the point where he deceives his wife about the fact that he is deceiving her with others :)
Finally, the main character, Ray - who has been robbed right under his own brother's nose for years - is duped by Stacy-Lynn.
And - in general, the entire film, until the final scene, he walks around in the same disgusting green shirt with a huge logo of his own store ("Jepson's Hardware"), although even in the middle of the film he is informed that this is exactly how he got fired up.
However, by the end the characters change, turning out to be better than they seem.
Not because they want to, only due to crazy circumstances.
Ray, who seemed like a complete nonentity, turned out to be able to shoot three people, including a high-class hired killer (in an epic scene that parodies the pathos of Westerns with John Wayne).
In addition, towards the end, he committed, in the name of suddenly realized friendship, a noble, probably the best deed in his life.
Skip "solves the case" and rides off into the sunset, taking a suitcase of money along with the prom queen in a rather lopsided prize tiara.
By the way, "LaRoy, Texas" lasts almost two hours, but it's never boring :)
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