Lone Star

Columbia TriStar Home Video | Release Date: June 21, 1996

7.7	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 35 Ratings

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DeusaV.Sep 15, 2007

It´s a beautilful film, I recommend!!!! Several stories and also flashback. Actors are very good. I had a good time.

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Andys_ReviewsSep 28, 2013

If anything I found this one a little too complex; there were several threads that seemed totally unrelated to the main thrust of the story. It’s also, I felt, a little too long; the filmmakers are asking quite a lot for an audience toIf anything I found this one a little too complex; there were several threads that seemed totally unrelated to the main thrust of the story. It’s also, I felt, a little too long; the filmmakers are asking quite a lot for an audience to concentrate for two hours and fifteen minutes. It is slow paced, but I didn’t particularly mind that; I’m used to the noir style and it is usually quite a slow burner. Some great performances with Chris Cooper coping well with the leading role and Kris Kristofferson playing the villain of the peace with gusto. Also we have Elizabeth Peña, who did an excellent job as the female lead and a small part for Matthew McConaughey as Buddy Deeds. Although it does have its problems I still found it an excellent watch; definitely one to look out for for all you noir fans out there.

SteelMonster’s verdict: RECOMMENDED

My score: 7.5/10.… Expand

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SpangleJul 18, 2016

Lone Star is an absolutely brilliant film that totally snuck up on me. I expected your typical crime mystery film, but I did not get that. Instead, I get a beautiful film that examines divisions, parental relationships, and the complexity ofLone Star is an absolutely brilliant film that totally snuck up on me. I expected your typical crime mystery film, but I did not get that. Instead, I get a beautiful film that examines divisions, parental relationships, and the complexity of the individual. Incredibly written and directed by John Sayles, Lone Star is poetry in motion with numerous intertwining subplots that all connect and unite at one point: the death of the old sheriff. This death reveals many things and leads to changes for the town residents who must solve the mysteries of the past to fix themselves. With a terrific leading performance from Chris Cooper, the film has an incredibly strong supporting cast that really add to the feel of this Texas border town. Lone Star is so poetic and cinematic that even its setting reveals more of the film's thematic elements and really plays into what the film is attempting to communicate. Overall, Lone Star is far more than a crime film. Instead, it is a brilliantly poetic and moving examination of life, the past, and the future.… Expand

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Compi24Apr 7, 2018

What starts out as a murder mystery, slowly -- and I mean slowly -- expands itself into a thin, unfocused portrait of an border town with so many prejudices dwelling within its inhabitants, yet so little at stake overall. If I only had aWhat starts out as a murder mystery, slowly -- and I mean slowly -- expands itself into a thin, unfocused portrait of an border town with so many prejudices dwelling within its inhabitants, yet so little at stake overall. If I only had a nickel for every time I looked at the TV screen after a character explained the implications of some event and asked, simply, "so?" There's just no urgency at all here, and though some of the political undertones are undoubtedly relevant and timely, a political ensemble piece isn't the movie I was sold by the film's logline or first few minutes. This is a watchable, competently performed, yet ultimately droll, sluggish, and forgettable, low-energy drama with a poorly-realized, thinly veiled mystery at its center.… Expand

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TrailesqueAug 30, 2021

This manages to be several movies in one: a murder mystery, a drama about fathers and sons, a romance, and a look at the evolving racial & cultural situation in South Texas. And it all works together nicely, even if things go a little tooThis manages to be several movies in one: a murder mystery, a drama about fathers and sons, a romance, and a look at the evolving racial & cultural situation in South Texas. And it all works together nicely, even if things go a little too far at the very end imo. Sayles was never a great visual filmmaker but here at least he is an excellent storyteller. It is interesting to note that this could very well be Sayles's best flick, which is a little ironic, given that this is very much a Texas picture and he is very much a northerner. There are a number of excellent supporting performances here (e.g. Ron Canada), and keep an eye out for pre-stardom Frances McDormand(!)… Expand

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KenRNov 12, 2020

Lone Star, asks who did what to whom? John Sayles movie is best suited to people with good memories for names. Over the longish course of its 2hrs + run time it moves back and forth through two lifetimes (very smoothly done) as a TexanLone Star, asks who did what to whom? John Sayles movie is best suited to people with good memories for names. Over the longish course of its 2hrs + run time it moves back and forth through two lifetimes (very smoothly done) as a Texan Sheriff attempts to ascertain if his father may have killed his corrupt lawman boss. The rather pensive script is quite good --a bit more accessible than some of Sayles other works-- give him credit where due, many other directors might have sensationalized various aspects of this tale but Mr Sayles has kept it in perspective and available to a broader audience. It features good performances from an interesting cast, classy location cinematography, and some enjoyable Tex/Mex songs, and should please patient viewers with mature tastes.… Expand

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bataguilaNov 14, 2018

Hueva!!!! La historia se enreda mucho, sobran personajes, no se si deja mal o peor a los mexicanos. El final es una mamada

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Bradh6886Jan 18, 2021

Mess of unwatchable subplots sloppily strung together featuring a lifeless ensemble. Literally facepalming by the 12th overused flashback transition. No efforts made to create interest in any of the characters. Title is indicative of rating.

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