A West Texas Children's Story (2007)

Set in the 1960s, a magical tale of two 12-year-olds embarking on an adventure to find new, cool parents and escape their neglected, overly adult existence.

Director:

Brad Isaacs

Writer:

Brad Isaacs

Stars:

Cayden Boyd, Lara Flynn Boyle, Matthew Modine

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Cayden Boyd	...	Ben Reynolds
Lara Flynn Boyle	...	Ben's Mother
Matthew Modine	...	Ben's Father
Noah Grabowski	...	Ben at 2
J.D. Garfield	...	Father in Diner
Johnny Cotugno	...	Plumber (as John Cotugno)
Jeff Griffin	...	Roofer
Candace Campfield	...	Accountant
Mary Evans	...	Cassie's Mother
AnnaSophia Robb	...	Cassie Kennington
Mike Miller	...	Sheriff LeClaire (as Michael Miller)
Bill Allen	...	Cassie's Father (as William Lawrence Allen)
Michael Clark	...	Truck Driver #1
Boots Southerland	...	Truck Driver #2 (as Boots Sutherland)
Val Kilmer	...	Henderson

Storyline

In the 60's, in West Texas, twelve year-old Ben is a boy neglected by his parents. His mother is obsessed by the movie stars of Hollywood and every afternoon she goes to the movie theater, while his father spends his spare time building a boat. One night, there is a car wreck in front of Ben's parents dining where only the girl Cassie survives with a broken arm. Ben's parents lodges Cassie during her recovery and she becomes friend of Ben. Later the mature girl convinces Ben to travel with her to Baltimore, where her modern and liberal aunt and uncle live. They hitchhike through Arkansas, Kentucky and Virginia in a journey of friendship and discoveries until they reach Baltimore. Their adventure ends when Cassie has a breakdown and is interned in the Mercy Psychiatric Ward in Virginia and Ben joins the Military Academy in North Caroline to stay close to Cassie. But the girl had a plan for them and Ben gives his best effort to make her dream come true.

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Plot Keywords:

1960s | alcoholic father | abusive father | sexual abuse | child abuse | 

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Did You Know?

Trivia

The working title was "A West Texas Children's Story".

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Quotes

[first lines]
Ben: [narrating] I'm just a kid, there's a lot I don't know. But one thing I do know, is that my folks should never have married. And they definitely should never had a kid.

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Soundtracks

I Ain't Never
Written by Webb Pierce and Mel Tillis
Pefrormed by Webb Pierce
Courtesy of Universal Music Publishing

User Reviews

Amazing plan of life

I just viewed this magnificent gem of a movie and was awed by how rich and complex it is despite the simplicity of its story and some production flaws. It is amazing how Cassie, at such a young age, manages to drive her life with Ben along to a great plan -- and see it to its fulfillment. Equally amazing is how Ben complies with it all along, and gives strength to Cas at her lowest point.

Overall, this is an adult fairy tale with the most realistic and bittersweet happily-ever-after ending anyone can hope to have. Grown-ups (like me) will be lead to re-examine their lives, while teens and young adults will take away many important points -- like the importance of having a plan they can hold on to for life, and of having someone with whom they can share their strengths to see it through.

This movie also sums up what I've long held to be true: a strong woman can make a man's life soar, and a man must recognize and respect this gift of her presence, if he is lucky enough to find her.

I feel lucky to have stumbled into this movie -- after nearly 5 years since it was shown! I hope more people will get to see it and spread its worth.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

6 June 2008 (USA)

Also Known As:

West Texas Lullaby

Filming Locations:

Mountainair, New Mexico, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$5,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Thunder Bay Pictures, West Texas New Mexico Films, WolfGang Cinema

Technical Specs

Runtime:

86 min (European Film Market)

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Black and White Color