The Good Old Boys (1995)

You won't be disappointed!

Disappointment for a huge fan!

It's hard to see any effort in the film. There's no comedy to speak of, no real drama and, worst of all.

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

I was already predisposed to like this - big fan of Tommy Lee Jones, and I do enjoy my modern westerns. However, I find that the quality on VHS is quite a big obstacle to my enjoyment these days, and makes the film seem a lot cheaper than it actually is. Plus, the sound was terrible, which made it even more difficult for me to decipher Jones' nasal drawl (a number of times I actually had to rewind and listen closely again to even get the gist), and which he seemed to be laying on pretty darn thick, to boot.Won't beat around the bush with a synopsis: lovable, nomadic rogue returns to the old homestead after years away, finds things have changed, has problems integrating and eventually learns to come to terms with it all. You know the drill. Jones himself is very endearing - not a man generally known for exuding warmth and upbeat optimism, but he convinces, as usual. Not the first time he's donned a stetson, he looks born to the saddle, roping steers, breaking in unruly horses and other suitably manly activities. There's a love interest in the shape of Sissy Spacek - could take her or leave her, really, but that's a personal feeling. Frances McDormand in particular was very good as the no-nonsense matriarch, and a young Matt Damon does a very serviceable turn as her son.Lots of hackneyed 'comedy' moments: dog relieves itself on someone's leg; fat man falls over; outhouse gets knocked over with someone in it; man sits on cactus and has to have the spikes extracted from his backside - hilarious stuff. All pretty weak, but comes with the territory I suppose. Quite a few bits seemed contrived just to bring Jones and Spacek together (I'm looking at you, changing room scene) and they do invite some eye-rolling. A little surprised at the bittersweet ending, but it fits and the closing image is appropriately meaningful, if predictable, with Jones riding off into the sunset alone.The kind of film you find channel-hopping on a lazy Sunday afternoon. You know what's going to happen, but it's well cast, inoffensive, and mildly enjoyable in itself.

I love this movie.A story of a man who lives life like he wants to,even if it doesn't make sense to family and friends.He wants no responsibilities but will be responsible for all his actions.His time is gone ,but he will hang on as long as he can rather than conform.We need more movies like this.Tommy Lee Jones captures entirely,the people,places and phrases I grew up knowing and loving.Happy go lucky,always ready to lend a hand.I wish I was him,or knew him better I would love to hear more about him and Snort Yarnell.They truly are good Ole boys,and we need more of em.

Tommy Lee Jones directs himself and a sensational cast in this western. I couldn't believe how wonderful it was, and went to imdb to see who directed it. The look and feel of this movie are perfect, and every moment rings true. It also looks great. Jones' eye is superb, and the shots are brilliant without calling attention to themselves. Terrific.

I rented this movie 2 years ago, and then I went straight to the movie store to buy it! Tommy Lee Jones is one of my favorite actors. I haven't seen him in a role I didn't like! I was delighted to see that he could write and direct so well. I also love Matt Damon's acting in everything he does.Matt's character, Cotton, is the nephew of Tommy Lee's character, Hewey. Cotton has a hard time welcoming Hewey back after Hewey spent two years of seeing "beautiful country" on horseback. Uncle Hewey promised Cotton, 16, some things when he was younger and never came through. It's entertaining and enjoyable watching their relationship mend. This is a great family movie that I have shared with my family several times. I suggest you watch it and share it with yours!