Walking Across Egypt
USA 1999Starring: Mark Hamill, Ellen Burstin,
Synopsys:
Walking Across Egypt is the screen adaptation of a novel by Clyde Edgerton, and the film captures all the humor, drama and southern charm that is found in Mr. Edgerton’s writing. This heartwarming and uplifting movie tells the tale of an elderly widow named Mattie (played by Oscar-winner Ellen Burstyn) who befriends, and eventually gives a home to, a troubled youth named Wesley (played by Jonathan Taylor Thomas.
Ms. Burstyn gives a terrific performance as Mattie, and imbues her character with humor, feistiness, kindness, and deep religious conviction. As Mattie tries to help Wesley, she faces mounting opposition and criticism from her son and daughter, and even her own clergyman, but still she unflinchingly sticks to her principles and her determination to help the least of these my brethren. In the end, Mattie’s faith and unquenchable spirit (and excellent home-cooking) triumph in the end, and she quite literally saves the life of one of society’s throwaway children.
Jonathan Taylor Thomas turns in a great performance, too. He convincingly transforms his character from the tough and aggressive juvenile delinquent we see at the beginning of the film into the charming, honest, and courageous young man we see in the final scenes of the movie.
Mark also does a superb job in his role as Wesley’s uncle, Lamar (the town dogcatcher), and deftly handles the comedic situations in the film, as well as the dramatic scenes, too. The scene where Lamar first meets Mattie and rescues her from an embarrassing situation is hysterically funny, as is a scene later in the movie when Mattie asks Lamar to say Grace before Sunday dinner – something he has obviously not said in years – but manages to pull off with touching enthusiasm.
The supporting cast all turn in great performances, too, but Harve Presnell and Gwen Verdon deserve special mention as Mattie’s hilariously protective neighbors. (They are something of a kinder-and-gentler version of Mr. and Mrs. Cravitts of Bewitched fame, and have several of the most humorous scenes/lines in the film.)
This is definitely a must-see Mark movie, and is great for families with older children, so don’t miss it!
