Death and Texas (2004)

This ain't a Chris Guest movie... I'd probably say its closest cousin is "Bob Roberts" - for those who remember that excellent political satire. And if you liked that, then you'll probably like this. But if you go in expecting light comedy, you'll come away a little shellshocked - so beware!

Die hard death penalty fanatics (like Scott Foundas) certainly won't like it, but for those with an open mind, it's a riveting examination of the issues.

An amazing cast for sure, and a very irreverent streak: it hands up satire from everyone from the victim's mother (a great performance by May Kay Place) to the traditional french windbag droning on about the evils of America.

Central to it all is Charles Durning who lends the film gravitas and is the film's emotional heart: a crusader against all odds, mostly doomed to fail, but who still sees it as his duty to carry out the fight, one inmate at a time.