Very very predictable, including the post credit scene !!!

I'll tell you why so serious

Absolutely Fantastic

The storyline feels a little thin and moth-eaten in parts but this sequel is plenty of fun.

Good example of a film that introduces too many characters and then expects the bewildered audience to figure out what's happening. You shouldn't have to think so much as to what's going on. This is supposed to be entertainment, however I found "Lone Star" to be exhausting, rather than interesting. Flashbacks only add to the tepid pacing. The conclusion is both frustrating and somewhat of a letdown. The acting is fine, especially Chris Cooper, with less going on, probably the movie would have benefited. I realize Sayles has cult status, but here he has failed to impress. My conclusion is that this is definitely not worth sitting through, only to be disappointed. - MERK

Great acting by Chris Cooper, Elizabeth Pena, Matthew McCounaghy, and Kris Krostofferson help make this movie into the fine viewing experience it is.Chris Cooper, playing Sam Deeds, is seeking to know how a skeleton found on a old firing range is connected to his late father, Buddy Deeds. Buddy is a legend in the Southwestern Texas town.The atmosphere with Mexicans, blacks, illegals, white townspeople all in the mix, is great. You feel like you are there experiencing the tensions and clash of cultures good and bad.The mystery builds and with it a fantastic love story with an unexpected plot twist.Highly recommended. John Sayles has created a masterpiece here.

I have seen three movies of John Sayles now with this one. For me Sayles definitely works better as a writer than a director. As a writer he knows what he wants , but as a director he fails to deliver it. I get what the movie is about , I understand it and I appreciate it. The problem is that the movie feels much like a long episode of some TV drama. It's not really a cinematic experience , the pacing could be better and the movie lacks style. I wasn't involved emotionally in the whole story for one moment. As a director Sayles kinda fails to put some meaning into the story , to make it something that will stay with you long after the movie is gone. Maybe he should allow somebody else to direct his screenplays ? It doesn't mean that I wasted my time on this one. The mystery about the past of our hero's father kept me interested. "Lone star" is a good drama about conflict between a child and it's parent , which appears here three times (Sam , Pilar and Delmore Payne – they all in conflict with one of their parents). The movie also quite well portrays the tension between the citizens of the city – white , black , Latin . The portrayal here seems very realistic and doesn't take any sides. It's fair look at the serious problem and allows you to make your own opinion.The acting is solid , especially Kris Kristofferson as the evil sheriff. The characters are likable. The screenplay has it's share of good humor and some nice twists near the end.The movie with a better direction and 30 minutes shorter (some subplots don't seem that necessary) could be a really great one. Still , it's a good movie. I give it 7/10.

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 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: RECOMMENDEDMy score: 7.5/10.You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.