Tex (1982)

83% of critics liked it
(12 reviews)
66% of users liked it
(2,439 ratings)

Tex represented the first film adaption of a novel by "teen angst" specialist S. E. Hinton. Matt Dillon stars as Tex McCormick, an Oklahoma farm boy who drifts into bad company and a dangerous lifestyle after his mother dies and his father deserts him. His older brother Mason (Jim Metzler) struggles… More Tex represented the first film adaption of a novel by "teen angst" specialist S. E. Hinton. Matt Dillon stars as Tex McCormick, an Oklahoma farm boy who drifts into bad company and a dangerous lifestyle after his mother dies and his father deserts him. His older brother Mason (Jim Metzler) struggles to keep his sibling on the straight and narrow, but he too has a cross to bear: his crippling lack of self-worth. Surprisingly, the film was produced by the Disney company, which heretofore had painted a more upbeat portrait of teen-age life. Dillon would go on to appear in two more Hinton adaptations, while Tex supporting player Emilio Estevez would show up in an additional three. S.E. Hinton herself appears in the small role of Mrs. Barnes, a schoolteacher. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 43 min.
Directed By: Tim Hunter
Genres: Drama, Kids & Family

In Theaters: Nov 19, 1982 Wide
On DVD: Nov 16, 1999

Critic Reviews

Variety Staff, Variety
Writers Charlie Haas and Tim Hunter (latter making his directing debut) seem intent on incorporating every conceivable adolescent and adult trauma into their script.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
There is a shock of recognition almost from the beginning of Tex, because we're listening to the sound of American voices in an authentically American world.
Janet Maslin, New York Times
This is a film that accomplishes everything that it attempts, and does so expertly. On its own terms, it is a success through and through.
Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
A very frank and gritty story about two brothers.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Dillon, though occasionally annoying, turns in a decent performance, as do Jim Metzler as his brother and Meg Tilly as his girlfriend.
Clint Morris, Moviehole
A stirring, memorable early performance by Dillon
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Tex explores the stressful relationship between two brothers living without adult supervision.
Elspeth Haughton, Apollo Guide
Like Hinton's novels, Hunter has directed a compassionate and astute depiction about growing up.

Read all 8 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Adam M

Matt Dillon has never been more subtly expressive and transparent, and maybe only funnier in Singles; Jim Meltzer is actually funny here as a straight man; there is some great camerawork and lighting. S.E. Hinton seems to be dealing with more Judy-Blume type issues here, so the movie… More
Matt Dillon has never been more subtly expressive and transparent, and maybe only funnier in Singles; Jim Meltzer is actually funny here as a straight man; there is some great camerawork and lighting. S.E. Hinton seems to be dealing with more Judy-Blume type issues here, so the movie works like a neorealist afterschool special.
Lee K

The lousiest of S.E. Hinton's books to be brought to screen. Do yourself a favor and rent either the Outsiders or Rumble Fish they are so much better