The Positively True Adventures of the Alleged Texas Cheerleader-Murdering Mom (1993)

Synopsis: Michael Ritchie directs this freewheeling satire, which recounts a bizarre series of events that occurred in Channelview, Texas, in the early 1990s. The made-for-HBO comedy tells the story of Wanda Holloway (Holly Hunter), a ridiculously devoted mother who will stop at nothing to help her... Michael Ritchie directs this freewheeling satire, which recounts a bizarre series of events that occurred in Channelview, Texas, in the early 1990s. The made-for-HBO comedy tells the story of Wanda Holloway (Holly Hunter), a ridiculously devoted mother who will stop at nothing to help her daughter Shanna (Frankie Ingrassia) become a high school cheerleader. Bothered by the annoying presence of fellow mother Verna Heath (Elizabeth Ruscio), Wanda is eventually driven to thoughts of murder. After recruiting her dim-witted ex-brother-in-law, Terry Harper (Beau Bridges), to help carry out the task, Terry's conscience gets the better of him and he works with the police in order to capture enough evidence to arrest Wanda. The resulting media frenzy that erupts turns the small Texas town into an out-of-control circus. As Wanda's trial begins to gain national attention, the friends and family of both Wanda and Verna must field a seemingly endless barrage of offers for the rights to the story. Ritchie ingeniously mocks the absurdity of his own film by casting the film's actual writer and producer as themselves, as well as including a line of dialogue in which Verna scoffs at the thought of Holly Hunter playing Wanda. The film features hysterical performances by Hunter, Bridges, Swoosie Kurtz, and Matt Frewer. [More]