by Joey Guerra
Entertainment Editor
Traveller
*** (out of **** stars)
In the wake of big-budget films like Liar Liar and The Saint, Hollywood seems to be taking a nod from the independents and giving name actors supporting small, quirky films a chance.
Just a few months back came Hard Eight, a portrait of a gambler named Sydney that was part Casino, part Pulp Fiction and largely satisfying. The film came to and went from the River Oaks Plaza with barely a whisper, despite the presence of "Hollywood" faces like Gwyneth Paltrow and Samuel L. Jackson.
On Friday, the River Oaks became host to Traveller, which stars Bill Paxton (Twister), Mark Wahlberg (Fear) and Julianna Margulies (television's ER, Paradise Road) and succeeds because of vivid performances and a fresh storyline.
Traveller isn't the kind of film to make a million bucks or even become a breakout, art-house hit along the lines of Trainspotting or Emma. Rather, Traveller will probably play in Houston for a couple of weeks then vanish from sight.
That's a shame, because the film is definitely worth seeing, focusing on a group of Irish grifters who travel through towns scamming anyone in sight. The deals range from fixing cracks in driveways to laundering money.
The real strength of the film, though, comes from the fresh relationships and stories amongst Bokky (Paxton), Pat (Wahlberg) and Jean (Margulies) and their performances.
Bokky takes Pat under his wing after he is shunned by the rest of the group. Paxton is more relaxed and likable here than ever, and Wahlberg's rough exterior fades to create an extremely sympathetic character.
Margulies proves herself a striking screen presence, exuding a natural sensuality. There are a few sappy moments but you won't be sorry you traveled down this offbeat path.