I'm going to admit, up-front, that I only lasted about ten minutes into this movie. The part that made me throw it in the trash was when this nasty old lady sent a kind, loving dog away to the dog-catcher's. Am I supposed to be entertained by that? Elevated? Inspired? I really feel offended when I put in a movie, expecting to be treated well, but instead, are abused. Abused by the assumption that acts of cruel indifference will be "good enough" for us. That we will swallow it, accepting it as "reality", not aspiring to something greater. What really angers me is that I live in an apartment and can not have a dog. This woman has everything: A house, enough money, friends and family that will help her take care of the dog.., everything but a kind heart and some empathy. Personally, I am offended by movies like Walking Across Egypt that attempt to transfer their violence and lack of consideration onto us, thinking we are no better than that. To the screenwriter: Insinuate someplace else. I wouldn't accept this conduct from anyone in real-life, and I certainly won't accept it in my art.After reading a few spoilers, on this movie, here, at IMDb, I see that the dog is never given a reprise nor a reprieve. It languished in the cage until it was euthanized. This is unacceptable, and can not be dismissed by viewers with an ounce of kindness. When you are offered a blessing, accept it.

I was sceptical when hiring this movie, it didn't seem like my thing. But it was very worth it. Ellen Burstyn plays the kind hearted, old women who decides to practice what she preaches on juevenile delinquent played by Jonathan Taylor Thomas. Sheading his good boy image of home improvement, he superbly plays Wesley Benfield. Wesley comes to live with Mattie who thinks he is on leave from the local prison. He takes advantage of her and eventually he steals a car to get away from the cops and she realises that he is not on leave and in fact a fugitive. There is a very moving scene involving Wesley and Mattie where Wesley is crying because he doesn't want to go back however he is arrested and taken back anyway. At the end of the movie we can see that Wesley has changed from the criminal he used to be and it is an all round happy ending for all. A wonderful performance especially from Jonathan Taylor Thomas.

Late last night, suffering from insomnia, I decided to watch the Walking Across Egypt video I purchased over the weekend. JTT has such a magical performance in this film, I was actually watching the timer count down on the VCR as I simply didn't want this film to end. It is truly a gift, that I found this film in the "pre-viewed video" bin at one of the rental stores in Berkeley, CA. How I missed knowing about this film astonishes me, as it is must surely be one of the best films made in 2000. Both Burstyn and JTT give reserved, cool performances, but it is those calm, taking-my-time characterizations that allow for a real acme to surface during the film before the end of the story. I admit it, I've had a crush on JTT for years, but in this film I was even able to separate my belief that "JTT can do no wrong" from the truly brilliant acting of this fine fellow. I am only sorry that there are not more JTT films around. I have been completely unsuccessful in locating Speedway Junkie. As far as a recommendation on Walking..., run to your nearest video store to see this work of art! I promise, there is not a boring moment, and you will not be disappointed. Burstyn and Thomas absolutely sing with their synergy and sympathetic performances. The pairing of two of my very most favorite actors was someone's genius and my outstanding good luck. Speaking of luck, JT, if you are out there reading this - please keep with the films. You are an exceptional talent that needs to be seen and heard! Thanks to everyone for reading. Kieran O'Connell

Definately one of the best films I've seen all year with excellent performances all round. How this went straight to video in the UK is unbelievable. This certainly proves that Jonathan Taylor Thomas is not just a teen idol and has the ability to perform well in a challenging role. 10/10