Because writer-director John Sayles has an old-fashioned interest in story, theme and character, it's easy to distinguish his new film, "Lone Star," from the rest of the summer's blockbuster thrill rides. It's a carefully crafted, unapologetically literary accomplishment, and, for many, this fact alone will be enough to recommend it.

Set along the border between Texas and Mexico, the movie deals with the effects of the past on the life of Rio County Sheriff Sam Deeds (Chris Cooper). The picture begins when a set of bones is discovered outside of town. Tests confirm that the skeleton belongs to Charlie Wade (Kris Kristofferson), who was sheriff back in 1957 before Sam's father, Buddy (Matthew McConaughey), took over the job.