Customer Reviews

Grand Theft Parsons

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(10)

 

 

I'm a Grampire as well but folks have to realize that this is a movie - meant for entertainment. If folks are fans of Gram they should be happy that he even made it to the big screen outside short cameos in Gimme Shelter and The Trip. As for complaints that the movie lacked character development of Gram and Phil's relationship, well during the period of time the movie covered, Gram was dead and still is. Of course there were some licenses taken with the facts, but again, it's a movie. While I'm a Gram fan, I also realize that he is not so sacrosanct that there cannot be entertaining value to his legacy.

Within this slightly amateurish movie is a cult classic screaming to get out. I was surprised it was made so recently as it already has the feel of a 1970's drug fuelled indulgent escapade.

The story is the journey, and yet despite this there is a sufficient denouement for it to not just fizzle out at the end; it's climax is touching rather than moving.

I imagine this film will be rediscovered one day, and I hope that time will be kind to it. There are some genuinely original and funny moments - quite Coen brothersesque at times. In fact, this film reminded me of The Big Lebowski in many ways, and this takes me back to my original point of it feeling like a better movie wanting to get out. See what you think...

I never write reviews on Amazon, but was shocked that everyone but the spotlight reviewer panned this film. Though I can imagine skepticism would steam from Johnny Knoxville being in a movie were he had to act (since he is most famous for the Jacka** movie and TV Show) Knoxville turned in a great performance. He seemed at ease with the character and was able to subtly convey his lines. He understated approach to the part serves to contrast the absurd situation his character is in and lends realism to the film that would be lacking if Knoxville had tried to ham it up for more laughs. The scene where he tries to rent the hearse and can barely mask his anger at the hearse's drug addled owner's incompetence had me on the floor rolling with laughter. I wasn't familiar with actor Michael Shannon before this film but he does a great job as the owner of the hearse. His cartoonish over the top hippie was the perfect Ying to Knoxville's character's reserved Yang. (a point which Shannon's character cleverly brings up.)
As if great dialogue, suburb acting, and a yellow hearse with flowers painted on the side weren't enough to make you want to see this film immediately if not sooner; the sound track alone makes the movie worth watching, it uses a lot of Parson's songs but also other great songs from the era.
In the end this film goes beyond being a great comedy to become a great film. Having Gram Parson's father as a character added a lot of weight to the last half hour of the film, with Robert Forester conveying all the resignation, sadness, and guilt felt by his character his downtrodden facial expressions. This is a movie I would recommend to anyone.

Um, this ISN'T a film about Gram Parsons, and doesn't pretend to be. It seems to me that people who like the music of Gram Parsons wanted to see a biopic, and they don't like the fact that this is a comedy about what happened to Gram's body.

In fact, I'm not sure if some of the reviewers have actually seem the film. FYI, the guy with the beard is Phil Kaufman - Gram (seen in a dream sequence) actually doesn't have a beard in 'Grand Theft Parsons'.

If you're a 'Grampire', I suggest you give this movie a miss. If you like great fun road movies, pick up a copy and make your own mind up.

I wonder whether some of the other reviewers are missing the point?

I have no great interest in Gram Parsons, and I bought this DVD because it looked like it might be a lot of fun and I'd read some great reviews in the press. I'm happy with my choice, and thoroughly enjoyed the film, which I found amusing, touching and really well told.

I'm not particularly interested in whether Gram's father is 'like the real thing' or if Val Kilmer should play Gram Parsons in a film about Gram Parsons (which this is not.) I'm looking for insight into whether the film is any good and whether it's worth my twenty bucks, and for what it's worth, I'd say 'yes' to both.

There are some nice documentaries out there about mister Parsons, whilst this is a film which is clearly signed as being 'based on a true story'. If you're into the man and his music, I'd suggest you get one of those. If you'd like to see a movie which - although it won't rock your world - will put a grin on your face and make you feel just a little better about life, then I can recommend 'Grand Theft Parsons'.

I hope this helps...

I loved this movie!
It was not what I would have expected with Johnny Knoxville as the star. He plays Kaufman, best friend to and road manager for Gram Parson. Johnny doesn't shoot himself, or let alligators attack his nipples, or do any crazy stunts for that matter- he's just a very cool actor who gets into character and does a stellar job.

Grand Theft Parsons a rough and tumble road movie with some very meaningful sweet moments, as well as some very funny ones- many of which were courtesy of Christina Applegate. Also a guy named Michael Shannon plays the hippie along for the ride with Knoxville. Shannon totally steals the show.
I would highly recommend Grand Theft Parsons both to Gram fans and those unfamiliar with his work.
Oh btw- to the first reviewer. It's always very impressive to review a movie you haven't seen!

I saw this movie in London earlier this year and didn't know anything about the Gram Parsons story beforehand - the BBC biopic might go on to offer some straight facts - I don't care, this version delivered the coolest of lines and some very, very funny scenes.

Great performances, great script and the kind of 'feel good' that makes you laugh like you do with your best friends. This is a gem.

It's not great. It's a pretty good movie that's worth a look.

Please note, as another reviews did, that this movie is not about Gram Parsons or his life. It's about Parson's manager Phil Kaufman and his reaction to Parson's death.

'Jackass' creator Johnny Knoxville did pretty good for himself here as Kaufman. Better than I expected him to. He might have a future beyond self-inflicted pain yet.

There's also an interesting bonus feature with the real Phil Kaufman telling the story.

The original story is so grand and rich - WHY WOULD ANYONE WANT TO TAKE LIBERTIES WITH IT?
This is seriously one of the worst movies I've ever seen, subject matter aside. The details are useslessly misarranged and the cast performance is simply garbage. Garbage.
Don't bother. Don't buy.
From a non-fan's p.o.v., there's nothing interesting about it, aside from the fact that you know it's BASED on a true story. If you can get past the vomit-inducing laziness of the production go read the real story and you will ask yourself "why didn't they just directly shoot from this?"

This movie polarised reviewers. Those that wanted a Gram Parsons biopic didn't like it, because the film makers changed some details to make it work better as a movie. Those guys will be much happier with the BBC's biopic out next year.

Those that can accept that 'Grand Theft Parsons' uses one of the most famous of all rock 'n roll stories as a starting point for a terrific road movie just loved it. And I guess Amazon readers will be the same.

If you're a 'Grampire' and you want a documentary, then wait until the BBC one comes along.

If you want to kick back and watch a fun, touching and cool movie about responsibility and friendship, then I can't recommend this highly enough.