Product Details

• Actors: Christian Slater, Tim Allen, Portia de Rossi, Richard Dreyfuss, Billy Connolly
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, NTSC
• Rated: R (Restricted)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Paramount
• VHS Release Date: January 7, 2003
• Run Time: 92 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B00007AJJ5
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #242,139 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Who Is Cletis Tout? is about a crook (Christian Slater) who breaks out of one jail and then has to break back in to another; who gets a new identity, only to discover that his new identity is a man some dangerous people want dead; and who's describing his life to a hit man (Tim Allen) who's a sucker for old movies with satisfying stories. The plot of Who Is Cletis Tout? has too much cleverness and not enough smarts, with too many holes to make sense. Nonetheless, Slater, Allen, Richard Dreyfuss, Portia de Rossi, RuPaul, and Billy Connolly are all engaging enough to keep things pleasant. --Bret Fetzer

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A throwback worth catching, February 7, 2003

By 

Andrew Hughes (South Bend, IN United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Who Is Cletis Tout? (DVD)

"Who Is Cletis Tout" is a smart, funny, low-key caper movie that's in love with movies and a delight to watch. The plot, the characters and the tone all remind me of Donald E. Westlake's novels from the late '60s, books such as "God Save the Mark," "The Busy Body" and "The Fugitive Pigeon." As a side note, seek out any or all of those novels, and read them; you won't be disappointed if you like comic capers.

The movie is filled with references to other movies (Tim Allen's character, Critical Jim, relates everything to an old movie). One of the less-obvious references includes the "Pulp Fiction"-like circular structure (note: this film is in no way as violent or profane as "Pulp Fiction").

The entire cast appears to really relish their roles and get into the tone of the movie.

On the downside, I rented this, and that's all it's worth as a DVD. The DVD has no extras or commentary or any of the other things that make DVDs collectible (it is, however, presented in widescreen format, one of the best reasons to own a DVD player).

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars CHARMING ROMP THROUGH HEIST MOVIES, DESPITE CLICHED DEVICES, October 27, 2004

By 

Shashank Tripathi (Gadabout) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Who Is Cletis Tout? (DVD)

Told in a mix of narration and flashbacks, much like the Princess Bride or Forget Paris, this self-conscious genre sendup is part heist movie and part commentary on heist movies.

The plot is engaging but script isn't nearly as clever as it pretends to be, plot holes abound, the twists are more flashy than intriguing, Tim Allen's character's constant movie-quoting eventually grates, and the shadows of Quentin Reservoir Dogs or The Usual Suspects stalk the entire theme.

But for all its simpering in-jokes and posing, there's a sweetness to the film that's diverting and will likely keep you occupied for its length. Decent watch with a group of friends.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it! Previous reviewers far too serious, cynical and mean. This is a great little film., May 13, 2006

By 

Ms Stef "Stef" (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Who Is Cletis Tout? (DVD)

After reading the previous reviews people left for this film, I felt I had to stand up for it. This is one of my favourite films in fact. It is gripping, funny, exciting, sad, thrilling, action packed and highly entertaining. I found that the script and plot were unique and very clever. There are always similarities you can nit pick about movies copying other movies but although this movie is in the 'Pulp Fiction' method of filming the story line is not at all like it or Reservoir Dogs as some reviewers have stated. This is an ABSOLUTE MUST SEE FILM. Any person who is not bitter and tyranical as some of these pevious reviewers sound to be will enjoy it immensely, I am absolutely sure of it, and it is an excellent addition to your video library. I've got one and will keep it until the day I die, and have watched it at least 5 times already and my friends love it too.