Customer Reviews

Who Is Cletis Tout?

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

"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).

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.

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.

This movie must have been a sleeper. I'd never heard of it until Netflix kept telling me I'd like it. I loved it! It was hilarious and my husband liked it so much he was telling all the guys at work about it. It's different and funny.

It's always annoying when movies don't live up to their potential, and it's sad to say that the unimaginatively named "Who is Cletis Tout?" is one such movie. The fact is that with its stellar cast, quirky plot, and intelligent dialogue, this movie should have coalesced into something on the level of "Pulp fiction" in its perfection. Instead, the movie falls short of such a high level, but the result is still downright enjoyable.
Christian Slater does a pretty good job of playing Finch, the somewhat worse-for-wear con who impersonates a man more wanted than himself. Portia Di Rossi, in a great departure from her "Ally McBeal" past plays an excellent heroine and love interest, giving her role all the spunkiness and freshness that is required. The one who truly shines though (and who elevates the movie's level tremendously), is Tim Allen, as a hitman with a penchant for old movies. The final shot with him doing a quick homage to Gene Kelly is worth the price of admission alone.
All in all, a pretty good movie, but one that could have been better.

I do not see as many movies as those hard core critics out there and, as an average movie goer, I have only one criteria for judging movies - entertainment value. It would be unfair to compare this movie with Pulp Fiction, because, well, its not, but I'll tell you one thing it is a fun and very worthwhile picture. Tim Allen, Christian Slater, Richard Dryfus, Portia de Rossi, and Billy Connely all contribute to this fine work and I certainly suggest you rent it and find out for yourself. You might be suprised, so long as you do not expect it to be something it is not.

This is one clever movie! From the heist at the beginning to the cute ending with Tim Allen, the movie is just easy to enjoy. I add it to my list of favorite sleepers--those movies that you know absolutely nothing about, but rent anyway, and then it charms your pants off! Every character in the show is interesting! My best review comment is that I just had fun watching it!

Who Is Cletis Tout? is a great movie. The plot is twisted and the characters are all well performed. My wife and I have watched this movie several times since there are subtleties that you won't get the first time.

Everyone we've shared this movie with loves it. We finally had to own our own copy.

Who Is Cletis Tout? is about a minor league crook and takes on a false identity who happens to be top of the pops for hitman. But the film is not a thriller. It is a light comedy with a mine of stuff about other films laced through it. Tim Allen has his best role to date and it all works well.

Well worth a look.

Fairly implausible, especially the idea to get the treasure back, 2/3 thru the film. Yet, fairly entertaining, as well, using the idea of Tim Allen, as the man who simply wants to be entertained in the finest of Hollywood tradtion--the classic film as Americana.

So, most of the film references are blindingly obvious and are thrown out in an unnecessary, similar manner each time. However, the familiarity of the films that Allen refers to, are enough to make you smile---easy, relaxed entertainment, like play acting or mimicking our favorite lines, as we all have done, with our friends.

Not a great movie, verging on the ridiculous, yet you get to see Allen in as odd a role ( for him ), as you'll ever see. Slightly above average, and worth a look.