Grand Theft Parsons

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Grand Theft Parsons

PG-13

2004

1h 28m

Comedy

Drama

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Popcornmeter

48%

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27 Reviews

53%

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5,000+ Ratings

Country-rock pioneer Gram Parsons (Gabriel Macht) and his friend and road manager Phil Kaufman (Johnny Knoxville) have a pact: Whichever of them dies first will be cremated, and the ashes will be spread in Joshua Tree National Park by the other. When Parsons dies suddenly at 26, Kaufman feels guilty for not having done more to save his friend's life, but he intends to keep his end of the bargain, even if it means stealing Parsons' corpse and outrunning the cops to do it.

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Critics Consensus

Grand Theft Parsons pays tribute to a rock legend without following biopic formula -- and proves that a unique perspective doesn't always mean a worthwhile film.

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Will Self

London Evening Standard

Shannon does a great turn as the archetypal failed hippy idealist... and while the rest of the cast are sterling rather than shining, the script and David Caffrey's tyro direction are tight enough to pull the whole vehicle along.

Jan 9, 2018

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Leslie Felperin

Variety

Inspired by a true story, pic travels down familiar genre highways, but quirky humor and an apt soundtrack make for a pleasant enough journey.

Jun 29, 2004

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Frank Scheck

The Hollywood Reporter

What could have served as a colorful episode in a more expansive film about the famed singer has instead become the premise of a mildly entertaining but overextended road movie that doesn't succeed on either dramatic or comedic terms.

Jun 29, 2004

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Amber Wilkinson

Eye for Film

Don't let Knoxville's Jackass pedigree put you off - he can be subtle as well as gross.

Rated: 4/5

Jun 13, 2008

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Dragan Antulov

Draxblog Movie Reviews

there are worse ways to pay respect to music legends

Rated: 5/10

Feb 9, 2006

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Film Threat

Rated: 4/5

Dec 6, 2005

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Audience Member

This story always intrigues me and I was also a big Graham Parsons fan! I liked most of the movie but it was a bit embellished with a few extra additional Hollywood no factoids Otherwise great entertainment !

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/17/23

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Audience Member

....Considering the sad situation this country (and the world) is in right now, this light as a feather bit of black humor , with a sad little hint of seriousness at the end turned out to be a pretty damned nice way to pass some time in "self isolation"...Johnny Knoxville was fine , so was Gram Parson's "Dad". the money- hungry pouty-mouthed Blond was aces as a whiny little bitch, the other (sweeter) Blond (?Christina Applegate ? ) was" muy simpatica" (and easy on the eyes)...But... it was "Bearded Hippy" Michael Shannon who REALLY knocked his character out of the ballpark...(Has that guy ever smiled?...I mean, on screen?...a zenned-out hippy too cool for words)...And that "Sweetheart of the Rodeo " touring jacket that Knoxville was wearing...DAMN , I loved that album (who didn't?) ....If this wasn't the way Gram Parsons wanted to be...disposed of...it sure seemed like an appropriate way to go ...Loved his Hickory Wind song...ditto as well for "In My Hour of Darkness"...such a waste of musical talent....

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/22/23

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Audience Member

Very sweet little movie with lots of charm and humour. About death, drugs and crime

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/19/23

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Audience Member

This film was almost good.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/12/23

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Audience Member

Underrated rated movie. Very funny - Knoxville and Michael Shannon are a great pairing. Highly recommended

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/06/23

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Audience Member

I seem to recall enjoying this in an offbeat way, Michael Shannon and Johnny Knoxville are an odd couple, but it works.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/08/23

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David Caffrey

Director

Johnny Knoxville

Phil Kaufman

Gabriel Macht

Gram Parsons

Marley Shelton

Susie

Christina Applegate

Barbara Mansfield

Michael Shannon

Larry Oster-Berg

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Synopsis

Country-rock pioneer Gram Parsons (Gabriel Macht) and his friend and road manager Phil Kaufman (Johnny Knoxville) have a pact: Whichever of them dies first will be cremated, and the ashes will be spread in Joshua Tree National Park by the other. When Parsons dies suddenly at 26, Kaufman feels guilty for not having done more to save his friend's life, but he intends to keep his end of the bargain, even if it means stealing Parsons' corpse and outrunning the cops to do it.

Director: David Caffrey
Producer: Frank Mannion
Screenwriter: Jeremy Drysdale
Production Co: Swipe Films, Helkon SK, Morty-Stevie G Productions
Rating: PG-13 (Some Language|Drug References)
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 21, 2004, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 20, 2017
Runtime: 1h 28m
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby Digital

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