"GTP" introduces us to (In a very limited way) to Gram Parsons and his friend/ manager Phil Kaufman who in an interesting story, has made a pact with singer/ songwriter Parsons to cremate his body in Joshua Tree, CA should he pass away. Well, you guessed it, Parsons dies from a drug overdose and Kaufman sets off with a hippie stoner in a yellow hearse to fulfill his friends wishes. (All the while trying to stay ahead of the law and Parsons' father played by a strong Robert Forster) Johnny Knoxville in I believe his first starring role, is excellent. It's not to much of a stretch to play a rock and roller/cowboy for him, but he does add some depth to the role. Christina Applegate plays the ex-girlfriend of Parsons, a malicious, catty, gold digger intent on getting her hands on Parson's' estate, a character who was apparently created for the screenplay. She really was unnecessary in this movie. In what could have been a touching buddy/road trip movie, she really brings nothing to the story. What this movie is missing, is the friendship between Parsons and Kaufman, I would have been more touching knowing the bond between these two men, and how this pact came to be. Along with some musical montages , this would have made a more effective movie in my opinion. Instead the director and screenwriter, chose to go a somewhat hokey route with odd ball characters, and some (very) creative license. All in all a good story, but improperly handled. Its a shame, because it could have been excellent.
Review of Grand Theft Parsons
