meeza
"Manson Family Vacation" is not all I ever wanted.... Had to start my review of this independent film with a Go-Go getter. Anyways, this film did have two well-tuned acts, but the last act was pretty much an unbelievable horror to watch. J. Davis wrote and directed the flick and was produced by Indie stalwart producers the Duplass Brothers. Jay Duplass actually stars here as L.A. family man and lawyer Nick. Life is good for Nick, until his wild brother Conrad comes for an L.A. visit. Conrad is obsessed with Charles Manson, and persuades Nick to take him around town to all the Manson murder sites. I did enjoy the love/hate relationship between Nick and Conrad that were displayed in the first two acts of the film. But then Davis decides to give in too much into the family of over-the-top filmmaking with an unauthentic third act that almost bored me to death; yea I know, wrong choice of words. I must give kudos to actor Linas Philips for his fine turn as Conrad. Too bad Jay Duplass did not duplicate the admirable acting of Phillips with his performance as Nick. "Manson Family Vacation" is not total helter skelter but I would not recommend this vacation. *** Average
Frank Lampard
I stumbled across this film and did not know what to think. I have to admit I am a historian on this topic, couldn't tell you why, just am. The movie centers around two brothers who have grown up quite differently under the same roof. Turns out one brother was adopted and the other was the natural son of the father. The adopted son (Conrad) was treated poorly and as a result, has developed into somewhat of a hopeless misfit. Conrad also has a very voracious appetite for all things Charles Manson and very much desires to visit all places in the Los Angeles area that have a connection with the Manson family. Conrad also insists that his brother come along for the field trip. As the story develops, not too subtle hints start to occur that Conrad's interest in Manson is more than just that of a groupie. There is some humor to be had here and the southern California sites are pretty dang neat. However, some of the parts of the story strain credibility, seriously. I think having extensive knowledge of information dealing with this story tipped some stuff that regular people would not get. It also caused me to think a lot of the material was very unrealistic. I don't know how to feel about this movie. It was entertaining enough, but I did have problems with the lighthearted approach and levity associated with a loathsome murderer like Manson. I think too many people have diluted his evil, including these filmmakers. Moreover, the character of Conrad was incredibly irritating and lacking in any empathy. I think if you have interest in this topic, you might find it entertaining, but I am not sure why.
Coby Botes (cobusbotes)
I felt compelled to inform interested watchers that the 5.8 IMDb score for this movie is way wrong. This is my first review and after watching this heartfelt movie, I decided that writer and director J. Davis does not deserve this movie to be poorly rated.My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the story, characters and acting. The dialogue felt real and kept us interested throughout. Linas Phillips was a joy to watch and Jay Duplass adds his touch of realism to it as he did in Transparent.Do yourself the favor of watching this film. I am sure I am not alone in how I rate this movie.
rayandbarb23
just walked out of opening night at Brooklyn Film Festival and this movie is fantastic. Its a simple but compelling story of two brothers who have drifted apart and the the twists and turns of life that bring them back in contact with each other. Nobody does the angst of relationships better then Team Duplass and obviously the director has absorbed the same sort of off-kilter spin they put on day to day foibles. I've Been a big fan of all the guys who made this for a few years but wow did they deliver. The director, Jay Davies, who also wrote the screenplay shows his chops and pulls great performances out of his cast The two stars of the film, Linus Phillips and Jay Duplass should absolutely win an MTV Movie Award for Best Couple. Also impressed with the editing of Nick Sherman but I'm a geek for technical stuff. a truly fantastic work -going back tomorrow night to watch it again
AD
