Manson Family Vacation

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.

Small silly useless movie that is made like a small useless movie.

Simple story line peppered with real clips from 1969.

There really isnt anything to recommend in this film. It's slow and not so interesting.

But the shots of LA locations is interesting and we learn the price of gas was close to $4 in 2014

What starts out as a tour of the murder sites becomes a much deeper story of identity and belonging, surprisingly a good watch.

"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

'MANSON FAMILY VACATION': Four Stars (Out of Five)

A comedy-drama flick; about two brothers, touring all of the Charles Manson murder sites together. The film stars Jay Duplas and Linas Phillips, as the brothers. Jay and Mark Duplas, also executive produced the low budget movie; which was funded (with $40,000) by a Kickstarter campaign. The movie was written and directed by (first time filmmaker) J. Davis; Davis and Jay Duplas previously co-wrote the 2011 documentary flick 'KEVIN' (which Duplas directed). The movie is interesting, funny and involving; it's a pretty well made little indie flick.

Duplas plays Nick; a devoted family man, with a wife (Leonora Pitts) and a young son (Adam Chernick). Nick's adopted brother, Conrad (Phillips), recently quit his job, and he's traveling through town; so he decides to pay Nick a visit. While staying with Nick, and his family, Conrad asks Nick to tour all of the Charles Manson murder sites with him (which he's obsessively fascinated by). Despite the fact that Nick is repulsed by the idea, he reluctantly agrees.

The movie is quirky, and awkward; two great things in any film (for me). It's funny, in places, but it's also a great character study. Duplas and Phillips both give good performances, and they're both able to really flesh out their characters. The concept, for the film, is bizarre; but oddly fascinating too. It's actually a really interesting way to get to know the two lead characters. The filmmakers did a remarkable job, for such a low-budgeted movie! I'm always impressed with anything either Duplas brother does, though.

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