review: GRAND THEFT AUTO

Buena Vista  //  Buy from Amazon.com Paula Powers, daughter of wealthy gubernatorial candidate Bigby Powers, decides to reject her parents' attempt at matchmaking and run off to Vegas to marry her sweetheart, Sam Freeman. As they drive away in a stolen Rolls-Royce, spurned suitor Collins Hedgeworth follows behind in hot pursuit, along with a cadre of goons hoping to get the $25,000 reward that's been offered for Paula's return. Can the young lovers make it to Vegas for a quickie wedding before the forces of conformity and privilege arrive to put a stop to their romance? Another film from the 70s that I'd never heard of before (you mean they made movies before 1980?), "Grand Theft Auto" is not only one of the first "grown up" starring roles for Ron Howard, but is also his directorial debut. Given a shot by Roger Corman to helm the film as well as star in it, Ron has a blast with the material and even enlists his family members (including the king of b-movies himself, Clint Howard!) to roll along in this inane, but entertainingly so, flick. Really, the film is a throwback to a simpler time - the 2 main actors, in a car, trying to outrace and outlast everyone trying to chase 'em down for the reward - with hijinx at every step of the way. That's it - no convoluted storyline, no crazy effects, no wacky superfamous actors trying to hog the limelight. This was the 70s, this was Roger Corman, and this was when movies were just plain ol' fun - check your brain at the door, you won't be needing it for this one. I had a blast with this film, and plan to watch it again with my father sometime, as I'm sure this must've been a fave of his 30 years ago (if not, it soon will be.) Lots of fun, easy to recommend! Video Presented in it's original 1.33:1 fullscreen aspect ratio, the film looks pretty good - not great, but it is 30+ years old - so given that, and given it's low-budget nature (this is Roger Corman, after all), no complaints. Audio Remastered to a Dolby 5.1 surround mix, the soundtrack is really well done - while dialogue stays pretty much centered on the front channel(s), the "vroom vrooming" is booming and will rattle your surrounds to your squealing delight! Extras Q&A w/ Ron Howard's father & brother (the mighty Clint!) audio commentary with Ron Howard & Roger Corman trailer Closing Thoughts Classic 70s b-movie fare + some nice extras = very funny romp through the 70s with Ron Howard & Roger Corman!