Who Is Cletis Tout? is about a crook (Christian Slater) who breaks out of one jail and then has to break back in to another; who gets a new identity, only to discover that his new identity is a man some dangerous people ... more » want dead; and who's describing his life to a hit man (Tim Allen) who's a sucker for old movies with satisfying stories. The plot of Who Is Cletis Tout? has too much cleverness and not enough smarts, with too many holes to make sense. Nonetheless, Slater, Allen, Richard Dreyfuss, Portia de Rossi, RuPaul, and Billy Connolly are all engaging enough to keep things pleasant. --Bret Fetzer« less
Jeanie Schneider | Brooklyn, NY United States | 07/29/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Not a bad movie at all, despite what most reviewers have said. It mixes a jewel heist, a romance, and my personal favorite - a case of mistaken identity. Christian Slater plays an escaped convict, Trevor Finch, who takes the name of a tabloid photographer, one Cletis Tout. Unfortunately, poor Mr. Tout has just been rubbed out by a Mafia hit man, and now the Mafia thinks they have the wrong man. When the first two hit men fail to take out Finch, they call in Critical Jim (Tim Allen), who, by his own admission, has two great loves - his job and Hollywood films. And apparently, he's got a photographic memory for the latter.One of the most unique movies I've seen!"
A throwback worth catching
Andrew Hughes | South Bend, IN United States | 02/08/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Who Is Cletis Tout" is a smart, funny, low-key caper movie that's in love with movies and a delight to watch. The plot, the characters and the tone all remind me of Donald E. Westlake's novels from the late '60s, books such as "God Save the Mark," "The Busy Body" and "The Fugitive Pigeon." As a side note, seek out any or all of those novels, and read them; you won't be disappointed if you like comic capers.The movie is filled with references to other movies (Tim Allen's character, Critical Jim, relates everything to an old movie). One of the less-obvious references includes the "Pulp Fiction"-like circular structure (note: this film is in no way as violent or profane as "Pulp Fiction"). The entire cast appears to really relish their roles and get into the tone of the movie. On the downside, I rented this, and that's all it's worth as a DVD. The DVD has no extras or commentary or any of the other things that make DVDs collectible (it is, however, presented in widescreen format, one of the best reasons to own a DVD player)."
CHARMING ROMP THROUGH HEIST MOVIES, DESPITE CLICHED DEVICES
Shashank Tripathi | Gadabout | 10/28/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Told in a mix of narration and flashbacks, much like the Princess Bride or Forget Paris, this self-conscious genre sendup is part heist movie and part commentary on heist movies.
The plot is engaging but script isn't nearly as clever as it pretends to be, plot holes abound, the twists are more flashy than intriguing, Tim Allen's character's constant movie-quoting eventually grates, and the shadows of Quentin Reservoir Dogs or The Usual Suspects stalk the entire theme.
But for all its simpering in-jokes and posing, there's a sweetness to the film that's diverting and will likely keep you occupied for its length. Decent watch with a group of friends."
I Loved Cletis Tout
Shashank Tripathi | 01/18/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is one clever movie! From the heist at the beginning to the cute ending with Tim Allen, the movie is just easy to enjoy. I add it to my list of favorite sleepers--those movies that you know absolutely nothing about, but rent anyway, and then it charms your pants off! Every character in the show is interesting! My best review comment is that I just had fun watching it!"
Black black comedy
Barry Minster | Kew, Victoria Australia | 11/16/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Tim Allen is a riot as a hitman, desperately trying to piece together the story by using old movie scenes. Christian Slater a young misfit, found himself in a bizarre story which seems to have endless twists. Billy Connelly is perfect as the pathologist and he makes the show in but three scenes.
Bumbling gangsters, idiotic chase scenes and a great cast offer a superb black comedy. Highly under rated. A must own film.I saw this film originally in Gwangju - South Korea during the World Cup in May 2002, the audience was mainly Korean and they missed most of the intent of the director's work. The laughter came from my companion and myself. Quite an eerie feeling."