"Manson Family Vacation" is labeled as a comedy, but for what purpose? I felt it was more of a drama than a comedy. The plot itself revolves around the fact that one character is obsessed with Charlie Manson while trying to reunite with his brother to whom he hasn't spoken in years.Now if you break down the plot, you could find a potentially "funny" movie or at best an interesting subject for a comedy-drama with more heavy notes on the dramatic part of it. As the movie progressed I didn't feel it was going anywhere and it felt a bit like brainwashing for a moment.It did not have a tendency towards entertainment nor art-house quality. I felt the only good part was not showing the "Helter Skelter" author himself as a character.

"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.Watch our movie review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: https://youtu.be/CoUgbXLzKSQ

I am not a fan of murders and still have no understanding of why people idolize murders however most of us still are intrigued with trying to figure out what creates killers.This film was humorous,interesting,and made viewers pause and see that although some people kill they all have talents or gifts. People with potential without love and nurturing can waste their lives away and sometimes take others with them. Great film ideas that I did not see coming great twists to story that I'm sure many more film enthusiasts will love to watch. Impressive film. Great work. This film will do great on big screen and on dvds. Very interesting topic and most importantly serves as a reminder of what both good and evil capabilities people have. It also showed a perspective on Manson family that although his acts were horrible he still is a human.