Review of Grand Theft Auto (1977) by Peter H — 23 Nov 2010

Roger Corman's/ Ron Howard's GRAND THEFT AUTO (1977): By the late 1970's directors like Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese had become Hollywood legends after their humble directorial debuts with the legendry Roger Corman. Now it was Ron Howard's turn to start of his directing career with Corman, now prior to Howard's directorial debut in this Corman car chase flick. Ron Howard was a household name thanks to his role as Richie on the beloved T.V sitcom Happy Days. After working for Corman on EAT MY DUST, Howard immediately signed up for the next project were he would star, direct and co-write the film with his dad.

The movie its self is just a simple car chase film with explosions, car wrecks and the good old hero vs. Villains. The plot of the film involves a young couple called Sam (Ron Howard) and Paula who want to get married but Paula's rich father will not allow them to walk up the isle. So the two take Paula's fathers gold and black Rolls Royce to Las Vegas to get hitched , but Paula's parents , Paula's ex- boyfriend and his parents, private detectives, the mob , a bunch of red necks , a money hungry preacher, and one annoying DJ stand in their way. The result, one full on car chase film with nothing but bunches of car wrecks and car chases.

For a directorial debut, it's not that impressive but at least Roger Corman gave Ron Howard his very first directorial job. One cheesy mess of a 70's car chase film with high levels of entertainment along with Roger Corman's DEATH RACE 2000. 6/10.