In its duplicity lies the film's beauty... (RISK OF SPOILERS. SNIPPETS OF DIALOGUE CONTAIN CONCEALED OBSCENITIES)

Rating: 8/10 (23 May 2001)

The change of pace halfway through helps the film, because although the audience should have been having a perfectly good time up until then, it keeps us glued firmly to our seats lest we miss any more surprises. The film would surely have flagged had it continued in its linear direction, but the change in tone ensures that's never allowed to happen. The film begins at almost breakneck pace and never slows down. The tone of the horror is B-movie stuff, but that's okay, since the characters evidently KNOW they've encountered some surreal events. Whatever else you can call dialogue from Quentin Tarantino, it's never boring, and the characters are all sufficiently interesting to keep us wondering just how they'll cope with their descent into the maelstrom. This is supported by the excellent casting. Whatever the titles may say, Clooney is the real star of the show, as evidenced by my favourite lines section at the end of this review. The man has charisma to burn, and he displays plenty of it here.
The film is such a compendium of unexpected moments that years from now some instances will be regarded as 'classic'. Heck, the whole film deserves to be regarded as such for it's daring approach to such an established legend. You are almost sure to form bonds with the characters, quote the dialogue and reminisce with friends about favourite moments. It's that kind of film. Relax, have a few favourite snacks/refreshing beverages handy. Preferably have company while you watch; and have a ball. It's DEFINITELY not high art, and there are times when it threatens to derail itself completely, but it's glorious fun.
MY BEST LINES:
- "Don't you ever try and f***ing run on us, 'cos I got six little friends, and they can all run faster than you can."
- "Is my s**t together, or is my s**t together?"
MAN: "What's your name, girlie?" GIRL: "Kate" MAN: "Sex Machine, Kate; pleased t'meetcha"
- "I just rammed a wooden stake into my brother's heart because he turned into a vampire, and I don't believe in vampires. Apart from that I'm peachy Kate, the world is my oyster."
- "You touch my brother with that stake, biker, and vampires aren't gonna have to suck your blood, they're gonna be able to lick it up off the floor"
- SETH: "I don't care about livin' or dyin' anymore, I just wanna send as many of these devils back to hell as I can" JACOB: "Amen"
- "I may be a b****rd, Kate, but at least I'm not a f***in b****rd"
and my absolute favourite:
"Psycho's do not explode when sunlight hits them, I don't give a f**k how crazy they are!"
- Dave -