Among Tarantino's Best

Rating: 10/10 (4 January 2011)

Supposedly this is Tarantino's most unsatisfying work. However, as anyone can easily tell it's because it's missing the trademark Tarantino bloodshed, perhaps overall less intense. But as I've seen for myself, that isn't so. In fact, I prefer this film any day over his latest film, "Inglorious Bastards", which had so many over -the-top moments it felt silly in comparison to his usual work. Based on a novel by Elmore Leonard, which I have not read. Despite this, our director brings his full game to this film and it shows in every shot. The story flows quite nicely and the comedy is well played and natural. As with any production of this particular director, there is never a dull moment and the tension can be heart wrenching at times.
And to keep all of this in sync, we have one of his most memorable cast to date. Samuel L. Jackson is as menacing as ever as Ordell, while Chris Tucker is incredibly funny with his role. In fact I find Jackson's performance as stirring as Jules in "pulp Fiction", although here it is clear he's the antagonist. Robert DeNiro is just as excellent as you would naturally expect, while Bridget Fonda is just as sexy as she is talented as Melanie, one of the most intriguing characters in this movie. Michael Keaton is the ATF agent, and I loved his performance as I always do. I was surprised to see Pam Grier and Robert Forster have such a natural on-screen chemistry, it fascinates me. Both nailed their performances hard and did excellently.
As I said previously, the plot swerves and turns this way and that and I loved every minute of it. And the sound track was fresh, delivering a very hip, 'Blaxploitation' type of feel to it all. I mean overall, I enjoyed this film more than say the "Kill Bill" films (not to dethrone them off my own personal lists, as they are great films) and it is worthy of every film and Tarantino's fans respect.
A..."Man, I ain't geetin' no trunk, for no minute!!"