Undeniably cool though it pales in comparison to Tarantino's best efforts

Rating: 7/10 (28 January 2009)

"Jackie Brown", based on the novel "Rum Punch" by Elmore Leonard, was Quentin Tarantino's hotly anticipated follow-up to "Pulp Fiction". It met with generally favorable reviews but is today overshadowed by much of Tarantino's other output.
The story revolves around the title character, a middle-aged stewardess (Pam Grier) who gets caught transporting illicit cash for her arms-dealer boss (Samuel L. Jackson). As a result, the authorities coerce her into aiding them. However, she soon hatches a plan for a complex con that will satisfy her legal obligation while also fattening her pocket with some of her employer's ill-gotten funds.
The script, while adapted from someone else's work, has much of the usual Tarantino style. Unfortunately, in my opinion, the film gets bogged down somewhat by the sheer complexity of the scam that Jackie is trying to perpetrate. It takes a lot of time and exposition to set up the caper and in the end the film has little to offer beyond the superficial plot. That being said, Tarantino does manage to fit a fair amount of character development into the film's two and a half hours.
The cast gets high marks. Samuel L. Jackson delivered a performance that was every bit as good as his turn in "Pulp Fiction". Both Pam Grier and Robert Forster had their careers rejuvenated by their assured performances in prominent roles. Robert De Niro doesn't spend much time in the spotlight here but his performance is marked with nuance and skill. The rest of the support is solid too, especially Chris Tucker in a small but entertaining role.
Naturally, Tarantino's direction is top-notch. While I can't recall any particular visuals that stood out the overall presentation was carefully considered and well executed. Tarantino also displays his penchant for savvy soundtrack choices, this time using a number of R&B gems with a dash of sixties rock for variety.
Ultimately, though, the film's relative lack of action and convoluted plot make it a little less compelling than other Tarantino offerings. It's still a cool flick but don't expect something on par with "Reservoir Dogs" or "Pulp Fiction".