Funnier and More Likeable Than Tarantino

Rating: 7/10 (7 May 2001)

For at least the first half hour, it seems like each scene introduces about ten new characters, many of whom are very similar looking and acting. But after that it really did grow on me. The soundtrack helps immensely. And once I figured out all the scams and which character was which, I got into the spirit of it and it had me laughing and shaking my head the rest of the way.
Pulp Fiction may be less raw and have more LA-style glamour and rat-a-tat action, but it takes itself way too seriously. If there is any discernable "message" in this wacky "loveable loser" style caper it is that criminals are stupid and mean. Tarantino always seems smitten by his criminals, therefore his movies always seem to be trying hard to make us like or understand them. In my opinion, this usually backfires. In the Ritchie movie, there is no reverence for these underworld characters. His mean characters are really nasty bullies so instinctively you do root for and even like the bumbling heroes - at least, you hope they don't get shot down. And the curiously gentle thug with the kid was a very nice touch.
Overall, it's worth wading through the rather clumsy and confusing beginning to get to the fun.