a larger-than-life blend of violence, humor, and chaos that belongs in a class by itself

Rating: Null/10 (15 February 2002)

Outrageously stylish, outlandishly profane, audaciously violent crime noir about killers, drug dealers, and every other lowlife inhabiting L.A.'s notorious gangland. The focus is on several overlapping stories spotlighting an array of distinguishable characters including Jackson and Travolta as a pair of hired gunmen who get much more than they bargained for, Willis as a crooked boxer who gets in over his head, Rhames as a powerful, authoritative crime lord, Thurman as his sexy, free-spirited, drug-addicted wife. Tarantino's graphic and uncompromising display of violence and crime will be off-putting for squeamish viewers, but it's done with such daring skill, such joyous amusement, and such flamboyant authenticity that it's likely to leave you in boisterous amazement. Filled with droll vocabulary, memorable one-liners, spirited performances from all those involved, and wildly innovative plot twists, this one of a kind film doesn't hold anything back. A direct hit! ****