...that hasn't already been said...

Rating: 10/10 (17 October 2002)

I think I agree with all the reviews that have come before me. (Not the ridiculously negative). Though, this movie does have it's good points (great points); and some that aren't so good - i.e. drug use, violence, blatant disregard for human life and the lack of hardly any morals (on the part of MOST characters). I've got to say, though, I loved this movie ("love" is a strong word, considering some of the content listed above). Nevertheless, everything about the way this movie was created was masterpiece material. Bold and daring variation from mainstream plot. A look at the "normal" aspect of the lives of hanous characters - i.e. what they did or dislike, what and how they like to smoke. Their feelings on pop culture icons and the list goes on. Personally, I find that viewpoint fascinating.
What worked: Particularly, the absence of pretense in the actors' projection of their characters; I found myself actually believing that John Travolta was a heroin-abusing, cold-blooded assassin. Each actor made their character real; and that says a lot about Terantino, as well. He knew what he wanted from these artists and drew it from them; even when they didn't necessarily endorse the character's behaviors. PLUS, I think writer/director Terantino portrayed the opposite of mainstream opinion. Some would say that his story glorified or encouraged these criminal actions. ON THE CONTRARY, I believe he showed that bad things are more likely to happen to people who don't have a good moral fiber. And, sad though true, these characters are, in any case, a reality of sorts in the world, today.
What didn't work: Not so much that anything didn't work, but that the content was too dark. AND only for the reason that this was my dad's kind of movie, and one kids could learn from. Though, from the content neither will watch (well not my kids). My dad likes crime dramas, but he comes from an era where movies criminals don't swear or not much, anyway. On the same token, weren't ever portrayed using mind-altering substances. Other than this, I think he would love this movie. Maybe he'll just have to catch the edited for television version - ha ha ha. For me, though, I liked it just fine.
9/10 - Hell, I've gotta save a perfect score for that might have the same impact, but my kids could watch, too. Maybe not possible. Other than that, I loved this film.
thank you