Never a dull moment

Rating: 6/10 (9 March 2008)

Though from Tony Scott ("Beverly Hills Cop II" and "Days of Thunder"), "True Romance" reeks of writer Quentin Tarantino. More glitzy and highly charged than most of Tarantino's work, it is still peopled with characters typical of his films - lowlifes and strange gangsters - and is full of clever, sharp and insightfully humorous dialogue.
Perhaps the romantic element is misplaced, and the Elvis factor may not be entirely effective, but certainly each encounter the Morley's have with their pursuers, and that the pursuers have with others, is enjoyable and action packed, even occasionally gruesome.
Had he directed, Quentin would probably have turned this into a real philosophical trip, ala "Pulp Fiction", yet director Tony Scott has gone all out for the shoot 'em up style, delivering romping entertainment while neglecting the deeper probings of Q.T.'s script. This is not to say that Mr. Scott has let us down, but if you don't like full on, in your face action flicks, you'd better forget about this one.
All the cast, quite an ensemble, have a great time, especially the walk-ons. Gary Oldman, Dennis Hopper and Christopher Walken are most enjoyable. Leads Christian Slater and the sexy Patricia Arquette hold up very well. Brad Pitt, Samuel L. Jackson, Chris Penn, Saul Rubinek and Val Kilmer also drop in on proceedings.
Hans Zimmer's music works reasonably well, cinematography is exciting and gunplay action sequences are nerve racking. Editing keeps things well paced. Never a dull moment.
Friday, February 23, 1996 - Astor Theatre
Tony Scott's boisterous, high energy action flick, which is peopled with characters and dialogue typical of Quentin Tarantino (the writer), is highly recommended to those who enjoy their movies loud, fast and with loads of gunplay.
While Scott keeps the action coming thick and fast, Tarantino maintains a steady supply of lowlifes to keep us equally entertained. Leads Slater and Arquette do fine, but it is the support cast that grab our attention. Gary Oldman is totally absorbed in his character as always, playing a white pimp whose psychosis has him convinced he's anything but white. Just as entertaining are Christopher Walken and Dennis Hopper, and the scene played between them is a particular highlight. Joining the fun also are Brad Pitt, Val Kilmer, Chris Penn, Saul Rubinek and Samuel L. Jackson.
Colourfully funny and always pacey, "True Romance" is a great one off adventure (at the movies especially) that features a handy score from Hans Zimmer.
Sunday, April 20, 1997 - Video