What a cast.

Rating: 9/10 (21 January 2004)

I typically do not enjoy Christian Slater's movies, but this one is a definite exception. Christian Slater, Patricia Arquette, Gary Oldman, Val Kilmer, Brad Pitt, Christopher Walken, Dennis Hopper, Tom Sizemore.I mean come on, how could it not be a cool movie? I was told that I had to watch this movie by several friends, but for some self-admittedly ignorant reason, I was always put off by the name as romantic comedies usually make me gagwith a few exceptions. This is no romantic comedy and I'm glad I came across this film. And if you're an Oldman fan, this flick is essential to your collection.
Minor Spoilers:
Clarence (Slater) and Alabama (Arquette) meet when Clarence's boss hires a hooker for him for his birthday, with instructions to not let him know who and what she really was. As it turns out, the couple instantly falls in love and after a short night together, and they spontaneously decide to get married. Clarence becomes obsessed with the fact that while Alabama was only a call girl for a day or two and had only a few customers, that she actually had a sinister pimp named Drexyl (Oldman) who was also a big drug dealer somewhere out there. With the advice of Clarence's imaginary friend and mentor, Elvis (Kilmer), he decides that he cannot be happy until Drexyl no longer exists and decides he must be taken out. The confrontation starts a whirlwind of events that the couple must somehow get through before they can live together in peace. It all comes down to a huge climax with guns drawn, bullets flying and much bloodshed. Will they survive and live happily ever after?
I love this movie and am quite surprised that it's not at a loftier position on IMDB, which is the reason why I feel obligated to put in my 2 cents. I usually only write reviews for over-rated or under-rated movies.....and this one is certainly under-rated. TR has it all, romance, comedy, action, and some very tense scenes and situations. The acting is top-quality, even Slater, and with such an ensemble cast it's definitely one of the movies strongest points. All of the characters are well thought out and make the film a true joy to watch. Simply seeing Oldman (probably my favorite actor) depict a Jamaican pimp who thinks he's black is an awesome sight. I don't think there's a character he can't pull off, and especially if it's someone a bit deranged and a little bit out of his mind. Another performance worth mentioning is Christopher Walken, who plays a Don for the Mafia. I won't give away his involvement but I will lead on that he has one of the coolest lines and performances I have ever seen in a long time. Dennis Hopper who plays Clarence's father in the film is in the scene with Walken and has equally witty dialog and attitude. My only problem with the movie, and it's a very minor one, is that Clarence and Alabama's romance seems a little hokey at one part, but that's it. Other than that, I love this movie!
Tarantino wrote it and it's very obvious throughout most of the film. I highly recommend this movie to QT fans or anyone interested in any of the cast. Because of the acting performances, True Romance has a very high reply value.
Overall 9/10.