Rating: Summary: Don't Forget To Meet Jackie Brown Review: Amazingly enough Quentin Tarantino's (Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction) stupendously enigmatic Jackie Brown constantly mesmerizes, habitually amuses, and solitarily overwhelms its audience with Tarantino's sheer focused manipulation of the aesthetic, dramatic, and artistic. Starring Pam Greer (Jackie Brown) in a career defining moment (akin to John Travolta's revival role in Pulp Fiction) along with an all-star cast including Robert De Niro, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Keaton, Robert Forster, Bridget Fonda, Michael Bowen, and Chris Tucker. The film's bristles with outstandingly versatile performances, intensely creative plays on Tarantino's patented formula, and a newfound narrative looseness not quite found in his previous work. Again it appears Tarantino can do no wrong as he cinematically adapts Elmore Leonard's Rum Punch for the screen.Containing all the trademark Tarantino pop-culture references, sardonically catchy dialogue, blatantly shocking imagery, terrifically dynamite performances, and an chronologically disrupted narrative, Jackie Brown follows the tale of a down and out airline stewardess who inexplicitly finds herself involved in Ordell Robbie's (Samuel L. Jackson, again in fine form) criminal gun-running enterprise and ATF agent Ray Nicolette's (Michael Keaton also in great form) law enforcement operation. Caught in between possible incarceration on one side and assassination on the other, Jackie concocts a devious ploy upon criminal greed and law enforcement single-mindedness by working both fronts hopefully unearthing a way to get herself out this mess without alarming either side. Pam Grier, having her first leading role in years, radiantly shines as the quirky fiendishly no-nonsense middle-aged broad mastermind willing to do almost anything to stop herself from starting over. Jackie may no longer be a spring chicken or startling beauty but she still has the mental scruples necessary to stay alive, and Greer articulates this massively sympathetic character at the jugular of the audience's sensibilities. Greer's Jackie Brown is a liberated woman in a keenly realized modern setting who questionably tries to the traverse the Tarantino-brick road of unpredictability with hilariously provocative results. Lavishly laced with a host of remarkably enduring criminal personalities including Jackson's passably intelligent criminally deprecating Small Arms dealer, De Niro's recently released seemingly happy-go-lucky ex-con who appears to have misplaced a lot more than years from his life at prison, Bridget Fonda's ditsy pot-chugging rent-a-broad who's more intelligent and self-serving than those around her realize, and Chris Tucker's exceedingly self-centered chatterbox in a jam of his own creation, Jackie Brown abruptly and consistently unshackles it's bewildering stock of neurotically inspired characters on a dramatic rampage that ceaselessly astounds me with it's casts acting chomps and inventive flexibility. Towering with imposingly notable roles by almost every character, an immediately decipherable artistic narrative tenderness, and a suitably fitting thematically cohesiveness without all of his previous bombast, Jackie Brown represents a new mature level of filmmaking for Tarantino as he continues to let lose creativity on all facets and impress the masses with this deceptively simple crime tale that eludes to a lot more impressive talent and an ever growing intellect than one might have initially thought. Yet in the end, Jackie Brown will stand out as another phenomenal Tarantino character canvas of modern America that is more enthralling on every visceral level than a movie should be without coping out in the least. A MUST FOR ANY FAN OF THE MOVIES Gosh, I hope they release this out on DVD before I become a member AARP.
Rating: Summary: An action packed romp through LA Review: In what seems to be the least popular of the Taratino's films, Jackie Brown is a star studded romp through the streets of Los Angeles in search of half a million dollars. Pam Grier is back as an underpaid airline stewardess hired by Ordell Robbie(Jackson)to sneak half a million dollars in cash from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. But when an ATF agent and a police officer get involved everyone comes up with some kind of scam on how they're going to get their hands on the dough. Pam Grier is awesome in the movie but don't expect this to be a sequil to Foxy Brown. In Jackie Brown, Grier is middle aged and struggling to make ends meet. The rest of the movie features Taratino's usual comedy and slow pacing. At some points the movie seems to move along too slow. I can understand some of the Resevior Dogs/Pulp Fiction audience being quite bored with it. The DVD features a lot of great bonus material including old Pam Grier and Robert Forester movie trailers. I'm really happy to see that Tarantino decided to include this in the DVD. If you like Jackie Brown, I also reccomend reading Rum Punch by Ellmore Leonard. I did like the book version a little better then the movie.
Rating: Summary: Tatantino got it just right Review: This is my favorite Quentin Tarantino movie, and it is the best of all the film versions of an Elmore Leonard novel. Quickly put, the move and novel are about a stewardess, Jackie Brown, who has been flying in from the Bahamas the illegal profits of Ordell Robbie, who sells guns for a living (by the way, Amazon Reviews got it wrong. Tarantino does not change Ordell's race in the movie. In the book, he is described as a light skinned black man). The Feds want Ordell and they try to use Jackie Brown to get him. Jackie Brown has ideas of her own, though. Tarantino strikes the exact right tone to capture the smart, realistic writing of Leonard. And, as is often the case with Tarantino, the film could not have been better cast. So many great actors got their due in this film, and justly so, primarily the great Pam Grier, playing Jackie Brown. I have always loved Pam Grier (who doesn't?), and she has never, ever been used to better effect. It was also great to see Robert Forester, who turns in a performance so subtle and assured it makes you grieve he doesn't get more work. One of Tarantino's great strengths as a filmmaker is his shrewd casting of under appreciated actors and putting them in perfect roles where they shine. He did it for John Travolta in Pulp Fiction, and he does it again with both forester and Grier. In lesser roles, but no less interesting, Michael Keaton displayed great control and reserve as a very convincing ATF Agent, and Bridget Fonda was perfect as Melanie, a girl with a lot of attitude and none of it good. As for Samuel L. Jackson, suffice to say that one of the greatest character actors in film history turns in another gem. This film came as a surprise to fans, as this film does have a much different pace and style than Tarantino's better-loved films - much less violent and splashy. But I think the criticisms of the film (too slow, too sluggish) are just flat wrong. As the filmmaker himself has said, he wished to make a film for grown ups. He certainly has.
Rating: Summary: You shot Melanie ??? Review: What a great film this is. Tarantino is a genius. Not modest, but a genius. He takes the B movie also-runners, and turns them into front-runners. He gives De Niro one of his finest roles. This is an extremely subtle piece of writing, casting and directing. Tarantino writes like Shakespeare. This movie is a variation on a sub-text of the Othello theme. Louis shoots Melanie because she's white. What a perfect performance by Fonda. Max doesn't go with Jackie, because she's black, and he's just a good-hearted Mr Average. He's got guts, but he doesn't have the nerve. Forster is wonderful as Max; Pam is good but not quite so good as Jackie; except in certain scenes, like the one with the bashful little doped-up girl from the country who thinks she's in Hollywood. All the other black actors are real, terrific pros. The white cops are beautifully written. Especially good is the way the one that fancies Jackie knows at the end that he's been fooled somehow, but he just can't figure out how. This film is poetry. No wonder the hack reviewers couldn't see it: they're far too full of themselves.
Rating: Summary: Another disturbing flick from Tarantino that keeps you glued Review: It's hard to match the genius of Pulp Fiction, but Tarantino does another excellent job and continues his reputation of violent cinema with a unique touch. From the start, Jackie Brown has a "70's cop flick" style and furthers Tarantino's objectives of not sticking with main stream cinema. Another excellent casting job. Pam Grier proves that her sex appeal hasn't gone anywhere. Robert DeNiro is cast in a role that seems to be written for him. (Watch for the "Lil'Bit" remark.) One of the best actors in show business today, Samuel L. Jackson returns in a Tarantino project. Interesting and effective casting with Michael Keaton and Bridget Fonda. Almost impressive as Grier's role was Robert Forster's acting job as the bail bondsman. Once again, Tarantino makes a movie that disturbs as much as it entertains you. The dialogue between Jackson and DeNiro about movies that made low-level hustlers desire certain weapons is disturbing but true in a world that places Hollywood glamour above common sense. An ending that will keep you on the edge of your seat and a great conclusion with Jackie Brown singing "110th Street" after the debacle she went through. Unrealistic, filled with violence but another creative Tarantino screenplay that doesn't disappoint.
Rating: Summary: Really Cool Caper Review: This movie is classically cool, like nearly all Tarantino movies, it carries this vibe of being something so blindingly hip and intelligent at the same time. Yet for those who didn't like the dark humor and comic-esque violence of the wonderful Pulp Fiction, Jackie Brown is decisively tamer, much more subtle, and intricately conceived. The characters are developed with consideration, brought to life, and have various dimension. The plot is confusing at times, but in the end settles itself and turns out to be absolutely brilliant. Sadly, in the development, the movie is a bit slow and pointless at times, and you find yourself wondering if it is really necessary to take such a seemingly long time watching a character's basic actions, such as eating something, or staring at something, oh well, nothing is perfect. All in all, this is an amazingly hip movie, set to a fabulous funk background mirroring 70's blaxploitation movies, and a fabulous cast including the awesome Pam Grier, Samuel L. Jackson (who wears his trademark Kangols through most of the movie), Robert DeNiro, and Bridget Fonda. Definitely a movie to watch, necessary for movie buffs to own, and a blast to watch with a group of friends who appreciate INCREDIBLE films.
Rating: Summary: ak 47...... Review: "ak 47...when you absolutly have to kill every goddamn muthaf**ker in the room!" this movie has a great storyline and i love how tarantino doesn't tell the story straight. i think it keeps it more interesting by skipping around. anyway jackie brown brown is a must see especially if you like his other movies.
Rating: Summary: I didn't like it. Review: After seeing the brilliant "Pulp fiction" I went and had a look at the trailer for "Jackie Brwon", it looked good -- but think again. Trailers can sometimes be wrong. It was meant that this would have more action than Pulp fiction, but this didn't have any sort od action what so ever. The cast is quite nice though, Quentin always knows to pick the right people, they played their interesting characters well. The story was quite cool, but it jjust got to complicated. There was lots of dialogue, but it wasn't interesting at all. Un-intersting dialogue=boring. The movie dragged a lot too, it seemed like Quentin was making the film long on purpose. If you're expecting anything like "Pulp fiction" then you won't like this. It's nothing like it. I wouldn't buy this, Pulp fiction fans. Probably just Tarantino fans. However, Chris Tucker did shine some light in the movie, but he isn't in it for long.
Rating: Summary: Too Much Profanity Probably Cost Robert Forster an Oscar Review: I happened to watch this movie in an un-cut version and I must admit that I was bothered by the overwelming use of vulgar profanity. OK, I didn't turn it off but I spent the whole movie with the sound down hoping that no one would wake up and hear what I was listening to. I have come to understand that this is part of the stock in trade for a Quentin Tarantino movie. Too bad, I have seen some of his work that I thought was very good (except for...). "Jackie Brown" turned out to be an excellent movie with a plot that moved along quick enough to keep our interest and slow enough so as to follow the plot line and character development. There is a lot of good acting in this movie. Samuel L. Jackson does his standard delivery that commands the screen, Robert DeNiro actually seems to deliver a rare, sub-par preformance, Pam Grier does very well in her title role and others help out effectively as well. However, when the movie is over, the lasting impression is the role of the bail bondsman played by Robert Forster. This is an actor we recognize but we can't remember from where. I saw this after the acadamy awards came out in 1998 and I couldn't believe that Forster didn't win the award (especially in light of the dismal preformance that DID win the award). See it for yourself and see if you agree. The movie is worth watching as well for its' intricate plot development as well I have a suggestion for viewing this movie; watch it on regular TV after the censors have done their duty. I caught it the other night in just such a format. I'm not saying that the movie would be good for the whole family. However, at least you won't have to turn the sound down.
Rating: Summary: Bridget Fonda is hot! Review: I am a huge fan of Elmore Leonard, the author of "Rum Punch," the novel on which this movie was based, so naturally, I had high expectations. I was not disappointed. Robert Forster is EXCELLENT, deserving of the Oscar nomination. Samuel L. Jackson once again steals the show, he dominates every scene. I cannot think of anyone else who could play Ordell Robbie than Jackson. I read "Rum Punch" about a year before the movie came out, and I actually envisioned Jackson as Robbie as I was reading. And who better to direct this Leonard classic than Tarantino? Every scene sizzles, the music is PERFECT, the camera angles are brilliant, and the dialogue is a non-stop assault that held me spellbound. I can't understand why people compare this to "Pulp Fiction" and "Reservoir Dogs" and critisize it so harshly. If Tarantino put out one movie a year and had 12 or 15 or 20 movies, then I could understand putting it up against "his best." Fortunately, Tarantino only has 4 movies (if you count "Kill Bill vols. 1 and 2 as one movie.) and all four movies are treasures, each as enjoyable to me as the others. I don't have a favorite Tarantino movie. On another note, I'd like to see Tarantiono make another Leonard novel into a movie. "Pronto" is one of my favorites and it would make a spectacular movie, since over half of the story takes place in Italy on the Meditteranean. I'll keep my fingers crossed. (let's just hope the next Leonard novel brought to the silver screen is not a disappointment, "The Big Bounce" was one of my favorite Leonard books, his first crime novel, but it was recently butchered on screen. I am aware that "Be Cool," the sequel to "Get Shorty" will be out soon and, while "Be Cool" is among my least favorite Leonard novels (I have read 26 of them) I am expecting a good movie.
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