Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing...
Review: "Get Shorty" is supposed to be a mix between an Elmore Leonard novel (which it is based on), a Quentin Tarantino film, and a funny comedy. Too bad "funny comedy" can't be classified any clearer, because while I found "Get Shorty" amusing, it's nothing great. "Get Shorty" has to be one of the most overrated comedies I've seen in a long time. I expected something extremely clever and witty, and all I got was a funny-yet-average comedy that tries hard to evoke laughs and ends up with a sappy and predictable ending.John Travolta plays a gangster oozing of self-confidence and charisma. He is a great mob collector, but he's always wanted to get in the Hollywood spot his whole life. So the movie follows him on a quest to make a movie in Hollywood, with the help of film producer Gene Hackman and the romantic interest of the film, Rene Russo. Danny DeVito joins in on the ride as a Hollywood filmmaker, and James Gandolfini plays a big, fierce but loveable hitman. "Get Shorty" starts off with Travolta making his gangster rounds, and I was waiting to be extremely amused and absorbed in the film. But as it dragged on, I found that the film didn't really seem to go anywhere. It wanders around a lot, being something different than it could have been. I know a lot of people cherish this film, but pardon my ignorance: I don't see the attraction. What exactly is so darn funny about this film? Just because a comedy is dark, violent and slightly controversial doesn't always equal laughs. I try to dissect the thinking process of the filmmakers: violence + darkness + comedy = good movie. Unfortunately, this is how I view it: over-the-top, LOOK AT ME--I'M ORIGINAL-type-violence + wannabe Quentin Tarantino darkness = slightly amusing but all-in-all disappointing comedy. I'm not one to complain about pointless, gratuitous violence in film: I think people go over the top on bashing violent films. But to have violence just for the sake of trying to be original is like making an R-rated porno movie just to get people to wander at how it didn't get rated X. By making people gasp at an element of the film can be good, but not when it is in the way of, "Wow! How did they get away with that?"--it's just being controversial for the sake of being controversial. Making a movie like "Get Shorty" is a way for studio executives to cash in on a film that disguises language for intelligence, violence for fashion and darkness for smarts. But apart from picking on this film, there are some things to praise it for. For example, the characters are well developed, and there are some great actors in this movie, even though I'm not a fan of Travolta. I just wish there had been a little more thought put into it, other than a bunch of filmmakers sitting down and trying to think of a controversial comedy. Barry Sonnenfeld (director of "Men in Black") doesn't use the same humor as his previous films here, and I guess he does a fine job of adding a hint of darkness to the tale. But I can't help but wonder if Danny DeVito himself could have done a finer job. All in all, disappointing, but still worth seeing when you've got the time. I fear this is one of those comedies that I'll really love the second time around--I'll let you know if I enjoyed it more if I ever see it again.
Rating: 
Summary: GET SHORTY-THE MOVIE
Review: This is it, ladies and gentlemen, THE film of the mid-90's. Right up there with Pulp Fiction, The Usual uspects, and Fargo, this flick'll have you laughing, gasping, and laughing some more with the brilliant performances and clever screenplay. Based on the Elmore Leonard novel, Barry Sonnenfeld directed this awsome movie with an all-star cast. Keep an eye out for David Paymer and Bette Midler in some short...but great roles. However, Denis Farina steals the show as Bones, a dumb-as-dirt mobster. And, fans of GET SHORTY will be glad to hear that there may be a chance of a sequal. NOT SURE...but Elmore Leonard just finished th follow-up to GET SHORTY, called BE COOL.
GET SHORTY is rated R for seemingly relentless profanity and some violence. (just thought I'd warn you) GET SHORTY IS A TRULY GREAT FILM, AND I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT.
Rating: 
Summary: If You Hate Plotless Movies, Read On!
Review: Get Shorty was a very disappointing movie dumped on some good actors. John Travolta, Rene Russo, and Gene Hackman do O.K. with the hopelessly aimless plot they are given. I found this movie a torture to watch. The script is very weak and what plot there is skips back and forth like a hopscotch game. There is no persuasiveness or depth to this movie. If you like well-crafted plots and movies that enable empathy with the characters, avoid this movie!
Rating: 
Summary: A Tall Tale
Review: John Travolta is hands down the most inconsistent leading man in America. For every bomb (Battlefield Earth, and the horrid Urban Cowboy) there's a hit (Pulp Fiction and Michael). Anyone other than he would be doing well to be sitting in the upper left hand corner of Hollywood Squares, yet we always forgive Joh his misfires and we let him rivive his career over and over. His sparkling performance in Get Shorty is why we are so forgiving. His the wise guy with a heart schtick is never batter in this Elmore Leonard vehicle. The film, which is Barry Sonnenfeld's best work other than Men in Black, is s send up of showbiz, the mob, and showbiz and the mob. Danny Devito plays what may well have been his last truly funny role, made all the more hilarious because his Brando-esque character takes himself almost as seriously as DeVito takes himself these days. Renee Russo plays her role perfectly as do the rest of the supporting cast. But this picture belongs to Dennis Farina whose character is brilliant. Farina has more or less made an entire career playing this guy, and it all began with this truly funny movie. Grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and enjoy this one over and over.
Rating:
Summary: Snaps Like A Rubber Band
Review: What could be better than this snappy comedy, based on an Elmore Leonard book and with a cast including John Travolta, Gene Hackman, Rene Russo, Danny DeVito, Delroy Lindo, and James Gandolfini? Answer: not much. This is guiltless fun for a Friday night when you want to just hang out with friends and laugh out loud. A classic of the '90s.
Rating:
Summary: Leonard's Tale
Review: Funky Elmore Leonard tale that gets in digs against Hollywood. Hackman has a knack for playing smarmy characters, and Dennis Farina (a former Chicago cop) plays a good heavy.
Rating:
Summary: Some Sparkling Moments
Review: Undoubtedly a super movie. Filled with many Comedic Moments and Action packed scenes, this movie really kept my interest. John Travolta and Dennis Farina really fed very well off each other. I love the way Travolta handles himself so Matter Of Factly especially when retrieving his leather jacket in the opening moments of the movie. Also Travolta displays his cool when he makes a surpise visit to Gene Hackman and when confronting(Bear) James Galdolphini and (Bo) Delroy Lindo at the restaurant. The airport scenes are entertaining as well. With a cast like this, you Amazon Readers are strongly advised to check this one out at once.
Rating:
Summary: Movie is great, but DVD is not up to scratch.
Review: It really needs more features, but as with most of the MGM line they throw one out there and then realease a special edition a year later; so we'll see.
Rating:
Summary: DVD Extras not enough
Review: While the film, Get Shorty, is terrific, this DVD disappoints with its lack of extra features. Where is the running commentary? This movie screams for that type of attention from it's stars, director, star/producer De Vito or even the original story writer Elmore Leonard. Also, there are no outtakes or deleted scenes. There must be some way to take advantage of the DVD format, other than a widescreen choice, to make it worthy of purchasing if one already has the VHS. How about it MGM Home Video. I'd look for the next release version.
Rating:
Summary: I think you have an excellent English, Mr. Escobar...
Review: If the Pulp Fiction was too violent for your sophisticated tastes and you still love gangster movies, just go for this one and you will not be disappointed. This movie is another hit in the come-back run of Mr. Travolta, who gives in there one of his very best performances. Danny De Vito as Mr. Martin Weir just shines into the outer space and I guess I do not have to mention the acting qualities of His Highness Mr. Gene Hackman. ...and two straws for Harry here... The movie is full of great lines and all characters form together a constellation of fun loving "more-or-less criminals and crooks". Plot is really a masterpiece (thanks to exquisite writing of Mr. Elmore Leonard) and as the movie goes to its end, stay focused to truly enjoy the final arch of its baroque construction. Editing was done perfectly and the film has a tempo which is as stylisch as the clothes of Mr. Palmer. Please, notice also the great music which gently underlines the tone and pace of the movie language. The opening credits music is one of the best and it may be compared with the Pulp Fiction opening credits music in its "get ready for a ride, dear viewer" atmosphere. Generally, this movie has no weaknesses and it is a gem in my collection. I saw it like 15 times and I will give it a lot more play as the life will go on.
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