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| Grier and Jackson in Tarantino's fine film. |
Directed by Quentin Tarantino
Produced by Lawrence Bender
Written by Quentin Tarantino (script); Elmore Leonard (book)
Starring Pam Grier, Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Forster, Bridget Fonda, Michael Keaton, and Robert De Niro
****
Releasing this three years after Pulp Fiction won him an Oscar, Tarantino continues to amaze and delight with this witty crime film. The title is the name of the film's protagonist, played by Pam Grier, who is a flight attendant mixed up with an arms dealer named Ordell Robbie (Jackson). When Jackie is caught smuggling his money and some cocaine from Mexico into the U.S. by a detective (Michael Bowen) and an ATF agent (Keaton), she manipulates the criminals and the cops, concocting a plan to get out of this predicament. In the process, weathered bail bondsman Max Cherry (Forster) falls into Jackie's scheme, and the other cast of characters are hurled into a web of deception and violence to get the rest of Ordell's money back to the States. As she plays both sides, Jackie must balance her relationship with Ordell and with the cops through a series of lies and backcrosses. These events culminate in a surprisingly heartwarming ending that isn't typical of the genre.
While Pulp Fiction (1994) and Inglourious Basterds (2009) are often regarded as Tarantino's best, Brown tends to be left out. This film is anything but highly touted, which astounds me. The dialogue is unique to these oddball characters, and Tarantino, as usual, keeps this lengthy ensemble piece from dragging. His writing is one of the best parts of this adaptation because he gives each of the characters a voice and lets each of them have his or her moment. Not a scene is wasted, and the cast backs up the director's vision of Leonard's material marvelously. Grier and Jackson are at their best as a clever, desperate woman and a devious, charming criminal. And the supporting cast is just as strong, especially Forster's masterful performance as Jackie's new friend and ally. Tarantino's wicked sense of humor, gift for pacing, and strong casting choices are on full display, and this ranks as one of his finest films.
While Pulp Fiction (1994) and Inglourious Basterds (2009) are often regarded as Tarantino's best, Brown tends to be left out. This film is anything but highly touted, which astounds me. The dialogue is unique to these oddball characters, and Tarantino, as usual, keeps this lengthy ensemble piece from dragging. His writing is one of the best parts of this adaptation because he gives each of the characters a voice and lets each of them have his or her moment. Not a scene is wasted, and the cast backs up the director's vision of Leonard's material marvelously. Grier and Jackson are at their best as a clever, desperate woman and a devious, charming criminal. And the supporting cast is just as strong, especially Forster's masterful performance as Jackie's new friend and ally. Tarantino's wicked sense of humor, gift for pacing, and strong casting choices are on full display, and this ranks as one of his finest films.
Oscar Tally: Nomination for Best Supporting Actor (Robert Forster)
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