| Plot: Six professional criminals are each enlisted to pull off a jewel heist. Once the heist goes horribly wrong, it becomes clear there's a rat in the team. Review: Quentin Tarantino has always been a great director and writer in my book. His films carry a sharp dialogue and unique spin on what could be considered a simplistic gangster movie. His first movie, Reservoir Dogs, is no exception. Right from the start we have a cameo of Tarantino giving us classic Tarantino dialogue. The movie is then told from flashbacks and we have to piece together the story. The story itself isn't very complex, as far as gangster movies go, but it's the directing style, acting, and witty dialogue that makes Reservoir Dogs a memorable mob movie. How can anyone forget this little gem of a movie quote? "Why am I Mr. Pink?" "Because you're a faggot." Classic line. Not to mention the unforgettable torture sequence (topped off with "Stuck in the Middle With You" by Stealer's Wheel!). I just don't think that scene could've accomplished its infamous reputation and popularity if this movie was directed by anyone other then Tarantino. As far as performances go, all the actors are in top shape here. All the actors bring each character's unique personality to life. Mr. Blonde (Madsen) is a complete and utter psychopath that's always going on some kind of a rampage and is always backed up by Nice Guy Eddie and his dad. Madsen plays this maniac with believable charisma and casualness that he easily nabs the best lines from the movie ("Are you gonna bark all day, little doggy...or are you gonna bite?"). He was definitely my favorite in the movie. Mr. White (Keitel) is an experienced criminal with a soft spot in him. Both Tim Roth and Keitel have an intense chemistry between them during the emotional scenes which is the main interaction between the team of criminals. Tarantino manages to pull this off without it becoming sappy. Keitel's character is likeable and gets most of the time onscreen, but not much else. Mr Orange (Roth) plays an incredibly sympathetic role and he manages to hit more emotional notes then any of the other characters. Mr. Pink (Buscemi) is a level-headed professional and this is the only real role in which Buscemi can claim he played a tough guy in. Buscemi uses his trademark strung-out and buggy-eyed acting and the man does it oh so well. Nice Guy Eddie (Penn) is Chris Penn, well...being Chris Penn cussing a lot. He was filler, but he wasn't half bad. My minor complaints are that the movie seems to have a few bits missing from it that could've fleshed out the story more (such as Mr. Blonde's killing spree in the jewelry store). I hear there's a director's cut with extra footage, but I've yet to view (and find) that version. My second problem is I watched Pulp Fiction before initially seeing Reservoir Dogs, and it just felt a bit dull and not as refined when compared to Tarantino's 1994 hit Pulp Fiction. All things considered, Reservoir Dogs is an ultra-violent and innovative gangster movie with dialogue so sharp that you can't help but quote it, a unique feel, and solid performances of memorable characters that shouldn't be missed. |
| Rating: ***1/2 |
| Review by Jim |
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