pianoman904

I rarely ever comment on movies. I either comment if the movie is really bad so people can save their money, or if its really good so people can enjoy a good movie. And let me tell you folks this is one of the best.

I went into this movie knowing only what I saw in the trailers and TV spots. So to be honest, what I was expecting was sort of an unoffical Dirty Harry movie. I thought it would be Clint going around shooting bad guys. Sort of a Charles Bronson "DeathWish" type movie if you will. But let me tell you, it was sooo far from that. I don't want to reveal too much of the story. But let me tell you a few things. This movie was just all around great. What I had expected to be a vigilante movie turned out out to be a touching, moving, gritty, and actually funny movie. Thats right, funny. To be honest one of the funniest movies I've seen in a while. But it has its own breed of humor. When you see it, you'll know what I mean. And the movie also has a lot of lessons and morals tucked underneath its gritty and comical surface. Lessons about life, death, racism, religion, revenge, and justice. The acting in the movie is perfect. Clint Eastwood gives what may be the best acting performance of his career. And the actors who played his Hmong neighbors nail their parts to a T.

Bottom line here. If you want a movie that will stay with you after you leave the theater, this is it. Most of the people in the theater were crying when the movie ended. I myself, had to sit in my seat well into the credits to get myself together before I left. Great Movie, PERIOD!!

-Expect a lot of Oscar nominations and wins from this Gem.

Let me begin saying that I love Kevin Smith. But I love him as a film maker. So I was looking forward to see him do something new. I am a huge fan of his "View Askewniverse" movies, but I was excited to see him step out of his comfort zone and try something new. And the result was a surprisingly sweet and charming story. But hey guys, don't let me discourage you....there's plenty of Kevin's trademark raunchy humor and witty dialogue to keep you interested.

Here's a brief synopsis of the film. Zack (Seth Rogen) and Miri (Elizabeth Banks) are two long time platonic friends who life together. The two find themselves hitting hard times. The water and power in the their apartment get shut off, and the have no money to pay the rent. The two of them face possible eviction. And as a last attempt to make ends meet they come upon the idea to make a "porno" movie. And through making the movie, they realize that they might have more feelings for each other than just friends. Now as brief and almost dumb as this plot may seem, it is handled with care and cleverly written and seems believable enough to me.

The casting in the movie is great. Its a combination of the Kevin Smith clan, and the Apatow crew. The usual suspects (ie Seth Rogen, Elizabeth Banks, Jason Mewes, Craig Robinson, Jeff Anderson) are all hilarious. Craig Robinson was especially hilarious and Justin Long's cameo will definitely have you talking after you see the movie.

All in all this movie is a perfect blend of comedy and romance. Its the ideal date movie. The guys will be cracking up at the crude humor. And the girls will be in awe watching one of the most intimate and sweet love scenes ever put to film. Enjoy!

Sometimes a movie requires more than one viewing. The first time I sat down to watch Jackie Brown, I wasn't so impressed. I didn't hate the movie, but I didn't love it either. I thought it was decent. The second time I watched it, I knew the plot already so I really got to indulge in the characters of the film. And thats exactly what the film is, it's a character piece.

Those of you who expect an energetic, stylized, violent, comic book-esque film like Pulp Fiction will not get that from this movie. Its a lot more tamed, and to say the least realistic. I love Pulp Fiction, its one of my all time favorite movies. But I doubt in the real world there would be two hit men in matching black and white suits. The scenarios of that movie, while fun and totally entertaining, aren't too realistic. Jackie Brown on the other hand has totally real characters that don't come off as too over the top.

All the actors in the movie are superb.The lead is played by actress Pam Grier who nails the role. Tarantino again shows you don't need an a-list actor to carry a movie. Grier plays Jackie Brown, an airline stuartess in her 40s. Samuel L. Jackson plays Ordell Robbie, a gun dealer who uses Jackie to bring him in money from Mexico. Robert DeNiro (in a smaller role for such a big actor) plays Louis, Ordell's friend who recent got out of jail. Bridget Fonda plays Melanie, a "blonde haired surfer girl" who lives with Ordell. Michael Keaton (my all time favorite actor)plays ATF agent Ray Nicollette who wants to take down Ordell. And Robert Forster plays Max Cherry, a bail bonds man. Without giving too much away, all of these characters in one way or another are all after $500,000 of Ordell's money. Every character in this movie is great and unique in their own way. But for me, Robert Forster steals the show. Max Cherry is without a doubt my favorite character in all of Quentin Tarantino's movies.

To some people, this movie is just a crime/heist movie. But to me there is something quite beautiful to this movie. After a few viewings of the film, you will notice that underneath it all, this movie is really about two people. Jackie Brown and Max Cherry. Two people who are middle aged, lonely, and tired of their dead end jobs. Two people that meet in a very unlikely way. Two people that together figure out a way to steal $500,000 and get away with it. Take this movie however you want it. But to me, thats the heart of the movie, and thats why the movie works so well.

In conclusion, Jackie Brown is not a graphic crime story like Reservoir Dogs or Pulp Fiction that preceded it. Nor is it a stylized revenge saga like Kill Bill vol. 1 & 2 that followed it. Instead it is a stand alone film. A wonderfully acted character study. And for me, an absolute gem of a film. It's Quentin Tarantino's underrated MASTERPIECE.