Quentin Tarantino has a new movie out today. He is one of the more acclaimed directors in the history of Hollywood, and he has released only 6 movies prior to today. So now, as a short segment dedication to him, I shall rate every movie he has directed.
Reservoir Dogs:
10/10
His first movie remains one of the better movies within the last 20 years. Every line of dialogue is important after the opening sequence, as multiple robbers try to figure out who is the cop after a botched robbery attempt. An incredible blend of excellent acting, superb writing, nail-biting suspense, dark humor, and good music, Reservoir Dogs is a must-see for anyone that likes movies.
Pulp Fiction
10/10
I do not have a list of the best movies ever. I do not have a favorite movie. I just have a list of movies that I have graded perfect scores. However, if I was ever forced to write such a list of what I think is the greatest films since “The Great Train Robbery,” I am positive that Pulp Fiction will be within the top 25. Pulp Fiction forever changes filmmaking with its slick dialogue, clever pacing and editing, wonderful surprises, excellent assortment of characters, and the ability to reveal something different every time you see the film. Pulp Fiction started a massive wave on indie films that would hit in the latter part of the 90s, and would also make movies “cool” all over again. The soundtrack re-introduced the country to surf rock, and multiple careers started and re-started thanks to this instant classic. I recommend this movie to the absolute highest degree, as very few films can mix comedy, drama, suspense, action, romance, and pop culture nostalgia quite like Pulp Fiction.
Jackie Brown:
Never saw this one. Oops.
Kill Bill Vol. 1
7/10
The first Tarantino movie I didn’t uber-love. After appearances in other movies and television shows, he throws us a tale full of vengeance, blood, and motherly passion. This movie has plenty of action, plenty of whimsical moments, but overall just is a little bit uneven and the final act drags a bit before getting to the bloody showdown. The bloody showdown in the end however definitely saves the film and prevents it from being too mediocre. The ending was a nice surprise too.
Kill Bill Vol. 2
10/10
Most people like the first one better than the second one. However, I found that the second movie was much, much stronger than the first. The spaghetti western feel of the sequel made way for better pacing, editing, directing, acting, and better action (The fight between the Bride and Elle Driver is one of the best in the last decade). Then when the Bride finally meets Bill, it sets off some of the most fantastic dialogue, tension, and suspense I’ve ever seen. Tarantino proves that he loves movies more than he loves anything else in the world with Kill Bill Vol. 2: the intricate details, the detailed wording, the infinite references, and the ability to craft a clever shot. Tarantino may not have the extensive resume of a fantastic director, but his small repertoire of films has so many amazing moments, you can’t help but wonder just what goes on in his head while coming up with these ideas.
Death Proof
7/10
Sometimes, dialogue can break a film, if it isn’t interesting enough. Pulp Fiction’s random dialogue was both clever and entertaining. Kill Bill’s dialogue introduced us to the characters, their motives, and further dissected their personalities. Death Proof’s dialogue in the beginning wasn’t as interesting or as fun as the second half of the movie—where all the fun is contained. The first cast of characters, I didn’t really care for their fates. The second group though was much more exciting and livelier. Then there’s the epic final chase that contained no special effects shots; just pure adrenaline, awesome stunts, and an amazing finale. Skip the first half, and enjoy the second half.
Bottom Line: Tarantino seems to take his time with his ideas and films (He spent 8 years with his latest work) but the payoff for the most part is always spectacular. He isn’t like Robert Rodriguez or Steven Spielberg and attempt multiple ideas, resulting in some flops or miscues; he takes his sweet time to perfect his craft and his storytelling. Kill Bill Vol. 2, Pulp Fiction, and Reservoir Dogs prove this. I can’t wait to see Inglourious Basterds
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