Conference bookie::movies

    Script by Quentin Tarantino.
    
    Ray

    Unfortunately, it is directed by Tony Scott, who brought us 
    "Top Gun" and "Beverly Hills Cop II", which is why I may pass.
    
    - Dave

    For those who fear that the directing of Tony Bill might override the
    script:  Don't worry.  It doesn't.
    
    True Romance was very, *very* good.  Even better than Resevoir Dogs. 
    It's funny, violent, truly romantic, and chok-full of the kind of 
    dialog Quentin Tarantino is very good at.  It's also laden with 
    well-known actors, some of whom have little more than bit parts, most of 
    whom have some considerable screen time.  
    
    For those who aren't familiar with the plot, True Romance happens
    between Clarence (Christian Slater with dyed black hair), a slightly nerdy,
    introverted comic-book store clerk, who is set up by his well-meaning
    boss with call-girl Alabama (Patricia Arquette, who somehow manages to
    dress tacky and jiggle throughout the whole movie without coming off as
    a tacky, jiggly girl...).  Alabama, told to provide a bit "of a life"
    for Clarence, falls in love during their night together, confesses her
    feelings for Clarence, who admits the feeling is mutual (Alabama, after
    all, likes Elvis and cheesy Kung Fu movies).  They are married.  
    
    Only one problem -- Alabama is worried that her pimp, Drexell, might
    come after her.  Drexell (Gary Oldman, playing a white guy who thinks
    he's black), is one mean SOB.   Clarence cannot abide the thought that
    Drexell might come looking for the wayward Alabama, so he goes looking
    for Drexell.  One thing leads to another and there you have the movie.
    
    As I said, all sort of famous faces pop up in here.  Dennis Hopper, for
    once playing a very non-weird role, is Clarence's security guard Dad. 
    Christopher Walken is a menacing mobster.  Val Kilmer (we don't get to
    see his face much) is the ghost of Elvis (prompting me to comment that
    perhaps Mr. Kilmer is going to play dead rock stars from now on....) 
    Chris Penn is a cop.  Bronson Pinchot, without silly accent, is an
    aspiring, nervous actor who reluctantly helps the couple later on. 
    Brad Pitt (I think??) was the charmingly stoned Floyd.  ("...and...
    and...some *cleaning* products would be nice...")  The list goes on.
    Everyone turns in great performances, especially Christian Slater.
    
    If you're not turned off by a lot of harsh language, stylish but brutal
    violence and bright, leopard spot clothing, then True Romance might
    be your cup of tea.  It certainly was mine.  I can't think of a movie I
    thought was funnier or overall, *better*, so far this year.  But I
    then again, I like laughing during gunfights.... :)
    
    **** out of ****

    I saw this film last night and loved it, in agreeing with -.1, it a
    four star film in my opinion.  The dialogue by Quentin Tarantino is
    amazing; I loved RESERVOIR DOGS, but this script was even better in my
    opinion, especially the scene where the hit man is talking about how
    tough your first hit is, and even the second is difficult.  There were
    some really quirky scenes that though bizarre, were totally believable. 
    And Gary Oldham as Drexler was amazing.  And it was great to see
    Christopher Walken back in an intense role.  And of course, the two
    leads were great, and Alabamba is wonderful to watch with her
    playfulness and intensity.
    
    This move was a great surprise for me.  I expected it to be good, but
    not one of the best films of the year for me.  I was reading in
    PREMIERE last night that there are actually two cuts of the film, one
    less violent for the American audiences, and one much more violent,
    including the Drexler - Clarence fight and the Alabama - hit man fight
    that will be released in Europe.  I guess we can expect to see a
    Director's cut on this film when it is released on videotape.  All I
    can say is that the version I saw was superb.  Now I can only wait to
    see the Director's Cut.
    
    As mentioned before: **** of ****
    
    Keith
    
    p.s. minor nit - -.1, the director was Tony Scott not Tony Bill. 
    Sorry - couldn't help it.

    RE: .4  by 26291::CARTER 
    
    >I was reading in PREMIERE last night that there are actually two cuts
    >of the film, one less violent for the American audiences, and one much
    >more violent, including the Drexler - Clarence fight and the Alabama -
    >hit man fight that will be released in Europe.  
    
    I saw the "European" version and it is Very violent, but a great movie
    with a lot of surprises.  I was particularly struck by how good Dennis
    Hopper could be when not playing himself.
    

    I saw this last night,its...very funny,very violent and very,*very*
    good.I'm also amazed to say it's better than "Resevoir dogs" which was
    excellant too.
    
    
    
    
    						ian

    
    I gave this movie 10 out of 10 purely for Arquettes `puppies in a sack'
    impression. The sight will stay with me forever.
    
    Tony
    
    

    
    
    A good-looking, gripping, stylish movie with some great cameos,
    bizarre dialogue and situations, and a high body count.
    
    ***.75 out of *****
    
    
    

    
    I just rented the unrated director's cut. It's the only version I have
    seen.
    
    Really a great movie. Gary Oldham was one scary guy, enjoyed all the
    actors. 
    
    Really a surprise, didn't expect it to be so good.
    
    Good, but quite violent and bloody.
    
    Dave
    

    I finally caught this in the theatre last week - most truly an
    excellent movie.  (Tony Scott, all is forgiven!)  The pacing, 
    construction, dialogue, acting, action, humor, etc. were all on the 
    mark.  I also enjoyed the soundtrack.
    
    Dennis Hopper had a wonderful and touching role with
    dignity, strength, courage and honor - a rare role for him.
    
    I'm curious to see the "European" release of this film.  I suspect that
    Samuel L. Jackson (who played one of the drug dealers in the first
    scene with Drexel) may have a bit more screen time.  He had no more
    that one or two lines (and was barely recognizable) in the US release.
    
    After "Reservior Dogs" and "True Romance", I'm really looking forward
    Quentin Tarantino's upcoming films -  "Pulp Fiction" (which he wrote and
    directed) and the rumored Tarantino/Woo collaboration.  "Pulp Fiction"
    has been receiving raves so far at the European film festivals.
    
    There was an interesting article on Quentin Tarantino in a recent issue
    of Vanity Fair.
    
    - Dave

    Tony Scott is in my opinion one of the worlds most overrated directors.
    So what, he got to direct a movie written by Tarrantino, and boom, the 
    man's a superstar...
    
    Where were all you people when he did Top Gun???
    
    To put it in other words: One of the worst movies I've ever seen
    despite the fact that I like violence in movies and loved
    Reservoir Dogs.
    
    Henri
    
    

    My "Tony Scott, all is forgiven." (-.1) referred to the fact that I
    thought "Top Gun" was awful, I had no interest in "Beverly Hills COp
    II" (and heard it was awful also), but I thought he actually hit the
    mark on this one.
    
    He may be a lousy director, but he certainly came through in spades
    here.
    
    - Dave