Jackie Brown

UK Release Date: 20th March 1998

A middle-aged woman finds herself in the middle of a huge conflict that will either make her a profit or cost her life (www.imdb.com).

Director: Quentin Tarantino (Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill Vol. 1)

Starring: Pam Grier, Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Forster, Bridget Fonda, Michael Keaton, Robert De Niro

Jackie Brown is Quentin Tarantino's third feature length film, and the only one is his roster that's not an original screenplay. And this is why, in my opinion, it's his least-best work. It's still a solid piece of work, but by filming an adaption Tarantino doesn't get the chance to break free like he's done with Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction. JB contains only fleeting moments of absurdity and outrageousness, toned down as if to keep the director in check. Jackie (Pam Grier) an air hostess, is forced to smuggle money from Mexico to L.A by the unconvincing weapons dealer Ordell (Samuel L. Jackson). Betrayal and double crossings ensue. Agent Nicolette (Michael Keaton) is on her case. Others involved include a bail bonds accountant (Robert Forster) and a couple of Ordell's friends (Robert De Niro and Bridget Fonda). A good hour could be cut from the 154 minute running time to make it quick, snappy and enthralling. Instead it drags in the 2nd act, and by that time, I had to pause, and split Jackie Brown in to parts. Of all of Tarantino's films, this is one I won't be rushing back to.

3/5