Jackie Brown

Fresh from winning an Oscar for “Best Original Screenplay” courtesy of “Pulp Fiction,” Quentin Tarantino bought the film rights to Elmore Leonard’s “Rum Punch.” Meanwhile, he took his time to work on “From Dusk till Dawn” with his buddy Robert Rodriguez. Due to working on two projects at the same time, Quentin offers Robert the director’s chair. The latter accepted. Elmore himself liked Quentin’s script giving him his blessing calling it the best script he’s ever read. Quentin casted his good luck charm, Samuel L. Jackson, Pam Grier, Robert De Niro, Michael Keaton Bridget Fonda and the late Robert Forster.

Jackie Brown was officially released in 1997. (same year Boogie Nights came out) It received critical acclaim from critics and movie goers alike. Plus, it made enough revenue at the box office. As a fan of Quentin, I wanna share my thoughts on Jackie Brown before he directs his tenth film and retires as a novelist. Don’t forget he published two books. First book is a novelization of “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.” Second book, “Cinema Speculation” is a non-fiction sharing his stories about growing up watching movies in the ‘70s. His upcoming third book titled, “The Films of Rick Dalton” details the life and career of Leonardo DiCaprio’s character. As of March 2023, Quentin finished the book and he’s yet to announce a release date.

Today’s review contains no crucial SPOILERS. I’m giving many of you newcomers a chance to see Quentin’s work.

Upgrade & Downgrade Qualties

Upgrade: Pam Grier, Samuel L. Jackson, Robert De Niro, Michael Keaton, Bridget Fonda & Robert Forster all did an excellent job for their respective performances. Sam stated Jackie Brown is his favorite Quentin Tarantino film.

Quentin Tarantino did an excellent job directing. He also wrote the script. Don’t forget he provides the voice of an answering machine.

Cinematography was shot carefully without relying on Shaky Cam.

Fun Fact: James Gunn mentioned Jackie Brown is one of his favorite films.

Pacing didn’t feel slow for a two-and-a-half hour film. I was hooked since the beginning.

Chemistry between Jackie & Max felt natural. Didn’t feel forced at all.

The film’s a throwback to Blaxploitation films Quentin grew up watching.

Quentin’s trademarks contain pop culture references, dark humor, f-bombs, memorable dialogue, tunes from the ’70s and a trunk shot.

If you wanna spice things up a bit, how about a drinking game? Take a shot every time somebody utters out an f-bomb. I’d stick to non-alcoholic drinks or water. I do not condone alcohol poisoning.

Chris Tucker makes a brief appearance. Speaking of “Friday,” Tommy “Tiny” Lister Jr. also appears. Quentin said, Friday’s his favorite film of 1995.

The late Sid Haig appears as a judge.

Danny DeVito makes a cameo appearance.

Remember that heist music from the first “Ant-Man” movie with Luis discussing events? That’s where Jackie Brown came from. It’s funny because Vulture & Nick Fury are in this film. Gotta love putting two and two together.

Opening Scene pays homage to the opening from “The Graduate.” Quentin’s a movie buff.

Ordell’s hair got me crackin’ up. Why? Because his hair reminds me of the Crept Keeper.

Downgrade: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving Quentin and his crew an Extra Point for making a flawless film as possible.

The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!

Jackie Brown is one of the best films of 1997 along with my favorite, “Boogie Nights.” If you’re new to Quentin Tarantino’s work, watch all of his films and non-directed films including “True Romance” & “Natural Born Killers.” I want The Criterion Collection to include Jackie Brown and digitally restore it on DVD/Blu-Ray.