Natural Born Killers

In 1992, Quentin Tarantino released his film debut, “Reservoir Dogs” earing praise from critics. Thanks to film, he wrote a script titled, “True Romance.” A romantic crime-comedy about two people who fall in love steals a briefcase full of drugs. Their scheme is to sell the stash in Hollywood. Quentin sold the script to Warner Bros for approximately $10,000 spending it on a red car. Before he made “Pulp Fiction,” Quentin wrote another script titled, “Natural Born Killers.” It’s about two deranged killers who fall in love and become infamous for their killing spree.

Released in 1994, (same year Spider-Man: The Animated Series aired) it received mixed reactions from critics due to its violent content. Overtime, Natural Born Killers gained a cult following with more praise from Quentin Tarantino fans. Gene Siskel & Roger Ebert gave it 4 out 4 stars. Regardless of controversy, I consider Natural Born Killers as one of my guilty pleasures. I’m a huge fan of Quentin’s work.

I have four reasons why I wanna share my thoughts on Natural Born Killers.

1. Even though Quentin scrapped plans to write a script called, “The Movie Critic,” he’s still working on his tenth film. I have no idea if he’s gonna make a follow-up to “Kill Bill” or another original entry. Still hoping for his tenth and final film to become a reality.
2. Robert Downey Jr. made a surprise announcement at San Diego Comic-Con 2024, he’ll portray the Fantastic Four’s archenemy, Doctor Doom in “Avengers: Doomsday” & “Avengers: Secret Wars.” Both upcoming movies set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, will be released on May 1, 2026 and May 7, 2027.
3. Woody Harrelson’s filming his scenes for “Now You See Me 3.” Coming in November 14, 2025.
4. Juliette Lewis’ most recent film, “The Thicket” is out in select theaters. It’ll eventually stream on Tubi. Ms. Lewis is one of my favorite actresses. She’s underrated. A darn shame her character got screwed in “Yellowjackets’ second season.

Today’s review contains no SPOILERS. I’m you a chance to see this cult classic.

Polished & Rusty Qualities

Polished: Woody Harrelson & Juliette Lewis both did a superb job for their respective performances.

Other Cast Members such as Robert “RDJ” Downey Jr., Tommy Lee Jones & Tom Sizemore all did a decent job for their respective performances.

Oliver Stone did a great job directing.

Cinematography and Editing feels like one drugged up trip. Matches the mood for Mickey and Mallory’s psychosis. Similar to “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.” As if Terry Gilliam and David Lynch had a baby together.

“Bonnie and Clyde” with Warren Beatty & Faye Dunaway serves as a primary influence.

Chemistry between Mickey & Mallory serves as the main highlight. Their backstories are tragic.

• Fun Fact 1: Wayne speaks with an Australian accent. RDJ later played another Australian named, Kirk Lazarus from “Tropic Thunder.” To quote George Lucas, “It’s like poetry it rhymes.”
• Fun Fact 2: At a motel room, Scarface is shown on TV. Oliver wrote the script. Al Pacino later appeared in “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.”
• Fun Fact 3: A then-unknown Adrien Brody appears in an uncredited role as Wayne’s cameraman.
• Fun Fact 4: Jared Harris appears for a brief second. He was beginning his career in Hollywood. Jared later played Professor Moriarty in Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.”

Although Quentin’s draft’s been heavily altered by Oliver, his signature trademarks are retained.

• Pop Culture references
• A mix of songs ranging from rock, country and hip-hop
• Black Comedy
• Brutal Death Scenes
• Lots of swearing
• A comedian like Rodney Dangerfield appears in a serious role
• A Mexican stand-off
• An evil character who’s racist lacking redeeming qualities

The Unrated Director’s Cut features more ultraviolence never shown in the final cut. Plus, Ashley Judd & Denis Leary appear.

Wayne coined the term, “Zombieland.” Woody later starred in the aforementioned movie.

Wayne’s interview with Mickey takes place during the Super Bowl XXVIII. The exact same year the film came out.

If you own a DVD/Blu-Ray copy, Oliver provides commentary. Reflecting production on the film.

The End Credits is arguably the best (if not) End Credits of all time. Leonard Cohen’s “The Future” adds the cherry on top.

Rusty: Not a con. Although the film’s a tad dated, it’s disturbingly relevant. Why? Because the media continues to glorify murderers. Gypsy-Rose Blanchard got out of prison. She’s still roaming the country without a life sentence. It’s a travesty a lot of people are delusional they’re sympathetic towards a murderer. I understand Gypsy-Rose was drugged and manipulated by her mother, but that doesn’t excuse the fact she orchestrated a murder using her ex-boyfriend to kill her mother. To add salt to the wound, Casey Anthony’s also roaming the country. She and Gypsy-Rose are despicable human beings. The latter’s pregnant. God help the kid.

Like I said, the film’s a tad dated. Mickey mentioned “It’s the ’90s.”

The Final Verdict: A-

Natural Born Killers remains as one of my guilty pleasures. If you’re new to Quentin Tarantino’s work or eager to see Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom in the MCU, buy the 4K UHD version on Blu-Ray by Shout Factory.