Review of Get Shorty (1995) by Charlie G — 05 Nov 2012

Barry Sonnenfeld's vibrant adaptation of Elmore Leonard's notorious crime novel is loaded with terrific performances, apt tunes and amusing props. However, in its excessive attempts to add comedic flare and action-movie spice to Leonard's slick story, the movie diminishes the very essence of what made the original novel so great.

John Travolta is superbly cast as Shylock-turned-Movie-Mogul Chili Palmer and Sonnenfeld's film is undeniably good fun; it's just a shame that it's narrative and tone stray so far from Leonard's source material. If you've read the book, you should probably stay away.