Review of Get Shorty (1995) by Ted D — 01 Jul 2010

Love this movie, and it is NOT a Tarantino knock-off. Only two of Tarantino's films had been released before "Get Shorty". Granted, I could see how it would seem like a knockoff because it's based on an Elmore Leonard novel, whom QT is a very big fan. The dialogue is similar. And there's John Travolta as a tough wiseguy, like he was in "Pulp Ficiton" but the characters are very different. Also, the violence...what can you say? Compare "Get Shorty" to most QT films, and they are opposite when it comes to violence. "Get Shorty" has people getting shot and beat up and thrown over the side of buildings, but there's no bloodbath or gore in the mix.

This movie is a gem, driven by hilarious characters. Ray Barboni is one of my all-time favorites.

"They say the (bleeping) smog is the (bleeping) reason they have such beautiful (bleeping) sunsets.".

"It was easy. I told them I was you, then I acted real stupid and they believed me.".

"It's chilly inside, and it's chilly outside. It's a regular (bleeping) chilly fest.".