Smart and slick (Get Shorty (DVD))

Member Name: shaneo632

Product:	Get Shorty (DVD)
Date:	07/07/09 (4 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good cast, funny, smart

Disadvantages: None

Get Shorty is based on the 1990 novel of the same name written by Elmore Leonard. It's just too fitting that this boasts an all-star cast, consisting of John Travolta, Gene Hackman, Rene Russo, Danny DeVito, Dennis Farina, Delroy Lindo, and even Tony Soprano himself, James Gandolfini making one of his earlier cinematic appearances, considering how much of a knowing, self-aware satire this is about the film industry.

Chili Palmer (John Travolta) is a Miami loan shark who happens to be a huge film buff, and thus attempts to juggle his mob like activities with his want to fund and get a film made. It's also a noirish film that mostly takes place at night, and always had a cool demeanour that's reminiscent of films of around the same time such as Swingers.

It's a very clever film, although probably shoots at too broad an audience to fully be appreciated - this is a real film lovers film, but also a film for those that love noir and love deep, complex narrative with a quick-fire mouth. Of all of the "post-Tarantino" films, this is without a doubt one of the best, standing on its own as a smart, slick, and well acted film.

Get Shorty's smart and incisive take on the film industry is supported by a strong and impressive cast in this slick, witty, and highly entertaining take on the gangster film.

Summary: A surprisingly intelligent film