At this time, John Travolta was riding high after Quentin Tarantino and "Pulp Fiction" had completely revitalized his career. He's full of poise and self-confidence in the role of "Chili" Palmer, a debt collector for the Miami mob who travels to L.A. on business. One of his targets is Harry Zimm (Gene Hackman), a veteran producer of utter schlock who's looking to break into mainstream filmmaking with a better-than-average script. And Chili, who's a movie fan, realizes that connecting with Harry is his ticket into the movie business. He must still deal with various unsavoury types, but handles it all in style.
Elmore Leonard is treated with a degree of respect by a talented cast & crew, led by director Barry Sonnenfeld. As a former cinematographer, Sonnenfeld knew how to make a visually rich film, and since his previous two pictures were the "Addams Family" feature films, he clearly had a knack for comedy, as well. He works from a solid Scott Frank adaptation of the Leonard novel, complete with a large amount of witty dialogue, and some effective digs at Hollywood and its "types". (Danny DeVito is a hoot as an egotistical movie star who enjoys talking about his acting process.) Even at an hour and 45 minutes, it never feels that long, due to excellent pacing and a great many compelling scenes.
Travolta receives strong support from a well-chosen cast of famous faces and reliable character actors. Hackman is quite funny, although his character is quite senseless. Rene Russo is appealing as a former schlock starlet who has far more talent and savvy than her roles would have indicated. And get a load of this supporting lineup: Dennis Farina, Delroy Lindo, James Gandolfini (a few years before his subsequent stardom on 'The Sopranos'), David Paymer, Martin Ferrero, Miguel Sandoval, Jon Gries, and Linda Hart. Bette Midler appears uncredited; other famous performers make cameo appearances.
Enhanced by a jaunty music score by John Lurie, "Get Shorty" is good, breezy fun.
Followed by the sequel "Be Cool", and a TV series.
Eight out of 10.
Elmore Leonard is treated with a degree of respect by a talented cast & crew, led by director Barry Sonnenfeld. As a former cinematographer, Sonnenfeld knew how to make a visually rich film, and since his previous two pictures were the "Addams Family" feature films, he clearly had a knack for comedy, as well. He works from a solid Scott Frank adaptation of the Leonard novel, complete with a large amount of witty dialogue, and some effective digs at Hollywood and its "types". (Danny DeVito is a hoot as an egotistical movie star who enjoys talking about his acting process.) Even at an hour and 45 minutes, it never feels that long, due to excellent pacing and a great many compelling scenes.
Travolta receives strong support from a well-chosen cast of famous faces and reliable character actors. Hackman is quite funny, although his character is quite senseless. Rene Russo is appealing as a former schlock starlet who has far more talent and savvy than her roles would have indicated. And get a load of this supporting lineup: Dennis Farina, Delroy Lindo, James Gandolfini (a few years before his subsequent stardom on 'The Sopranos'), David Paymer, Martin Ferrero, Miguel Sandoval, Jon Gries, and Linda Hart. Bette Midler appears uncredited; other famous performers make cameo appearances.
Enhanced by a jaunty music score by John Lurie, "Get Shorty" is good, breezy fun.
Followed by the sequel "Be Cool", and a TV series.
Eight out of 10.