True Romance

release year: 1993
genre: snappy drama
viewing setting: home DVD, 12/6/03

synopsis: A foolish young couple accidentally steal a suitcase of drugs from a mob boss, and their California trip suddenly gets a lot more exciting.

impressions: Pretty entertaining. This was written by Quentin Tarantino before Pulp fiction put him on the map. It's full of unusual characters, snappy dialogue, and violence. Watch it.

things to watch for: Either Clarence's trip to see Drexl, or Vincenzo's interrogation of Clarence's dad.

something this movie has that no other movie has: An unseen Elvis to mentor our hero

acting: Christian Slater turns in a quirky performance as a kid who gets in over his head yet never knows it. Patricia Arquette plays a naive girl who falls for him and vice versa. Dennis Hopper is the beleagured father, Gary Oldman is an evil pimp, Brad Pitt is a total stoner, Christopher Walken a no-nonsense mob boss, Bronson Pinchot an ambitious Hollywood agent...and there are more, in minor roles. This really is a great cast.

final word: Highly entertaining, especially if you like Quentin Tarantino's material.

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