Weekend Round-Up

The Tarantino Film Fest continued this weekend with Jackie Brown. Probably the most underappreciated of QT’s films, it was considered a bit of a letdown following the raw intensity of Reservoir Dogs and inventive cool of Pulp Fiction. JB is the most character driven, and by far the least violent film Tarantino has made. For a director that had established his reputation (at least in part) on outbursts of graphic violence, JB represented a totally unexpected turn in direction. While still a crime drama, it’s a film that relies almost entirely on its story and characters to succeed, and it does so magnificently thanks to uniformly superb performances from all involved.

In a daring and inspired casting choice, former B-movie star Pam Grier hits all the right notes in the title role as a desperate, low income, airline stewardess transporting cash for a smarmy gun dealer. Likewise, Robert Forster turns in a finely nuanced and understated performance of compassion and intelligence as the aging bail bondsman who sympathizes with Jackie’s predicament and chooses to help her. Samuel L. Jackson once again delivers the goods as a hipster baddie, this time with more evil intent than his role in Pulp Fiction. Robert De Niro as the hapless ex-con with a stunted IQ, Michael Keaton in a reprise of the character he played in Out of Sight, and Bridget Fonda as chain-bonging surfer chick, Melanie, round out the perfectly cast ensemble.

The story is supported by a great script that’s tight and smartly written, peppered with plenty of Tarantino’s trademark repartee and sharp one-liners. For the most part, he wisely steps aside and lets the actors drive the story, so on the few occasions where he imposes a little directorial flair, it’s very effective. Jackie Brown is an extremely well crafted and enjoyable film. What it may lack in pizzazz, it more than makes up for in character development, solid acting and a terrific story. It features a strong and empowered female lead and virtually no on-screen violence, making it the perfect Tarantino primer for female viewers. My wife loved it, and so will yours.

Unfortunately, the two disc Collector’s Edition DVD, while a nice package, fails to do the film justice in terms of audio/visual quality. Maybe I’m turning into a Blu-ray elitist, but the DVD video transfer is a real disappointment. Shadow detail is severely lacking and edge enhancement is abundant, leaving dark scenes looking murky and brighter scenes over-processed. It’s a shame because JB is a good looking film that would be a great candidate for an updated BD transfer. The audio is also surprisingly mediocre, especially considering that it’s a DTS 5.1 mix. JB is hardly an audio showcase, but the dynamite, old school soul soundtrack lacks presence and clarity. A re-mastered, uncompressed audio track would no doubt do it justice. Here’s hoping for Blu-ray releases of both Jackie Brown and Pulp Fiction in the not too distant future.

On the gaming front, Fallout 3 continues to monopolize my time to the exclusion of everything else. I had originally planned to take a sneak peak at Ratchet and Clank yesterday, but that fell by the wayside the moment Fallout 3 found its way into the PS3. Much as I’m enjoying it, I almost wish I’d gotten hooked on something a little less expansive. At only 20-25% complete, I still have a looong way to go.

And last, but not least, we celebrated grandson Koen’s 2nd birthday on Saturday with a little get together at Joyce’s mom’s place. Here’s a taste of The Little Goomer enjoying the festivities…