Jackie Brown (1997)

Featured Audience Ratings

• paul o

  
  It has the feel of a Tarantino film but no real enjoyment from that. The acting is fun not engaging. Overall, the worst of Quentin's good films.

• Albert K

  
  Like most of Quentin Tarantino's movies, "Jackie Brown" is strung together with sharp dialogue, intriguing characters, intricate camerawork, and engaging plot devices. It's unique but not as colorful and suave as many of Tarantino's other entrees. Similarly,… More
  Like most of Quentin Tarantino's movies, "Jackie Brown" is strung together with sharp dialogue, intriguing characters, intricate camerawork, and engaging plot devices. It's unique but not as colorful and suave as many of Tarantino's other entrees. Similarly, it also doesn't have a particularly "unique" plot -- it's the style, technicalities, and wit Tarantino injects into "Jackie Brown" that creates such riveting entertainment. The pacing, contrary to other Quentin Tarantino outings, is not as crisp. Even more so, "Jackie Brown" has a slight stink of pretentiousness. Yes, movies need to show off their style, but there was a slight arrogance to its storytelling; in the end, the audience sits through "Jackie Brown"'s grandeur and eye-popping pep-rally but is not met of its promising claims in the main event. The movie itself is nowhere near the same caliber as "Pulp Fiction", "Reservoir Dogs", or even "Kill Bill Vol. 1". That is not to say that all the praise "Jackie Brown" received is not deservant of it; it's an intricately woven pop-culture film that satisfies, though not to the limit the film arrogantly claims it will fulfill.

• Matt G

  
  An underrated classic. The soundtrack, acting, direction make 'Jackie Brown' one of the best films EVER.

• Daniel L

  
  A very good film, but it seems to lack Tarantino's usual "Kick" and it also tends to be rather slow.

• First L

  
  Samuel L. Jackson and Quentin Tarantino team up once again, this time adding 70s "blaxploitaion" star Pam Grier into the mix, in what can be best described as Tarantino's most "understated" film. No really, in comparison to his other works, this is… More
  Samuel L. Jackson and Quentin Tarantino team up once again, this time adding 70s "blaxploitaion" star Pam Grier into the mix, in what can be best described as Tarantino's most "understated" film. No really, in comparison to his other works, this is practically an Ingmar Bergman character study. Tarantino forgoes usual round-about dialogue in favor of a more structured script and the result is something more in common with the Coen brothers' style of filmmaking than Kill Bill or Grindhouse. Jackie Brown is an airline stewardess who acts as a liason between an L.A.-based arms dealer and his South American clientele. When she gets busted by the cops, her arms dealer (Jackson) decides to silence her rather than risk her turning him in. Jackie, however, comes up with her own plan. Jackie Brown isn't one of Tarantino's most successful movies and it's hard to say why. Maybe it's a little too ahead of it's time. Perhaps if it had been released in 2007, it would've had more of an impact. Perhaps not. Who's to say? Certainly not me. I know at the time, it was considered to be a throwback to the style of 70s blaxploitation, but watching it now, I find that atmosphere to be only barely present. Robert DeNiro and Bridget Fonda have some nice scenes together, and Samuel L. Jackson is completely over-the-top as the villain, but the whole thing feels like a sedated Pulp Fiction, and maybe that's why people reacted so luke warm to it when it was originally released. Whatever the case, it's an extraordinarily fun film.

• Zach B

  
  The first thing that comes to mind whenever someone thinks of this film is that this is one of the most underrated films from the 1990's (possibly second to Stanley Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut). Being fresh off of the world wide acclaim for his film PULP FICTION, Tarantino… More
  The first thing that comes to mind whenever someone thinks of this film is that this is one of the most underrated films from the 1990's (possibly second to Stanley Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut). Being fresh off of the world wide acclaim for his film PULP FICTION, Tarantino decided to start taking films a bit more maturely and what resulted is the film adaptation of Elmore Leonard's Rum Punch, a return to the 1970's Blaxploitation film genre, and the return of one of Cinema's greatest African American actresses. Now, at first I had no idea what this film really was about. Due to the fact that this is something of an underground film and overlooked due to it not being as high as PULP FICTION, I had no expectations for this film other then it is by Quentin Tarantino and the novel of the same name (which is something of a good read). What I ended up getting in the end is two and a half hours of great dialogue, good to great acting from the cast, and one of the best soundtracks I have heard. Plus a rather odd adaption of the book that, while still keeping the spirit of Leonard, embodies the greatness of Tarantino. Okay, first off directing. As I said, Tarantino had already proved to the world that he is a master of film with his previous piece PULP FICTION. Now, while that film is great (near perfect), the only problem really was that he went out of control with the film, but in a good way. Once the film was released, he was everywhere and that beyond over hyped the film. For this one, he took the advice of two film critics (Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert) and he slowed down. And, what resulted was him maturely directing a film that could have been terrible if in the hands of someone else. The only real problem with the directing would have to be that the pacing is slow as hell. The first thirty to forty five minutes are great and fast. Then it is slow until the end when the speed picks up. So, while not the best directing from Tarantino, it is far from his worst. Next the acting. Oh dear God. The acting. While there are some great actors in this film (Samuel L. Jackson (Pulp Fiction), Robert De Niro (The Godfather Part Two), Michael Keaton (Batman)), there is only one person that needs mentioning in this film. And that is the wonderful acting of Pam Grier as the title character: Jackie Brown. Now, Ms. Grier has something of a rocky career in films. Making it huge and iconic in the 60s - 70s as Foxy Brown, Grier returns to that state of mind by playing a character that is complete and total hard headed. She is great in this performance as a flight attendant that gets caught up in an underground guns ring. She just adds a style to this film that I doubt anyone else could create. It is a crying shame that she did not get any awards for this film. Next the script. Out of all the films that Tarantino has written, this is the only one that was not original. But, the question is: is that a bad thing? The answer is no. While it does contain dialogue that is from the original novel, the film is littered with Tarantino's typical dialogue that we all know and love. Being well written, it does suffer from the pacing. But, if you can get by that, then it is all good. Finally the score. Now, I am going to say that I am not a fan of Motown Records or any songs associated with the music they release. But in the case of Jackie Brown, I can and will make an exception. The entire point of the soundtrack is to create a sense around the film and compliment the scenes it is in. In the case of Jackie Brown, it does just that. The two best songs that are on the soundtrack and have the most iconic scenes in this movie would have to be the opening credits (Across 110th Street - Bobby Womack) and a certain scene with Samuel L. Jackson (Strawberry Letter 23 - The Brothers Johnson). Overall, this is a strongly underrated film and one of Tarantino's best films.

• Melvin W

  
  Ordell: "He put himself in a position where he was going to have to do ten years in prison, that's what he did. And if you know Beaumont, you know ain't no god damn way he can do ten years. And if you know that, then you know Beaumont's gonna do anything Beaumont… More
  Ordell: "He put himself in a position where he was going to have to do ten years in prison, that's what he did. And if you know Beaumont, you know ain't no god damn way he can do ten years. And if you know that, then you know Beaumont's gonna do anything Beaumont can to keep from doing them ten years, including telling the federal government any and every motherfucking thing about my black ass. Now that my friend is a clear cut case of him or me. And you best believe it ain't gonna be me." Besides Pulp Fiction, Jackie Brown is my favorite Tarantino movie. The cast is amazing. Samuel L. Jackson, Pam Grier, Robert De Niro, Michael Keaton, Robert Foster, Bridget Fonda, and even Sid Haig and Chris Tucker in little cameos. The plots very intricate and I love the way Tarantino presented it. The scene where "the exchange" goes through is very good in how it is presented. Like any Tarantino movie the dialogue is awesome. Samuel L. Jackson is perfect in his role as Ordell Robbie. This definitely is an underrated film from Tarantino. Everyone knows Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction but not this overlooked gem of a film.

• Tim S

  
  Having not seen this since it's original home video release, I forgot just how good Jackie Brown is. It's certainly not a film that screams Tarantino, but I think that's one of the reasons I like it so much. But compelling characters and situations are… More
  Having not seen this since it's original home video release, I forgot just how good Jackie Brown is. It's certainly not a film that screams Tarantino, but I think that's one of the reasons I like it so much. But compelling characters and situations are Tarantino's hook, and I'm biting it. Smooth, easy, and enjoyable.

• Spencer S

  
  A complex thriller, featuring a cast and director that are all prestigious, Jackie Brown reeks of Tarantino's aesthetic. From the 70's funk and title card, to the lead role being portrayed by none other than star Pam Grier, this film comes off as a career revival flick.… More
  A complex thriller, featuring a cast and director that are all prestigious, Jackie Brown reeks of Tarantino's aesthetic. From the 70's funk and title card, to the lead role being portrayed by none other than star Pam Grier, this film comes off as a career revival flick. Jackie Brown seems to be leading itself along, never knowing where it's going to go next, but hanging on for the ride. Most annoying is the fact that Samuel L. Jackson is in yet another role where he plays a scuzzball who spouts philosophiocal quandries while yelling "Motherf*cka!" It all drags so long, overplaying its hand time and again with scenes meant to be sentimental, and come off as cheesy blaixpoitation. I'm not sure if Tarantino meant for this to happen, or if his self-indulgent, quasi-arrogant demeanor believed his vision was more important than making sense, or letting the audience enjoy the film. At least Pulp Fiction has scenes of random violence, and Kill Bill featured accessible monolouges. Jackie Brown doesn't know what it wants to be, and sadly, becomes a bore fest.

• Kristijonas F

  
  Much like Martin Scorsese's Casino, Jackie Brown is destined to be overshadowed by the success of its predecessor - in this case, its Pulp Fiction - but it is nonetheless a very enjoyable, witty and violent entry from Q.T.

• Steven C

  
  "Jackie Brown" is Quentin Tarantino's most mature film. Since Tarantino is adapting Elmore Leonard to the screen he chooses to honor the source material rather than misshapen it with his directorial flares. It's really interesting to see Tarantino work in these… More
  "Jackie Brown" is Quentin Tarantino's most mature film. Since Tarantino is adapting Elmore Leonard to the screen he chooses to honor the source material rather than misshapen it with his directorial flares. It's really interesting to see Tarantino work in these restrictions and what comes out of it is surprisingly human. Without his flashy dialogue and pointed visual and auditory rhetoric, Tarantino is able to create an intricate and knotty plot with characters that take front and center over sequences that scream "YOU ARE WATCHING A QUENTIN TARANTINO FILM!" Pam Grier is understated and emotionally clear while Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Forster, Michael Keaton, Bridget Fonda and Robert DeNiro are all delivering fine work. "Jackie Brown" is the anomaly of Tarantino's work and I think it comes across as a confident, steady and rewarding caper film.

• Jason C

  
  Quentin Tarantino's follow up to Pulp Fiction didn't disappoint at all. This is a slick movie. It has a good story and an ensemble cast playing interesting characters. All the elements that usually make Tarantino's movies good.

• Daniel P

  
  The forgotten Tarantino, mistakenly maligned by Roger Ebert upon release but now revered by the critic, Jackie Brown is no "Pulp Fiction" or "Reservoir Dogs," but there's no reason to forget about this one. First point: it's an adapted screenplay, from… More
  The forgotten Tarantino, mistakenly maligned by Roger Ebert upon release but now revered by the critic, Jackie Brown is no "Pulp Fiction" or "Reservoir Dogs," but there's no reason to forget about this one. First point: it's an adapted screenplay, from the novel Rum Punch by Elmore Leonard, which makes it unique in Quentin's canon; and second point, if the casting of Pam Grier didn't tip you off, it's a film meant to be taken in context, as somewhat of a send-up of the "blaxploitation" films of the 70s. But let's get past the context and look at the film itself. It's one of my favourite Samuel L. Jackson roles, and Grier, for her part, acquits herself quite well. Michael Keaton annoys me, but it would take more than him to derail this train - especially with Robert de Niro's supporting turn as stoned ne'er-do-well Louis. What we have here is a group of loosely connected characters in impossible situations that scheme and find their way out with varying success, and it's a compelling story, albeit one that unfolds slowly. I'll say again, it's not Tarantino's finest, but it's a film that should not be overlooked: don't hate it because it's different! Jackie Brown has a serious and smart sense of cool about itself, and it's a chill out classic.

• Chris W

  
  I feel it was wrong that this film was not as successful initially as Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction were. Part of that might have to do with the fact that the film's story is based off of Elmore Leonard's Rum Punch, and is not original to QT, but that shouldn't… More
  I feel it was wrong that this film was not as successful initially as Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction were. Part of that might have to do with the fact that the film's story is based off of Elmore Leonard's Rum Punch, and is not original to QT, but that shouldn't matter. Tarantino and the cast handle the material quite well and make it their own. One could start to call this movie Tarantino's homage to Blaxploitation, and while I can't completely deny that, I must say that it is only blaxploitation in spirit. It's actually a romance of sorts disguised as a crime epic, and the way I see it, there isn't a damn thing wrong with that. This might be lesser Tarantino, but it's still a brilliant film nonetheless.

• erika b

  
  this seem like a weak action film to me. not enough action. The plot so so dull.

• MisterYoda ?

  
  not interested

• Corey W

  
  [Review on the way]

• Mark W

  
  Tarantino waited a long time after the success of "Reservoir Dogs" & "Pulp Fiction" before releasing this film and some people thought he couldn't emmulate those previous successes. I must admit that the first time I seen "Jackie Brown", I felt a… More
  Tarantino waited a long time after the success of "Reservoir Dogs" & "Pulp Fiction" before releasing this film and some people thought he couldn't emmulate those previous successes. I must admit that the first time I seen "Jackie Brown", I felt a bit disappointed and unimpressed by it and that his critics may well have been right. Upon a second viewing though, it becomes apparent how good a film it really is. Tarantino doesn't go for the pop-culture references or the, in your face, violence like he did before but opts for a more subtle and slow burning approach, allowing his actors the space to develop their characters and the drama to unfold at it's own pace. The actors are on top form and it was a brave move casting Pam Grier as the lead but I thought she was faulty at times and over-acted, despite the praise she recieved for the role. Samuel L. Jackson is brilliant as always and the Oscar nominated Robert Forster was a revelation but for me, Robert DeNiro stole the show as Jackson's stoned accomplice. He was a little underused but stole every scene he was in by practically doing nothing. Tarantino scores again with this film and it is definately his most grown up film to date.

• Conner R

  
  I've got to say that Jackie Brown is the most under-appreciated Tarantino movie. Not only does it honor blaxsploitation in an updated fashion, but it's also very reminiscent of a Caper from the 60s. I love the cast, everyone worked great together. Pam Grier was at her best… More
  I've got to say that Jackie Brown is the most under-appreciated Tarantino movie. Not only does it honor blaxsploitation in an updated fashion, but it's also very reminiscent of a Caper from the 60s. I love the cast, everyone worked great together. Pam Grier was at her best and Samuel Jackson is incredibly creepy as Ordell, the pony-tailed gun dealer. It's got everything great about Tarantino's style without any of the drawbacks.

• Lewis C

  
  A very hard movie to review. Interesting, but not necessarily enjoyable. This was easily my least favorite Tarantino movie. I never felt that the lengthy time investment that Jackie Brown requires, ever really paid off. The movie just sort of meandered, and when all the plotlines… More
  A very hard movie to review. Interesting, but not necessarily enjoyable. This was easily my least favorite Tarantino movie. I never felt that the lengthy time investment that Jackie Brown requires, ever really paid off. The movie just sort of meandered, and when all the plotlines finally came to a head, it still wasn't really enough to have made the movie worthwhile. I'm not saying that there wasn't a coherent story, there just wasn't much for me to care about (except for Bridget Fonda's legs). Even the dialogue wasn't memorable, and how often can you say that about a Tarantino flick? It was nice to see such a strong female role, but other than that and Sam Jackson's character, Jackie Brown is fairly forgettable.

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