A nasty, unchained beast with teeth as sharp as razors. And it's a dog that proudly leads the pack of the very finest crime films.
Reservoir Dogs (1992)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:43
Fresh:41
Rotten:2
Average Rating:8.9/10
Synopsis: Former video store clerk Quentin Tarantino's directorial debut, RESERVOIR DOGS, is a brutally funny, supercharged introduction to his supremely distinct cinematic vision, which was later to become... Former video store clerk Quentin Tarantino's directorial debut, RESERVOIR DOGS, is a brutally funny, supercharged introduction to his supremely distinct cinematic vision, which was later to become one of the most mimicked styles of the 1990s. Mastermind Joe Cabot (Lawrence Tierney) assembles a crew of top-notch criminals to pull off a jewelry store heist. As the film opens it becomes immediately clear that the plan backfired, forcing the survivors, who have gathered at an abandoned warehouse, to figure out if one of them is, in fact, a police informer. The crew--Mr. White (Harvey Keitel), an aged veteran; Mr. Orange (Tim Roth), a wounded newcomer; Mr. Blonde (Michael Madsen), a psychopathic parolee; Mr. Pink (Steve Buscemi), a bickering weasel; and Nice Guy Eddie (Chris Penn), Joe's son--begin to unravel as the pressure becomes too much for them to handle. When Joe arrives, the truth becomes clear in a vicious Mexican standoff. Tarantino takes liberally from Hong Kong action flicks, most notably Ringo Lam's CITY ON FIRE, but his ultra-hip ‘70s soundtrack and hysterical pop culture dialogue make the film seem wholly original and new. Taking a cue from the French New Wave--most notably Jean-Luc Godard--RESERVOIR DOGS remains one of the decade's most influential motion pictures. [More]
Starring: Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Chris Penn, Steve Buscemi
Starring: Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Chris Penn, Steve Buscemi, Lawrence Tierney, Michael Madsen, Quentin Tarantino, Eddie Bunker, Kirk Baltz, Stephen Wright
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Screenwriter: Quentin Tarantino
Producer: Lawrence Bender
Composer: Karyn Rachtman
Reviews for Reservoir Dogs
While Reservoir Dogs is probably Tarantino's most unpolished work, it strongly contends for the distinction of being his best.
I can't remember a movie getting me so excited about what you could do with a little bit of money, some fine actors, and lots of beautifully profane rhythmic dialogue.
Tarantino's debut is a wildly entertaining, thrilling, upsetting and hilarious movie, shot and performed with verve, go-for-broke energy and gritty charisma.
Those who survive it emerge in a shell-shocked euphoria -- so good and so blunt is the writing.
After watching this film for the zillionth time, there’s no doubt in my mind that this 'little doggy' belongs at the top echelon of any list having to do with great crime pictures.
Like many young directors, Quentin Tarantino is overly infatuated with Scorsese, but he shows talent -- in his work with the actors, and in his staging of some of the action scenes.
Tarantino exploits audience savvy, preferring to build anticipation, mesmerise, and then cut away at the climax.
A ballet of macho posturing, gun-pointing, and the creative uses of every four-letter word imaginable.
Tarentino has the craft down but lacks the depth and moral wisdom to avoid merely gleeful bloodletting.
A nod to such noir crime classics as Stanley Kubrick's "The Killing," the movie's more than savvy sensationalism. Suspense, horror and humor are expertly interwoven.
The writing is crisp and clean, providing line after line of snappy dialogue designed to leave the viewer alternately pondering and laughing aloud.
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September 21, 2007:
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