Get Shorty (1995)

The critic highlights the film's wise-guy humor inspired by Reservoir Dogs and Travolta's commanding, charismatic lead performance as Chili Palmer. It singles out the engaging Tinseltown satire and Sonnenfeld's stylish visuals for praise, deeming the film likeable, original and a strong Leonard adaptation.

This adaptation explores Hollywood's links to organised crime as Travolta's gangster imports his methods into movie production. The performances are exquisite, with Travolta charming yet menacing, DeVito perfect as an egotistical star, and Hackman delightful.

The film adapts Elmore Leonard's novel closely, capturing its comedy of manners through sharp dialogue and character interplay as a Miami loan shark navigates Hollywood. It is breezy and sophisticated, capitalising on Travolta's low-key charisma with snappy scoring and editing.

This is light, witty comedy in an amoral setting that benefits enormously from Travolta's charming, star-making turn as the cool-headed Chili. The film is an amiable diversion that re-creates Leonard's verbal style without knocking anyone out.

The review hails 'Get Shorty' as a major winner and outstanding adaptation of Elmore Leonard's novel with a perfect cast, great script, and talented director. It singles out the snappy dialogue kept by screenwriter Scott Frank and the brilliant, humorous performances, especially Gene Hackman and Danny DeVito.

The movie succeeds thanks to Travolta's cool, graceful portrayal of the unflappable Chili Palmer, who embodies Leonard's dry comic tone. Sonnenfeld's broad, cartoony direction and heavy-handed gags fail to capture the novel's subtle ironies.

The film is a clever Hollywood satire with an enlightened sense of fun and a terrific ensemble cast. Travolta delivers a suave, unflappable performance as the no-baloney hero Chili Palmer that anchors the irreverent comedy.

The adaptation is good sly fun with a dazzling Travolta performance and strong supporting cast that captures the quirky literary quality of Leonard's novel. Sonnenfeld establishes a distinctive tone but the action stays on the same plane without dramatic highs.

The critic calls Get Shorty the best Elmore Leonard adaptation and one of the best crime comedies ever made. They single out the incredible ensemble cast, particularly the supporting performances by Dennis Farina, Gene Hackman, Delroy Lindo, James Gandolfini, and Danny DeVito, for praise.

The critic praises the film's great story, cast, and talent, highlighting Travolta's cool delivery and strong supporting turns from Hackman, Russo, and DeVito as standout elements that make it worth owning. Minor notes include dated music and occasionally transparent Hollywood satire.