By Jared Curtis jared@dmcityview.com
‘Shoot The Hero’
Directed by Christian Sesma
Rated R, 82 minutes
Some of “Shoot The Hero” works; some of it doesn’t. But, I was entertained enough to stick with it through the slower parts. Nate (Jason Mewes) and Kate (Samantha Lockwood), a bickering couple, stop at a jewelry store to look at rings. A gang of thieves (including Nick Turturro) tries to knock off the store but fails after fighting with each other. As Nate and Kate escape, they grab a bag and soon the thieves are after them. The couple crosses paths with two brothers (Nic Nac, Mike Hatton), and all of them end up at the lair of mob boss Crazy Joe (Danny Trejo) in a wild shootout over the bag. Although “Shoot The Hero” owes much to Quentin Tarantino (especially “Pulp Fiction”), it made me chuckle a few times, and I enjoyed seeing Mewes in a smart role instead of playing a stoner. It’s not a perfect film, but it’s worth a rental. CV
‘Reservoir Dogs’
Directed by Quentin Tarantino
1992, Rated R, 99 minutes
If we’re talking about jewel heist films, then “Reservoir Dogs” should be at the top of the list. The debut film from Quentin Tarantino follows a group of bank robbers who botch a jewelry store heist. The film is filled with an all-star cast including Harvey Keitel, Steve Buscemi, Michael Madson, Tim Roth, Edward Bunker, Chris Penn and Lawrence Tierney. “Reservoir Dogs” is also the film where Tarantino displayed his love for unorthodox editing, throwing audiences into chaotic scenes out of context. There are so many memorable scenes including Mr. Blond (Madsen) torturing a police hostage (“Torture you? That’s a good idea.”), to the opening scene of them eating breakfast in a diner discussing the meaning behind Madonna’s “Like A Virgin” and policies on tipping. “Reservoir Dogs” is a truly unique film. If you haven’t seen it, seek it out immediately. CV
