Pulp

MGM/Fox's DVD of Pulp is perfectly preserved, with every sunny exterior glowing in its proper hue. George Martin's music score is pleasant but doesn't add much to the film's shaky mood. ... Full Review

Though the film tries to keep up with some fetid cinematography (shot on what must be the worst high-contrast film stock in the history of the medium), the movie is too self-satisfied in its feigned world-weariness and often sexist in its delivery. This eminently serviceably plot is let down completely by the too-talkative script, which not only perpetrates some spectacularly bad jokes but is also nearly wall-to-wall voiceover. ... Full Review

On the way to a private island, Mickey learns about his employer, Preston Gilbert (Mickey Rooney, in a sensational performance), an aging ex-movie star with real-life ties to the Mafia. After a week of non-stop talking to Mickey about his life, Preston invites Mickey to an after-book party, where Preston, after performing a particularly humiliating shtick where he embarrasses a couple dining nearby, is gunned down by the miraculously alive Miller, disguised as a priest. ... Full Review

It is insightful, full of a deep love and understanding noir, but at its best, Pulp is downright funny, and its cutting one-liners mark a strong screenplay. Caine's voice-over is constant over the whole filma trademark from early, hardboiled noirbut it's frequently at odds with the action on the screen, like when he heroically details how he shakes off a bullet to the leg, while King takes one look at the blood and passes out. ... Full Review

As always, Caine brings his unflappable wit to the role, making the most of his repertoire of deadpan expressions. I'll bet you anything Cagney was offered this borderline psychedelic script and turned it down flat. ... Full Review