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Pulp Fiction (1994): The Critics

'Tarantino weaves a patchwork of crime film history into something shiny and new. Peppered with great moments eaten up by actors working at the top of their game (Travolta, Willis and Thurman have never been better, and the film created the aura of greatness that currently surrounds Jackson) Pulp's witty writing, pop culture-surfing, gleeful amorality, cult tuneology and hyperkinetic energy has redefined the crime genre for the foreseeable future.'

Ian Freer, Empire

'There's a special kick that comes from watching something this thrillingly alive. Pauline Kael calls it "getting drunk on movies." Whatever you call it, Pulp Fiction is indisputably great.'

Rolling Stone

'With this film, every layer that you peel away leads to something deeper and richer. Tarantino makes pictures for movie-lovers, and Pulp Fiction is a near-masterpiece.'

 James Berardinelli, ReelViews

'The characters in ``Pulp Fiction'' are always talking, and always interesting, funny, scary or audacious. This movie would work as an audio book. Imagine having to listen to `The Mummy Returns.' 

 Robert Ebert

'Director and co-writer Quentin Tarantino is courteous enough to credit the viewer with some intelligence.' Almar Haflidason, BBC

'Some may feel that the film sags in spots due to the director's tendency to try to stretch conceits as far as he can, but Tarantino should be commended for daring to explore the limits of his material, winding up on his feet and beating the sophomore jinx in the process.'

Todd McCarthy, Variety

 'What writer/director Tarantino lacks, as yet, is the maturity to invest his work with anything that might provoke a heartfelt emotional response to his characters. Very entertaining, none the less.'

 Geoff Andrew, Time Out

'Meanwhile, however, what's most bothersome about Pulp Fiction is its success. This is not to be mean-spirited about Tarantino himself; may he harvest all the available millions. But the way that this picture has been so widely ravened up and drooled over verges on the disgusting. Pulp Fiction nourishes, abets, cultural slumming.'

Stanley Kauffmann, New Republic

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