How cool can a mere movie be? A perfect cast and great script, based on a hilariously witty best seller, are key elements. When you add a talented director and let the magic of Hollywood take over, the result is Get Shorty.

| Oct 25, 2019

Like the Elmore Leonard novel it adapts, Get Shorty is fast, very funny, minorly caustic, and about as consequential and lasting as the movies Chili himself tries to green-light.

| Oct 25, 2019

It's terrifically entertaining.

| Jan 5, 2018

| Original Score: B | Sep 7, 2011

Hollywood has been in love with mobsters since the beginning of movies. But the other side of the equation has seldom been considered. That is, until now.

| May 7, 2008

A drolly offbeat look at Hollywood mores dedicated to the proposition that the best preparation for becoming a film producer is a stint in the criminal underworld.

| May 7, 2008

An entertaining comedy-thriller adapted by Scott Frank from the Elmore Leonard best-seller and directed with bounce (if not much nuance) by Barry Sonnenfeld.

| May 7, 2008

Everything clicks.

| Jun 24, 2006

It's part of the joke here that Chili is a die-hard cineaste and loves reminiscing about smart, stylish tough-guy films he has enjoyed. Get Shorty belongs on that list.

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5 | May 20, 2003

It's Travolta -- smooth, commanding, handsome as ever, a cool, rhythmic bop in his walk -- who owns the film.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Jun 18, 2002

The result is one of the best movies of the year and by far the most entertaining.

Full Review | Original Score: 4.5/5 | May 12, 2001

In the category of amiable diversions it's awfully tough to improve on.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Feb 13, 2001

Irresistibly charming.

| Original Score: 4.5/5 | Jan 1, 2000

One thing is certain: Danny DeVito's production company Jersey Films is turning into a major industry force.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Jan 1, 2000

Full Review | Original Score: 4/4 | Jan 1, 2000

One of the pleasures of Get Shorty is watching the way the plot moves effortlessly from crime to the movies - not a long distance, since both industries are based on fear, greed, creativity and intimidation.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Jan 1, 2000

This comic potboiler about gangsters in Hollywood would be a great piece of fun even without Travolta. But as a loan shark from Miami with a charming bedside manner and bigtime movie dreams, he raises the fun quotient into the sublime.

| Original Score: 4.5/5 | Jan 1, 2000

By turns satirically glamorous and seedily dark.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Jan 1, 2000

Minor, but amusingly droll.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Jan 1, 2000

| Original Score: B | Oct 20, 1995