I'm sorry, kids, but it’s high time that we oust Quentin Tarantino as America’s number one maverick filmmaker.
Whoa! Whoa there, partner! Now don’t go pullin' yer fists out of yer pockets just yet. And don’t you dare get me wrong, either. Hear me out first. QT had his fun: he made us laugh and cry about life and death (particularly death). He even managed to throw a little love into the fray – just to make us feel really awkward from time to time. But, honestly, the whole thing has grown rather wearisome.
Sure, Tarantino’s works (especially his earlier ones) are still the subject of praise by many folks (mainly college-aged kids who weren’t old enough to see them the first time ‘round). Whether it be Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, or that one with Pam Grier, I simply cannot sit through any of them anymore.
As for his “newer” films (those made in this century)…yeah, they’re still good…but not as good as anything that Quentin’s pal and fellow unconventional moviemaker, Robert Rodriguez, has ever made. Just take a look at either the Red Band (read: NSFW) trailer or the slightly more SFW Green Band Trailer (below) for Rodriguez’ latest jump-up-and-down-in-your-seat-like-an-ADD-kid-on-crack ode to the glorious days of exploitation gone by, Machete, and see for yourself.
What started out as a “joke” trailer for the 2007 Rodriguez/Tarantino collaboration Grindhouse (which finally hits home video in its original theatrical presentation in the US October 5) has become what promises to be the über-bloody, bad-ass, huevos-to-the-wall movie of 2010 (the fact that it premieres the day after my birthday has absolutely no bearing on my claim whatsoever).
So, what makes Tarantino back-burner material now? Well, just in case the trailer doesn’t load or you simply don’t “get it,” it’s obvious that Rodriguez knows how to enjoy himself whilst manufacturing a moving picture. He doesn’t waste his time writing the most poetic and drawn-out conversations in multiple languages. Instead, he deliberately forces his actors to say the most ridiculous dialogue with the straightest face they can muster.
Article comments
1 - Jordan Richardson
not as good as anything that Quentin’s pal and fellow unconventional moviemaker, Robert Rodriguez, has ever made
So to you, the Spy Kids series is better than Inglourious Basterds? Yikes.
2 - El Bicho
"while we wait to see if Kill Bill, Vol. 3 comes to fruition or not"
"we" ain't waiting for it
3 - Casey
Oh good Lord, a trailer is not a movie. In Grindhouse QT's movie was 100% better RR's. Plus RR gave his kids sky names. I can watch all of QT's movies multiple times. I dare you to watch Shark Boy and Lave Girl.
4 - Chris
Like allot of people, I like both, but it would be tough to come up with a fact-based argument that Rodriguez is better. I'm sorry there weren't enough tits in Inglourious Basterds for you, but maybe you should pay attention to how good the movie was, then jerk off later.
5 - Andrew Buckley
Hhahaha MAJOR FAILZORS.
Compairng Rodriguez to Tarantino is like comparing Wesley Willis to John Lenon.
6 - hoggboss
Wow...this is the worst article ever. Not because it is an opinion against QT...but because the writer like Spk Kids over Inglorious Basterds. If thats how you feel...then...duh! QT isnt for you...his dialouge is too smart.
7 - hoggboss
ps..if you watch movies for nudity...rent the crap called American Pie...is this guy serious?
8 - Tyler
holy shit you saying you don't like Quentin because he doesn't put nudity in his movies? If that's your problem go down to your local adult movie theater. While i do love QT and RR together i like QT slightly better because his movies are more quality over quantity.
RR - Sixteen movies since he started filmaking
QT - eight movies since he started
Not saying hes better because he does less movies, but maybe Robert would be better if he gave himself some breaks
9 - bobby
machete sucked. i hate the tone to all of robert's films. even sin city has robert's obvious feel to it. tarantino has more talent in his pinkey than robert has in his whole body.