I love this movie , but I am returning this DVD for refund because it is a fake widescreen! All they did was cut off the top and bottom of a 4/3 image all the way... I can't stand false advertising!

I even liked this more than "Pulp Fiction" which was quite good.
Strange and funny creation-plus the music is perfect!
Overall a great ride of a film.
Some of the best "character" actors of recent times are in this.
Just a blast to watch!--Dave K

I tried to watch this stinker as a means to relax after a long day. After ten minutes I realized the movie was making me very tense as I was forced to grit my mind against it. The movie takes obviousness to new levels. There are developments which are completely implausible, characters which are completely unlikeable... I could go on, but why? The movie comes off as a bunch of actors trying to seem like mobsters. And Rene Russo trying to seem hardboiled, saying things like, "I know whatta vig is." and scowling like she's from the bad part of Beverly Hills. The movie insults your intelligence at every turn, causing you to become cretinized by the act of colluding in it by watching. This is how a movie like this damages your mind: just to keep watching, you have to relinquish so much discernment that you end up a basket case. For example, one of the first scenes, which was supposed to be in Miami, is CLEARLY filmed in Santa Monica, with the Esplanade as background. I guess we should thank the filmmakers for cutting corners... only somehow all this money saved didn't affect the ticket prices. Strange.

Too bad there were so many great actors in this movie. I watched it because I thought it was a comedy, which it was not. I can't say it was a black comedy either. Great cast, good acting, but the idea of the movie and the end product just doesn't make it. Watching the movie was a waste of time.

This is a great movie, very very funyn, it makes you love and hate Mr Palmer al the way through the movie, too bad the sequel was a carbon copy of it. The dvd is all about the movie, no extra features, but a great price

Hilariously clever plot which glides from gangsters to Hollywood. Dennis Farina is a standout in a perfectly casted film.

This movie was well thought out and is not one of those movies wear an actor uses a catch-phrase that he did in 10 other movies.However, the sequel (Be Cool), basicly re-hashes the same jokes in this movie, with a similar storyline.

Travolta did a great job portraying a mafia guy who decides he wants to produce movies instead. For the most part, he was believable and humorous. He was always chivalrous and seemed to make friends with everyone, and one step ahead of everyone else.

The plot line was fine, and the movie was paced well. At times though, it got a little "cute" in how the script that they were trying to produce mirrored the actual movie itself. I did get tired of the language and violence, even knowing it was an R movie. In places it seemed like an actors reunion with all the stars that popped in. The ending wasn't spectacular, but it did give closure on most of the loose ends. Not a terrible movie, but not a blockbuster either.

Word's can hardly desribe the genius film. It is without a doubt the peak of mystery, romance, action and pure cinematic brilliance!
The fantastic screenplay perfectly shows how equally amazing Elmore Leanord's book is to the movie. It is also, by far, John Travolta's best role ever, and without him the movie would be nothing. This film is perfect for everyone, the alluring plot, amazing acting, entertaining screenplay.
It is truly, a gem.

Barry Sonnenfeld helmed this, the best adaptation of any Elmore Leonard work to-date. The film is fast and funny, as it lampoons goombahs and La-La land with equal abandon. Players are all in top form, with Dennis Farina a stand-out as a disgruntled mobster who gets on Chili's bad side. Look for a pre-Sopranos James Gandolfini as a hapless bodyguard.

Muy buen elenco, particularmente la pelicula me gusto mucho, pero es un tipo de humor que no a todos les gusta.

John Travolta's role as Vincent Vega in "Pulp Fiction" would launch not only a major comeback in his movie career - but would also start a streak of money-making and well-received movies that he would star in. One of the first movies in that streak that would follow-up "Pulp Fiction" would be "Get Shorty". In "Get Shorty", Travolta stars as Chili Palmer - a collector for a Miami loan-shark who aspires to get into the movie business. This role seemed tailor-made for Travolta. It brings a solid cast to carry out the storyline - and they succeed in doing so. While "Get Shorty" will entertain you and still is a good movie, ultimately I still find some weaknesses with the movie as a whole.

John Travolta's career has ultimately been defined by the characters he has portrayed. One thing that probably hurt John Travolta's movie career is he has sometimes been put into some real "lemon" type of roles. This was seen throughout the 1980s. A prime example of this was Travolta playing "Rolling Stone" magazine reporter Adam Lawrence in 1985's "Perfect" - bad movie and a bad match of a role for Travolta. At the same time, the better Travolta matches up with the character - the better the movie is. Travolta's performances as "Saturday Night Fever"'ss Tony Manero and "Grease"'s Danny Zucco are prime examples of how well Travolta matched up with the character. It is completely fair to add "Get Shorty"'s Chili Palmer to the list of characters that Travolta matches up very well to. In fact, this might be one of his best roles.

The story of "Get Shorty" is as follows: Chili Palmer is Miami Loan Shark collector who is a big fan of the movies. When his "Boss" dies, Chili's arch-enemy Ray "Bones" Barboni (played brilliantly by Dennis Farina) becomes his new boss. Ray sends Chili to Las Vegas to collect on a debt. While collecting on the debt, Chili learns of another person who owes money - low-budget movie producer Harry Zimm (played by Gene Hackman). When Chili heads to Los Angeles and meets up with Harry, he becomes intrigued with getting into the movie business. With Harry in-debt, Chili convinces Harry to take him in as a producer for a film is is doing. However life isn't going to be that easy. Harry is also dealing with some loan-shark characters in Los Angeles - most notably one named Bo Catlett (played by Delroy Lindo). It turns out that Bo wants in on the movies as well. Chili will soon team-up with actress Karen Flores (played by Rene Russo) who has worked with Harry. Chili and Karen's job is going to be to convince Karen's ex-husband - big time movie star Martin Weir to be in Harry's movie. Ultimately, the loan-sharking dynamics between Ray, Bo, and Chili are ultimately going to come into play as everyone is going to want to either collect their debts and/or get a fair share of Harry's movie.

One thing that makes Travolta's character Chili Palmer stand out is going to be the flawless and smooth delivery of his dialogue. This has always been a Travolta staple going back to his Vinny Barbarino ("Welcome Back Kotter") and Tony Manero days. This is especially evident as each time when Chili confronts someone he says "Look at me". However there are many one-liners that Chili Palmer will deliver - and help build his character throughout the movie. One of my favorite parts is when Harry introduces Bo to Chili as his "associate". When Bo questions Chili on who he really is, Chili replies in a very smooth manner: "It's what he said, I'm his associate". In addition to the dialogue, Chili Palmer is going to have some great scene presence. This is best seen each time Chili "appears" in someone's room.

There are three other significant performances that stand-out in this movie. Gene Hackman does a very nice job playing the low-budget filmmaker Harry Zimm. Hackman might be one of the most busy and versatile actors in the business. He does a lot of movies - but also is very adaptable to any-type of role. Delroy Lindo's portrayal of L.A. mobster Bo Catlett is terrific. Like Travolta, he is flawless at portraying someone who is a a very "smooth" character. Finally, Dennis Farina's portrayal of Miami mobster Ray "Bones" Barboni is also outstanding. Farina plays a very similar-type of character to that of Jimmy Serrano in "Midnight Run". He is going to have a lot of quick one-liners and really is going to be a highlight of the movie. Also worth noting "Sopranos" star James Gandolfini plays "Bear" - a collector for Bo Catlett.

There are also three uncredited performances: Bette Midler plays a girlfriend of Harry Zimm, Penny Marshall has a cameo at the end of the movie as a director, and David Groh (famous from "Rhoda") is going to play Martin Weir's agent.

There are two problems with this movie. While I did find the storyline entertaining, I did find it extremely confusing to keep up with the specific "details" of the story - namely who is who and who did what. Perhaps this traces back to the original Elmore Leonard novel for which this book is based on. I usually prefer my films at a "simpler" level - and I think that would have helped this story. The other problem is that I found the ending to be weak. While I think this movie does a very good job at not "dragging out" the ending, I ultimately found the ending a bit anti-climatic. It was an ultimate let-down to a movie that despite the confusing "details" of the plot, does provide an entertaining edge.

Overall, I think when we look back at John Travolta's career someday - Chili Palmer is going to be one of his best remembered ones. Despite some of the weak points, this is still one movie I'd recommend.

Elmore Leonard books have been around for a while. I haven't indulged because essentially they are genre books, detective, gangster yarns. However, they adapt nicely to film: Jackie Brown, and now Get Shorty.

John Travolta, Gene Hackman, Danny Devito and other Hollywood or gangster types give a modern characterization of sleazy schemers, fast sex, and money. The gangsters are portrayed not unlike Hollywood producers or actors. They are all ruthless and money grubbing. Power and egotism is all that matters. Life is cheap. Yet this is a comedy, a satire. Travolta is playing a parody of his Pulp Fiction character. Danny Devito isn't very convincing as an actor though he is an actor. Get the joke? Here's the problem: it's funny at times, but in the end, nobody cares how cool Travolta is. Nobody is sympathetic. We don't identify with thugs and slime. Call Sam Spade if you want something more.

Barry Sonnefeld's "Get Shorty" was in many people's opinions the best adaption of an Elmore Leonard novel to that point. John Travolta, who had just made his big comeback performance in Quentin Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction" scored another massive hit with his role of Chili Palmer, a Miami lone shark who gets sent to Hollywood to muscle a B-movie producer but ends up getting swept in by the business. Along for the ride is an all-star cast including Gene Hackman, Rene Russo, Danny DeVito, Delroy Lindo, Dennis Farina, and James Gandolfini. "Get Shorty" is a fun, hip good time. The DVD special edition includes a deleted sequence involving Ben Stiller, an audio commentary, and a number of extra featurettes.

It takes a loan shark leading the way to make Hollywood honest. "Get Shorty" returns in a new 2 disc "Collector's Edition" DVD just in time for the sequel "Too Cool" which will be premiering in theaters in March. Translating Elmore Leonard's novels to the screen can be a tricky business luckily both screenwriter Scott Frank and director Barry Sonnenfeld are both up to the task with an inventive dark comedic film. Chili Palmer (John Travolta) heads west to collect a debt from down-and-out B-movie producer Harry Zimm (Gene Hackman). When Harry can't pay, Chili opts to help him make a movie about, well, Chili Palmer. The catch is that Chili and Harry need a star to make their movie viable. Chili quickly finds that the film business shares a lot in common with the world of organized crime. Chili romances B-Movie queen Karen Flores (Rene Russo) an ex- of Harry's and persuades film star Martin Weir (Danny DeVito) to star in the film but not before running into a Cadillac of very funny mishaps along the way. Featuring a great performances from Dennis Farina as the clueless Ray `Bones' Barboni, Travolta, Hackman, Russo, DeVito and a pre-Sopranos James Gandolfini, "Get Shorty" positively sparkles with wit and energy.

Sporting a new high definition transfer "Get Shorty" looks simply marvelous. With a sharp looking transfer showing a minimum of digital artifacts and no analog flaws, "Get Shorty" deserves the deluxe treatment. The image has amazing depth and an image sharper than Chili's aim. The colors practically leap out from the screen brighter than Harry Zimm's blindingly white teeth from the moment the pink and blue titles pop up on the screen until the moment we hear "cut" at the end. With blacks richer and darker than Chili's stolen coat, MGM has done a superb job of translating this modern classic to DVD. The crystal clear sound comes across with more presence than B-Movie queen Karen Flores' screams.

Extras are exceptionally good in this "Special Edition". It's like having seconds of a terrific desert; while no one really needs it, it's great to have just the same. We get a number of notable extras as part of this rich meal. The second disc has three featurettes on different aspects of the film, the deleted "Graveyard Scene", outtakes, the "Get Shorty" party reel, a documentary from Bravo Channel on the making of the movie and a sneak peak at "Be Cool". "Get Shorty: Look at Me" opens the book on how Elmore Leonard came up with the plot for "Get Shorty" and developed the idea. DeVito, Travolta, Hackman, Russo, Sonnenfeld and other key cast and crew participate in this featurette on the production of the film. Full of clips from the movie to illustrate the points made throughout the featurette, it's a great summation of the greatness of this film. It's a 30 minute love fest reminding fans why they love this movie so much. The 20 minute "Get Shorty: Wise Guys and Dolls" focuses on the fun, complex characters of the movie. "The Graveyard Scene" featurette allows Sonnenfeld to comment on the single deleted scene of the movie included the hilarious, well, graveyard scene. Featuring a funny cameo with Ben Stiller, Sonnenfeld clearly regretted cutting the scene but Sonnenfeld couldn't find a place for sequence where it fit. The behind-the-scenes stuff and interviews last longer than the actual scene itself. "Going Again" features footage from outtakes and a discussion from Sonnenfeld about the technique of using long takes, pulling out the best bits and putting it together to make magic. The sneak peak for "Be Cool" promises that the sequel to "Get Shorty" promises to be as funny as the first film. Set in the music business, it may not be more than a promo piece for the film but it gives viewers enough of a taste to rope `em in.

Bravo's "Page to Screen" documentary featuring Peter Gallagher features plenty of interviews with critics, other writers and focuses as much on how Elmore Leonard comes up with the material in his books, writes them and, once again, takes us behind-the-scenes of the production of the movie. The real treat is hearing from the real Chili Palmer discussing the "reel" Chili Palmer and Leonard's character. The "Party Reel" mainly consists of bits and piece of cut footage and behind-the-scenes stuff nothing earth shattering or all that funny. In addition to the "Get Shorty" theatrical trailer and we get two promos one for "Fargo" and one for "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly". My only complaint is the MGM "promo" opener that they put on ALL of their DVDs. It's annoying and, unfortunately, there's no way to pass it by. It's a pretty minor issue but the fact that it's on all of their DVDs makes it a real pain.

A dry, witty commentary by Barry Sonnenfeld highlights this disc. The only drawback is the lack of participation of Travolta, Hackman, Russo and DeVito. I realize they have busy schedules but it would have been a real highlight and perfect addition to this DVD.

A hip, funny comedy that continues to deliver in spades, "Get Shorty" looks terrific, sounds great and has some terrific special features. This is an example of a re-release that's worth upgrading. Definitely worth owing on DVD and purchasing a second time if you love the movie. This IS the version to own.

After winning one or more Oscars for his role in 1994's PULP FICTION,John Travolta's film career was refilled with "high Travoltage". Following PF,Travolta relentlessly made at least one film year after year. This film was his first post-PF one. ADDAMS FAMILY director Barry Sonnenfeld had a great cast in this film which includes Gene Hackman,Danny DeVito,Rene Russo and Dennis Farina. In one scene,Ernest "Chili" Palmer(Travolta) returns some stolen money to an airport where it was stored. The money was stolen by Leo DeVoe(David Paymer) and was added to his casino winnings($10,000). Chili borrows the money Leo won and promised him he'd later repay it. In one of the first scenes,Ray Barboni(Farina) enters a restaurant where Chili is dining. Ray tells his buddies with him,"It's Chili outside and it's Chili inside. It's a regular f---ing Chilifest!". Hackman is Harry Zimm,a film producer for his own company,Zimm Productions. In another scene,Harry tells Ray on the phone,"Harry Zimm tells you the way it is!". Russo is Karen Flores,an actress. Chili befriends Karen in the film. DeVito is Martin "Shorty" Weir,also an actor. Chili was looking for Martin so Martin could appear in one of Harry's future films. Also in the phone conversation between Harry and Ray,Harry tells Ray,"You've never been out of f---ing Miami,dips--t!" after Ray tells Harry that Ray never heard of Harry Zimm(Ray didn't know at the time he was actually talking to Harry). Ray was sitting on the toilet when Harry phoned! Also in the film is Delroy Lindo,whose character is a hitman who assassinates a young Hispanic man named Yayo(Jacob Vargas). Yayo was about to repay money to his uncle Escobar(Miguel Sandoval). Ray leaves Miami for Los Angeles to meet Harry. Harry,napping at his desk,asked who was knocking on his door. "The dips--t who's never been out of Miami!",Ray tells Harry. Harry suggests to Ray he partake in joint ownership of one of Harry's future films,investing some money in it(what Chili owes Ray). Ray was looking for Chili and Leo. Leo died in a plane crash while returning to Miami from Las Vegas. Ray beats up Harry so badly that Harry ends up in a hospital bed. Other memorable scenes include Ray being shot in the nose by Chili. Also physically abusive Ray punches Leo's widow in the face. Paymer had a short role in one of Travolta's earlier films,1985's PERFECT. Hackman won an Oscar for 1971's THE FRENCH CONNECTION. Russo's other films include MR. DESTINY,TIN CUP,OUTBREAK,LETHAL WEAPON 3 and 4 and SHOWTIME. Farina's other films include MIDNIGHT RUN,ANOTHER STAKEOUT,STEALING HARVARD,SNATCH,STRIKING DISTANCE and THAT OLD FEELING. DeVito's other films include THROW MOMMA FROM THE TRAIN,TWINS,JUNIOR,RENAISSANCE MAN and THE WAR OF THE ROSES. After this film,Travolta starred in WHITE MAN'S BURDEN,BROKEN ARROW,ISN'T SHE LOVELY,FACE OFF,A CIVIL ACTION,PRIMARY COLORS,THE GENERAL'S DAUGHTER,SWORDFISH,WINNING NUMBERS,PHENOMENON and MICHAEL. Great film!

This is one of the few movies I own that I can watch again and again. It is definitely one of my all-time favorites.
Get Shorty is smart and funny. A load of great actors and great acting, full of smart humor and a great story. Definitely for a more mature audience and not for people that think such titles as Final Destination are worthy of an Oscar ...

This movie was a waste of money. Only good part was that one guy saying the F word a lot. This movie is dull, boring, and is slow developing. I took this DVD and broke it into pieces after I watched it, I had more fun breaking this DVD than watching it. For anyone who is going to buy this DVD I warn you, it is a retarded movie, and waste of your money.

This is one of the cleverest comedies out there. John Travolta plays a bookie (Chili Palmer) in Miami Beach, FL. He is one of these respected hard nose, no BS type of people that just demands respect wherever he goes. But for a change of pace and a change of heart, not to mention money that is owned to him, he flies out to California. He is searching for a man who took a very large some of money, but in the mean time is caught up in the Hollywood movie making industry. He meets up and makes friends with Gene Hackman, a B movie director always looking for the next big break. Rene Russo plays a B movie washed up actress who is helping Travolta get into the movie industry. Mean while, old friends and enemies follow Travolta to the sunshine state to find out what he is up to and possibly move in on the action. This movie also has Danny DeVito, Dennis Farina, cameo by Penny Marshall, Delroy Lindo, James Gandolfini, and more twists and turns that you can imagine. If you are looking for a really fun comedy with lots of stars then this is the movie to get!

Quentin Tarantino noted that the movie John Travolta did after "Pulp Fiction" was probably more important than "Pulp Fiction" with respect to his comeback in movies. This movie solidified John's popularity with his core audience. The movie is smart, irreverent, funny, satirical and just plain cool. If you watch it, note how the soundtrack is used to compliment the scenes. The score is almost like another actor in each scene. It is brought, forcefully, to the forefront of the scenes to provide color and depth. This rarely works in movies but it is done with considerable skill in "Get Shorty". Another "over the top" application is the product placement of the "Cadillac of Mini-Vans". They made no excuses and wrote the mini-van right into the script.
This is a very well made movie. The actors are wonderful, the homage paid to prior films of it's ilk are subtle, yet, crafted skillfully, and the cinematography and music perfectly compliment the film flow and style.
Okay, it's pretty clear I really like this movie. Nice thing about movies, there are many different movies of all types to satisfy our different tastes. If you like smart, dark comedies then I think you'll love this one. Enjoy!

I don't find it anything amusing about portraying a mafia hit man in a favorable light.

"Get Shorty" is supposed to be a mix between an Elmore Leonard novel (which it is based on), a Quentin Tarantino film, and a funny comedy. Too bad "funny comedy" can't be classified any clearer, because while I found "Get Shorty" amusing, it's nothing great. "Get Shorty" has to be one of the most overrated comedies I've seen in a long time. I expected something extremely clever and witty, and all I got was a funny-yet-average comedy that tries hard to evoke laughs and ends up with a sappy and predictable ending.

John Travolta plays a gangster oozing of self-confidence and charisma. He is a great mob collector, but he's always wanted to get in the Hollywood spot his whole life. So the movie follows him on a quest to make a movie in Hollywood, with the help of film producer Gene Hackman and the romantic interest of the film, Rene Russo. Danny DeVito joins in on the ride as a Hollywood filmmaker, and James Gandolfini plays a big, fierce but loveable hitman.

"Get Shorty" starts off with Travolta making his gangster rounds, and I was waiting to be extremely amused and absorbed in the film. But as it dragged on, I found that the film didn't really seem to go anywhere. It wanders around a lot, being something different than it could have been. I know a lot of people cherish this film, but pardon my ignorance: I don't see the attraction. What exactly is so darn funny about this film? Just because a comedy is dark, violent and slightly controversial doesn't always equal laughs. I try to dissect the thinking process of the filmmakers: violence + darkness + comedy = good movie. Unfortunately, this is how I view it: over-the-top, LOOK AT ME--I'M ORIGINAL-type-violence + wannabe Quentin Tarantino darkness = slightly amusing but all-in-all disappointing comedy. I'm not one to complain about pointless, gratuitous violence in film: I think people go over the top on bashing violent films. But to have violence just for the sake of trying to be original is like making an R-rated porno movie just to get people to wander at how it didn't get rated X. By making people gasp at an element of the film can be good, but not when it is in the way of, "Wow! How did they get away with that?"--it's just being controversial for the sake of being controversial. Making a movie like "Get Shorty" is a way for studio executives to cash in on a film that disguises language for intelligence, violence for fashion and darkness for smarts.

But apart from picking on this film, there are some things to praise it for. For example, the characters are well developed, and there are some great actors in this movie, even though I'm not a fan of Travolta. I just wish there had been a little more thought put into it, other than a bunch of filmmakers sitting down and trying to think of a controversial comedy.

Barry Sonnenfeld (director of "Men in Black") doesn't use the same humor as his previous films here, and I guess he does a fine job of adding a hint of darkness to the tale. But I can't help but wonder if Danny DeVito himself could have done a finer job.

All in all, disappointing, but still worth seeing when you've got the time.

I fear this is one of those comedies that I'll really love the second time around--I'll let you know if I enjoyed it more if I ever see it again.

"Get Shorty " in my opinion is one of the most hilarious send ups of the Hollywood movie industry ever put to film.Director, Barry Sonnenfeld and writer, Elmore Leonard have put their talents together to create a satirical film, which 'takes no prisoners' in its look at the underhanded ways, that folks wheel and deal to get movies made.The film centers on a charismatic mobster (John Travolta), who while on a trip to L.A., decides to switch careers. He wants to make movies!This is not as far fetched as it seems. Apparently being a movie producer isn't that far of a jump from being a loan shark or racketeer! Along the way Chilly meets up with with a schlock movie producer, a scream queen, a L.A. hood and his henchman, another mobster from Miami and finally the 'Shorty' (a self-involved, superstar actor)of the film's title. All of them underestimate Chilly and think he is just a dumb hood, who can be conned out of some major, illegal money waiting in a locker at the L.A. airport. But Chilly seems to know all the right moves and plays everyone at their own game.Writer, Elmore Leonard wrote this fast paced, witty story after experiencing a real life, frustrating job of trying to write a script for vertically challenged actor, Dustin Hoffman... Revenge must be sweet, because it inspired a great piece of comic writing.The cast of actors in this movie is wonderful. Normally, I'm not the biggest John Travolta fan, but his take on mobster, Chilly Palmer is electrifying. Travolta plays the character with a swagger, confindence, and a smile that is sheer perfection! Gene Hackman is also hilarious as the sleaziest of sleazy Hollywood producers. This guy would sell out his own mother if it ment getting a piece of the gross!.Finally, Danny DeVito just makes this movie with his send up of every spoiled rotten, self-indulgent Hollywood actor that could ever come to mind. Kudos should also go for great, comic supporting roles from James Gandolfini and Dennis Farina.For an evening of some very funny Hollywood satire, I recommend you to get..."Get Shorty"!

This is it, ladies and gentlemen, THE film of the mid-90's. Right up there with Pulp Fiction, The Usual uspects, and Fargo, this flick'll have you laughing, gasping, and laughing some more with the brilliant performances and clever screenplay. Based on the Elmore Leonard novel, Barry Sonnenfeld directed this awsome movie with an all-star cast. Keep an eye out for David Paymer and Bette Midler in some short...but great roles. However, Denis Farina steals the show as Bones, a dumb-as-dirt mobster. And, fans of GET SHORTY will be glad to hear that there may be a chance of a sequal. NOT SURE...but Elmore Leonard just finished th follow-up to GET SHORTY, called BE COOL.
GET SHORTY is rated R for seemingly relentless profanity and some violence. (just thought I'd warn you) GET SHORTY IS A TRULY GREAT FILM, AND I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT.

Get Shorty was a very disappointing movie dumped on some good actors. John Travolta, Rene Russo, and Gene Hackman do O.K. with the hopelessly aimless plot they are given. I found this movie a torture to watch. The script is very weak and what plot there is skips back and forth like a hopscotch game. There is no persuasiveness or depth to this movie. If you like well-crafted plots and movies that enable empathy with the characters, avoid this movie!

John Travolta is hands down the most inconsistent leading man in America. For every bomb (Battlefield Earth, and the horrid Urban Cowboy) there's a hit (Pulp Fiction and Michael). Anyone other than he would be doing well to be sitting in the upper left hand corner of Hollywood Squares, yet we always forgive Joh his misfires and we let him rivive his career over and over.

His sparkling performance in Get Shorty is why we are so forgiving. His the wise guy with a heart schtick is never batter in this Elmore Leonard vehicle. The film, which is Barry Sonnenfeld's best work other than Men in Black, is s send up of showbiz, the mob, and showbiz and the mob.

Danny Devito plays what may well have been his last truly funny role, made all the more hilarious because his Brando-esque character takes himself almost as seriously as DeVito takes himself these days. Renee Russo plays her role perfectly as do the rest of the supporting cast.

But this picture belongs to Dennis Farina whose character is brilliant. Farina has more or less made an entire career playing this guy, and it all began with this truly funny movie.

Grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and enjoy this one over and over.

What could be better than this snappy comedy, based on an Elmore Leonard book and with a cast including John Travolta, Gene Hackman, Rene Russo, Danny DeVito, Delroy Lindo, and James Gandolfini? Answer: not much. This is guiltless fun for a Friday night when you want to just hang out with friends and laugh out loud. A classic of the '90s.

Funky Elmore Leonard tale that gets in digs against Hollywood. Hackman has a knack for playing smarmy characters, and Dennis Farina (a former Chicago cop) plays a good heavy.

Undoubtedly a super movie. Filled with many Comedic Moments and Action packed scenes, this movie really kept my interest. John Travolta and Dennis Farina really fed very well off each other. I love the way Travolta handles himself so Matter Of Factly especially when retrieving his leather jacket in the opening moments of the movie. Also Travolta displays his cool when he makes a surpise visit to Gene Hackman and when confronting(Bear) James Galdolphini and (Bo) Delroy Lindo at the restaurant. The airport scenes are entertaining as well.

With a cast like this, you Amazon Readers are strongly advised to check this one out at once.

It really needs more features, but as with most of the MGM line they throw one out there and then realease a special edition a year later; so we'll see.

While the film, Get Shorty, is terrific, this DVD disappoints with its lack of extra features. Where is the running commentary? This movie screams for that type of attention from it's stars, director, star/producer De Vito or even the original story writer Elmore Leonard. Also, there are no outtakes or deleted scenes. There must be some way to take advantage of the DVD format, other than a widescreen choice, to make it worthy of purchasing if one already has the VHS.

How about it MGM Home Video. I'd look for the next release version.

If the Pulp Fiction was too violent for your sophisticated tastes and you still love gangster movies, just go for this one and you will not be disappointed. This movie is another hit in the come-back run of Mr. Travolta, who gives in there one of his very best performances. Danny De Vito as Mr. Martin Weir just shines into the outer space and I guess I do not have to mention the acting qualities of His Highness Mr. Gene Hackman.

...and two straws for Harry here...

The movie is full of great lines and all characters form together a constellation of fun loving "more-or-less criminals and crooks".

Plot is really a masterpiece (thanks to exquisite writing of Mr. Elmore Leonard) and as the movie goes to its end, stay focused to truly enjoy the final arch of its baroque construction.

Editing was done perfectly and the film has a tempo which is as stylisch as the clothes of Mr. Palmer.

Please, notice also the great music which gently underlines the tone and pace of the movie language. The opening credits music is one of the best and it may be compared with the Pulp Fiction opening credits music in its "get ready for a ride, dear viewer" atmosphere.

Generally, this movie has no weaknesses and it is a gem in my collection. I saw it like 15 times and I will give it a lot more play as the life will go on.

Elmore Leonard's scalpel-sharp dialogue is brought to the silver screen in a rare film - one that does the book justice. Sonnenfeld helms an absolutely taut movie complete with stellar performances and memorable set pieces - in short, one you shouldn't miss.

I can watch this movie over and over again. I have to admit the first time I watched it I got a little lost on who was who and what was what, but after seeing several more times this has to be one of the funniest movies. John Travolta is perfect as Chili Palmer. Dennis Farina is perfect as the role of Ray Barbone. It's a wonderful movie and if you pay close enough attention you'll notice that the five main characters (Travolta, Russo, DeVito, Hackman, and Farina) all say the phrase "Look at Me" at least once. I don't know why it isn't called "Look at me". Very entertaining.

I got this movie free when I purchased my DVD player, and now I know why. I cant even give it away. I personally dont know a single person who liked this movie. Dont waste your time or money on this.