QUENTIN TARANTINO FILMS, WORST TO BEST
UMA THURMAN STARS IN TARANTINO’S “KILL BILL, VOL. 1.”
No modern filmmaker is more divisive than Quentin Tarantino. There are those who adore him and obsess over every detail in each film, and there are those who are not reading this piece. The former love ranking his movies (and debating those rankings) ad nauseam, and we’re right there with them. So to honor the release of “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” let’s do just that.
We only considered the nine films he wrote and directed, meaning that, sadly, “True Romance” and (less sadly) “From Dusk Till Dawn” were not eligible. “Death Wish,” as a short, also didn’t make the cut. And while we rank his movies from worst to best, it’s worth noting that the “worst” is still pretty great.
Without further ado, let the arguments begin.
9. “Reservoir Dogs” (1992)
Bruce Springsteen once wrote that hearing the opening snare of Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone” “sounded like somebody kicked open the door to your mind.” No phrase better explains seeing “Reservoir Dogs” for the first time. Several besuited thieves, all code-named Mr. (insert color), sit around a diner. Mr. Pink (Steve Buscemi) starts an argument about tipping servers. These characters didn’t talk like movie characters; they talked just like any group of pop-culture-obsessed friends might, their dialogue peppered with both mainstream and obscure references — only these dudes had a penchant for cutting off ears while dancing to catchy pop tunes. High and low culture lived alongside each other in a way the silver screen had never seen.
Originally conceived and filmed as a single movie, then broken into two roughly two-hour parts, the “Kill Bill” movies can best be described as Tarantino’s id. The director grew up on kung-fu movies and always wanted to make his own grindhouse epic. When he got his chance, he stuffed it with everything he could — including an anime sequence — until it reached its breaking point. But it never bursts. Miramax Films
Of the director’s nine primary films, “The Hateful Eight” had, by far, the worst critical reception. Even positive reviews tended to disparage the sadistic violence laced throughout the story.
The movie takes place about a decade after the Civil War, when eight strangers of wildly different backgrounds and beliefs find themselves stuck in a cabin. Philosophical debates turn violent, and a whodunit slowly emerges from what amounts to a bleakly beautiful stage play. The movie is unabashedly about the story of America — how some wounds never heal, some divisions never mend.
Homage to a 1960s spaghetti Western? Check. Violent revenge fantasy? Check. A controversial grenade lobbed into the “woke” blogosphere? Check.
In the second of Tarantino’s alternate history films, Jamie Foxx’s freed slave Django takes gleeful revenge on those who did him wrong. It’s the best showcase of Tarantino’s ability to shift between popcorn fun and dark, shocking commentary.
4. “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood ” (2019)
Tarantino’s latest film just boasted his biggest opening weekend to date, which isn’t surprising. Tarantino adores movies above all else, and “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” is nothing if not a nostalgic love letter to the very land where it’s set.
In one of his most committed and vulnerable performances, DiCaprio plays semi-washed-up actor Rick Dalton, who happens
Abilities Expo Houston
Event brings necessary products and services together under one roof for the community of people with disabilities, their families, caregivers, seniors and health care professionals. Attendees will have the opportunity to play adaptive sports, learn new dance moves and attend informative workshops.
When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday Where: NRG Center, Hall E, One NRG Park
Details: nrgpark.com
Jurassic Quest
An interactive exhibit featuring realistic, life-size animatronic dinosaurs. When: 3-8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Where: NRG Center, Hall C, One NRG Park
Details: $20-$36; nrgpark.com
Hangar Hang Out
On the first and third Saturday of every month, Houston Wing Commemorative Air Force, Inc. opens its museum and hangar to the public for a chance to view unique artifacts from World War II along with aircraft and engine collections, see historic aircraft — both restored and being restored — and talk to the crews. When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday Where: Houston Wing Commemorative Air Force, Inc., Hangar B-5, West Houston Airport, 18000 Groschke
Details: Free; houstonwing.org
Harry Potter Birthday Bash
Children’s Museum of Houston celebrates the magic of Harry Potter with a Muggles Bash, quidditch, spellbinding show and TUTS acting interactive.
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday Where: Children’s Museum of Houston, 1500 Binz
Details: $12; cmhouston.org
African and Caribbean Food Festival
An African and Caribbean cultural experience with music, dancing and food.
When: 1-9 p.m. Saturday Where: Ayva Center, 9371 Richmond
Details: $10; africancaribbeanfoodfestival.eventbrite.com
Houston Roller Derby
At the fifth match of the regular season, roller derby fans can catch the Psych Ward Sirens, South Side Roller Derby, Valkyries, and Bayou City Bosses in an exciting double-header.
When: 6-10 p.m. Saturday Where: Revention Music Center, 520 Texas
Details: $15-$25; houstonrollerderby.com
Root Beer Float Day
Saint Arnold Brewery will serve up classic root beer floats, as well as adults-only variations, all paired with vanilla ice cream and served in a souvenir cup. Event is free to attend and open to all ages.
When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday Where: 2000 Lyons
Details: saintarnold.com/ root-beer-float-day
Cocktails & Conversations: Food Allergy Day
Learn what happens when food doesn’t do a body good. Experts from Texas Children’s Hospital will debunk myths and provide practical tools for living with food allergies.
Guests will also explore food allergies from around the world. Interactive activities will be provided, including “passport” stamps for kids, food allergy Jenga, how to use an epinephrine auto-injector, signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, a ring toss and activity books.
When: 2-7 p.m. Thursday Where: The Health Museum, 1515 Hermann Drive
Details: $22.95-$24.95; thehealthmuseum.org