True Romance: An Often Overlooked Classic

To my knowledge, True Romance (released in 1993), is the first screen play Quintin Tarantino sold. He didn't direct the film or even visit the set. Directed by Tony Scott, starring Christian Slater, Patricia Arquette, Michael Rapaport, and featuring actors like Val Kilmer, Gary Oldman, Dennis Hopper, Brad Pitt, Christopher Walken, Samuel L. Jackson and other memorables, this is a fun, powerful film.

My recent reviews have been terribly negative, so I thought I would post an article about something I believe to be one of those forgotten classics. A classic that I think should inform the writing choices of many a screen writer, director and performer.

When I first rented this film shortly after its initial release I was beyond surprised. The dialogue didn't just pop, it exploded. The performances weren't convincing, they were downright incredible. The plot wasn't just interesting or funny, it was quirky, entertaining and balanced. To this day there truly is nothing like this movie. Of all of the films Tarantino had a hand in, this is my favorite, which figures since he only wrote the screen play. To me, Pulp Fiction is a close second and another classic worthy of consideration.

Quintin Tarantino's incredible enthusiasm and in your face dialogue is balanced by Tony Scott's directing prowess and with the support of incredible actors this film takes the viewer on a journey though gun fights, fist fights, drug dens, as well as other events and places you might find surprising. I honestly think this film would have a higher status as a classic if the title were different, but on that point the title is perfect. Regardless of the body count, the seedy locations and characters this movie is still about two people in love. The pair are quirky, fun, and colourful, a better duo I've rarely seen. It's a good love story about a fellow who works in a comic book store and meets a very interesting woman on his birthday. The couple try to make things better for themselves while staying together and navigating unfamiliar territory.

The dialogue is incredible, far beyond what you'd see in any typical movie filled with convincing colour and perfect conversation.

I suggest this to anyone who enjoys a good action flick with a real plot and heart. I've also suckered many ladies who were looking for a "chick flick" into watching this, and invariably they find themselves liking it, but then, I typically date ladies who are at least half as nerdy or strange as I am.

RL

See? I don't hate everything...

Somacow: The Spinward Fringe Resurrection Review

Geoff took the time to review Spinward Fringe Resurrection, the first book of that series. He and the other fellows at the Somacow Radio show (J and Ross), have already reviewed the First Light Chronicles series (Freeground, Limbo and Starfree Port), and did a good, entertaining job of it.

With the Spinward Fringe series going strong, I'm glad to see that the guys are interested and that Geoff is continuing with the reviews. Apparently, Geoff is very happy to continue them as well, give it a listen!

For the rest of the reviews you can check the links on the right (under Reviews and Interviews) and for more SomaCow as well as other radio shows on the network visit www.somacow.net To hear their show live, report to Ustream and do a search for Somacow between 1pm and 4pm on Saturdays. I'll invariably be in the chatroom unless I'm on a golden writing streak.

RL

Spinward Fringe Triton: Now We Wait

What's with the title you ask? Well, I've finished my editorial pass on the newest book and all of you get to wait on my Editors final word.

Anyone who has read the First Light Chronicles and Spinward Fringe thus far know that I'm the master of answering a (plot) question with another question. That's how I do things in general, give you just enough to feel informed while you follow the characters along on a journey that could take you anywhere. In the end there's always a payoff, however.

Triton is different. The location is different, the story is vastly different, even the main characters we follow around are dealing with things that they've never faced before. I've taken great risks in the telling. The major risks involve answers that don't pose questions. Many of the answers to long running plot lines (even going as far back as the First Light Chronicles), are final and satisfying, or at least that's my intention. My Editor will tell me whether I've accomplished my goals and told a good story.

Triton ties up a number of important plot lines because it's time to move on to the bigger story that's been developing in the background ever since the first page of Starfree Port. In Spinward Fringe Broadcast 4 (I can't tell you it's proper name until my Editor has signed off on Triton), the big picture story comes into play and I can't wait to tell it.

Triton is a much more serious book than anything that's come before, and now that I look back on the story I've told I can honestly say I'm proud of the work.

So, like I said before, we get to wait a few days while my Editor makes her educated, well read assessment of the book. Here's hoping I've done my job exceptionally well.

RL

[While you're waiting you could always check out Fate Cycle Dead of Winter or Fate Cycle Sins of the Past if you're looking for a more epic style of fantasy. They're both available at a reduced price on Mobipocket.com]