The Hawk briefing is praised for revealing Snake’s decorated military past and criminal sentence through an absurd rescue proposition and clipped sarcasm. — Bill Simmons
Lee Van Cleef’s earring and severe presentation deepen Hawk’s villainous authority.
Snake landing a one-seat glider on the World Trade Center is praised despite questions about how the president would have escaped with him. — Bill Simmons
The first Duke sighting, chandelier Cadillac, stolen car, and run down Broadway form another favored action passage. — Bill Simmons
The Duke firing repeatedly around the president while forcing his slogan is singled out as an absurd high point. — Bill Simmons
Romero’s finger-delivery countdown establishes how strange prison society has become. — Bill Simmons
The gladiator match is selected for its unexplained entrance, Ox Baker reveal, nail-studded bats, live music, and cross-cut rescue attempt. — Bill Simmons
The bridge escape and president killing the Duke complete a favored finale sequence. — Bill Simmons
The map-like opening that raises the prison walls wins another ballot for producing immediate physical excitement.
The sewer attack and Chock Full o’ Nuts abduction are praised for making every surface in Manhattan feel dangerous. — Chris Ryan
1969 Hollywood recreation; music and constant soundtrack; Rick Dalton's house; Brandy the dog; Playboy Mansion; extended cast; the title's misdirection; three-day structure
Rick Dalton's house was for sale and was looked at on Zillow, leading to jokes about moving The Ringer into the Boogie Nights house.
Brandy the dog has aged the best, with a proposed Oscar for best performance by a pet and an Aaron Sorkin War Horse joke. — Bill Simmons
The recreation of 1969 Hollywood is praised, including reconstructed neon signage on Sunset and Hollywood Boulevard, production design and costumes. — Bill Simmons
A story told by Tarantino to a host: scouting Lee Van Cleef's house, he found a giant painting of Van Cleef in the garage, which inspired Rick's portrait in the driveway. — Sean Fennessey
Rick's story of almost getting the McQueen movie and the accumulated fictional works of Rick Dalton are inventive; Tarantino has plotted Rick's 1970s in an interview with Kim Morgan.
The real Playboy Mansion, Polanski dressed like Austin Powers, and two-floor 1960s airplanes with cigarettes are enjoyed. — Bill Simmons
Asked whether he has ever danced on an airplane, the answer is every time he flies. — Bill Simmons
El Coyote has not changed, but its food has not aged the best. — Bill Simmons
The extended cast is a strength, including Madsen, Luke Perry, Pacino, Kurt Russell, Emil Hirsch and Oliphant, with Manson family members played by daughters of famous people.
The title's trick sets the viewer up for nobody dying; on first viewing everyone was expected to be murdered.
The constant radio and TV in the background is relatable; Tarantino is said to have listened to about 16 hours of KHJ broadcasts. The three-day structure is also praised. — Chris Ryan
The closing picks are how the film recreated 1969 Hollywood, and the music and constant soundtrack. — Bill Simmons
