From Dusk Till Dawn

From Dusk Till Dawn is a very controversial film, where it is possible to understand a wide range of ratings from movie fans. On one hand, there is the traditional Quentin Tarantino style combining elements of extreme violence, eroticism, and classic horror with a strongly comedic exaggeration and necessary catchphrases, additionally supported by the participation of well-known and top actors. On the other hand, the screenplay is openly not among the best that have been written in this genre. Moreover, the pace of the story is quite uneven. Overall impression: 60%. In some moments, Robert Rodriguez explicitly wastes traditional horror props and begins to bore. (2008-04-05)

The first half-hour is brilliant! The stifling karma surrounding Tarantino’s psychopathic killer could be cut with a knife and the dusty desert setting adds to the film’s bleak atmosphere. You can feel bad things coming. But from the moment the vampires take the stage, Robert Rodriguez fails where Peter Jackson (Braindead) is the intrepid king. From Dusk Till Dawn is a prime example of the fact that it takes a special talent to tastefully combine bloody brutality with humor. (2002-04-11)

The first half hour follows the Quentin movie template to the letter. Perfect dialogs and flawless black humor. "If it’s not too much trouble, could I possibly borrow your ice bucket? I promise I’ll bring it right back." The second part is more reminiscent of Rodriguez’s Desperado - fast moving, action and a massacre in the bar. The turning point between these incongruous halves comes in the form of the “devilish dance performed by the gorgeous and wonderful Salma Hayek (Quentin just has a knack at arranging these things ;-). Maybe it is this incongruousness of the two halves that stopped me from giving this movie a full five stars. Although I found this difference less disruptive when watching for a second time. Maybe third time round I will work up to five stars. Cheech Marin is certainly worth a mention for playing three roles in this one movie: the border guard, the MC of the Titty Twister and Carlos. (2006-07-09)

From Dusk Till Dawn remains a great film even after all these years, sharp as a razor yet incredibly entertaining. Plus, it has actors you know and love. Clooney can still surprise given his current roles, while the lovely Salma Hayek effortlessly enters your nighttime fantasies. This is a cult classic, and I almost wish the Rodriguez/Tarantino duo would join forces again and make something in this spirit. (2015-04-09)

One of the biggest excesses of the 1990s. A blend of low-level gangster flick and vampire horror in an original cheapshit trash package, the kind the duo Rodriguez-Tarantino knows how to create like no one else in the world. Praise also goes to the brilliant prop in the form of a dancing Salma Hayek. (2014-02-09)