“Stealing Pulp Fiction” follows friends who team up to plot a heist to steal Quentin Tarantino’s personal 35mm print of “Pulp Fiction” from his movie theatre.
What a premise. The title alone is enough to draw attention. Unfortunately, “Stealing Pulp Fiction” doesn’t quite earn it.
Not Exactly a Cinephile’s Dream
Rather than serving as a love letter to cinema or “Pulp Fiction” itself, the film pushes its central concept to the background. While the plot centers on stealing the beloved reel, the surrounding lore and setup feel middling and uninspired.
That lack of follow-through makes for a frustrating viewing experience, with so much potential left unrealized.
A Strong Cast Stuck in Shallow Roles
The film features a lineup of over-the-top characters brought to life by Jon Rudnitsky (Jonathan), Karan Soni (Steve), Cazzie David (Elizabeth) and Jason Alexander (Dr. Mendelbaum). Their performances bring energy to roles that don’t offer much depth.
Much of the 77-minute runtime focuses on the characters’ relationships and personal arcs. While this approach sometimes lands, the short runtime leaves little room for development or payoff.
Style Over Story
“Stealing Pulp Fiction” doesn’t take itself too seriously, which helps the audience settle in. The low stakes and movie-nerd humor earn a few chuckles. But with such a unique setup, it feels like the film should have gone further than a mostly generic ride.
The script is the movie’s biggest frustration. The early setup gives the characters solid motivation, but that momentum is quickly ditched in favor of a cliché love story and meandering plot. Without a clear focus, there’s little payoff.
That said, the film does succeed technically. Its use of score and sharp editing keeps things moving, and a few well-timed cuts help elevate key scenes.
When only 20 minutes of “Stealing Pulp Fiction” actually focus on stealing “Pulp Fiction,” there’s a fundamental problem. With a concept tailor-made for cinephiles, the film should have been a surefire cult hit. Instead, it ends up instantly forgettable.
Rating: 2 out of 5
