A hilarious heist comedy with heart, Stealing Pulp Fiction blends offbeat humor and movie love with a stellar cast and retro visuals.
Writer & Director: Danny Turkiewicz
Genre: Comedy
Run Time: 78′
U.S. Release: June 27, 2025
U.K. Release: TBA
Where to Watch: In select U.S. theaters and on digital platforms
There’s something oddly charming about a movie so obsessed with another filmmaker that it builds an entire story around them. Stealing Pulp Fiction, the directorial debut of Danny Turkiewicz, walks that fine line between homage and parody. It’s a self-aware, offbeat heist comedy that knows exactly what it is: a film made by cinephiles, for cinephiles. And while it doesn’t always hit the mark, it’s buoyed by an incredibly likable cast, a hilarious script, and a genuine affection for the work it’s referencing.
Two Tarantino fans, Jonathan (Jon Rudnitsky, of Our Little Secret) and Steve (Karan Soni, of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse), devise a wildly absurd plan to steal Quentin Tarantino’s personal 35mm print of Pulp Fiction from his movie theater. Rounding out their crew are Elizabeth (Cazzie David), and hilariously, Jonathan and Steve’s unhinged therapist Dr. Mendelbaum (Jason Alexander, of The Electric State), who somehow becomes the mission’s unlikely brains. Split into five chapters, the movie tracks their increasingly chaotic and misguided journey toward cinematic infamy.
Right from the start, the film strikes a confident tone. The opening scene shows Jonathan and Steve drinking and coming up with business ideas with punny names. Their back and forth banter sets the comedic rhythm and gives us a perfect introduction to the movie’s strongest asset: the chemistry between Rudnitsky and Soni. The two actors bounce off each other effortlessly, capturing the anxious energy of lifelong friends chasing a dream they know is completely ridiculous. Rudnitsky’s wide-eyed optimism pairs beautifully with Soni’s nervous pragmatism, making their scenes together consistently engaging.
The cast as a whole is one of the most enjoyable ensembles of the year so far. Cazzie David brings a dry wit that balances out the chaos which adds a sharp edge to the group dynamic. But it’s Jason Alexander who walks away with the film in his back pocket. As Dr. Mendelbaum, he is a delightfully deranged blend of desperation and wisdom, grounding the absurdity with genuine comedic warmth. Every scene he’s in becomes instantly funnier, often stealing the spotlight without overplaying it.
The visual style also deserves praise. Joshua Allen’s cinematography recalls 1970s American cinema with bold reds, blues, yellows, and oranges splashing across the screen in stylized frames. There’s a grainy texture and rich saturation that feels nostalgic but not derivative. This isn’t just a heist movie; it’s a movie about movies, and the visuals reflect that cinephile love.
The screenplay is just as confident, packed with references to Tarantino’s entire filmography. Whether it’s a needle drop, a line of dialogue, or a scene transition that mimics Kill Bill, Jackie Brown, or Reservoir Dogs, the film wears its influences loudly and proudly. Fortunately, the writing doesn’t rely solely on homage; the jokes land, especially for fans of offbeat, absurdist humor. There’s even a fun self-deprecating streak, with characters occasionally acknowledging how idiotic their plan is.
For all its charm, the movie loses steam in the fourth chapter, the actual heist. Oddly enough, the big moment the entire film has been building toward ends up being the weakest. It’s not badly directed, but it lacks the comedic punch and inventiveness of the chapters that precede it. Pacing slows, tension is undercooked, and the group’s dynamic doesn’t evolve in any meaningful way. It feels more like an obligation than a payoff. It feels very underwhelming, as if the scene itself was supposed to be bigger but director Danny Turkiewicz didn’t have the resources to pull it off.
And then there’s the ending. After such a bold and funny setup, the conclusion fizzles. Without spoiling anything, it feels like the film didn’t quite know how to stick the landing. Instead of a satisfying resolution or a clever twist, we get something serviceable but underwhelming, especially considering the energy that precedes it.
Still, even with a few rough patches, Stealing Pulp Fiction is a worthwhile ride. It’s fun, clever, visually rich, and packed with a cast that seems to be having the time of their lives. It’s not quite Tarantino-level brilliance, but for a debut comedy about stealing a film, it has more than enough heart and humor to leave a lasting impression.
Stealing Pulp Fiction: Movie Plot & Recap
Synopsis:
Three friends plan to steal Tarantino’s personal 35mm print of Pulp Fiction, with help from their wild therapist.
Pros:
- Stellar cast chemistry
- Vibrant 70s-inspired cinematography
- Genuinely funny, offbeat script
Cons:
- Its weakest chapter is the actual heist
- Underwhelming ending
Stealing Pulp Fiction will be released in select U.S. theaters and on digital platforms on June 27, 2025.
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