From Dusk Till Dawn MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +2 1/2 Content: -3 1/2

Richie Gecko (Quentin Tarantino), a convicted, violent sex offender, helps his brother Seth (George Clooney), a bank robber, escape jail. Together they head for Mexico to a safe haven. At a motel, Richie kills their female hostage. They replace her with Jacob (Harvey Keitel) and his two kids. Jacob, an ex-pastor, quit the ministry when his wife died in a car crash. They stop at a topless bar in the middle of nowhere frequented by bikers and truck drivers. At midnight, the dancers, staff, and band turn into vampires and attack the clients. Seth and Jacob must join forces to overcome the evil hordes, but Jacob has doubts. Another bloodbath from director/star Tarantino with just enough humor to give FROM DUSK TILL DAWN some entertainment value.

Without the gratuitous violence and obscene language, this would be a very short film. Before the opening credits, three people are shot and one set on fire. The scene includes many obscenities and almost half the film's thirteen profanities. When Jacob's daughter Kate (Juliette Lewis) uses an obscenity, Jacob repeats it back to her. Jacob says he still believes in God but doesn't love Him because of his wife's death. Interestingly, when vampires start attacking, Seth acknowledges that there must be a heaven because of the creatures from hell. He encourages Jacob to have faith and be a servant of God so he can defeat the vampires. The vampires show fear for the cross, and Kate destroys one by shoving her cross in his mouth. Most die viciously by a stake in the heart or by exploding when touched by sunlight. Even more upsetting is watching as family members are forced to kill other family members who have been bitten and turned into vampires. Sensual dancers perform topless and with rear nudity, including one with a snake wrapped around her body. Although a convicted sex offender, Richie only hallucinates about Kate asking for a sexual act. Kate is also seen sitting on a commode with her underwear down. Although the vampires are destroyed and religion is treated favorably, the film is disgusting. It's excessive violence and unacceptable language overpower any favorable messages.

Preview Reviewer: Paul Bicking
Distributor: Miramax Films, 18 E. 48th St., NY, NY 10017