Tarantino venerated Kael as “my favorite writer, period.” While she had retired from film criticism just before his first movie premiered, she let it be known that she was enjoying his movies — and rated this one highest. The sly adaptation of Elmore Leonard’s Rum Punch gifted Pam Grier and Oscar-nominated Robert Forster with their juiciest roles in years as, respectively, the titular flight attendant trying to outwit criminal associates, and the bail bondsman who falls for her.