INGLORIOUS BASTERDS

CALI

Let me preface this review by saying I am a moderate Tarantino fan; however, I have not seen his full body of work excluding Pulp Fiction (saw it too young-didn't "get" it) and Kill Bill 1 and 2 which I adored.

I watched this film over two days-spaced thusly because of my birthday cake induced sugar coma (WARNING: Do not eat an entire birthday cake by yourself-okay, so I only ate 3/4 of it and it was a smaller, round cake, but nonetheless NOT a good idea....)

I watched this film on a very large TV on Blu-Ray and because of this the experience was simply gorgeous. The film's color and imagery were second to none and Tarantino's eye as a director goes for every detail-specifically the gory ones. Someone had warned me I would find this film "gross" but that was not the case---granted, I have seen Cannibal Holocaust so I think I am now immune to "gross." There was a good share of blood and gore but it was all necessary to the story and not simply there for shock effect-though I would counter my own opinion by positing that this could have been part of Tarantino's efforts-to shock and awe.

The plot was well done-segmented appropriately into chapters, and heightened by outstanding acting. Not only should Christopher Waltz win an Oscar but he should probably be a staple in all future films Tarantino directs. I may check out some German cinema just to see his other work. I was very impressed by Diane Kruger's German-excited to see Brad Pitt and Eli Roth appropriately ham it up, and was absolutely mesmerized by Melanie Laurent, specifically in the scene after she meets Hans over strudel. Every actor brought out the best in one another (Pitt was perhaps the most sub par in the acting category) and Tarantino's eye for the exquisite (who knew whipped cream could look so enticing and important) made the film a stunner. Obviously this film is not based on historical fact but, for a second, you find yourself wishing that it were. Not that I advocate killing anyone for any reason-but Tarantino took you there with skill, brevity, and nostalgia-a tricky combination when you consider his subject matter.

Perhaps the best way to sum up this film is with this review:
Ce film était spectaculaire et vous le devez à vous pour le regarder. Ma qualité : A