Django Unchained

Release Date:Dec 25, 2012
Runtime:2 hr. 21 min.
Director:Quentin Tarantino
Cast:Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kerry Washington, Samuel L. Jackson, Walton Goggins. 

Like Jackson Pollock with a splattered canvas, no one paints violence quite like Quentin Tarantino. Following up the vengeful Nazi escapade titled "Inglorious Basterds" comes the next entry in the unofficial series that is equally merciless. Jamie Foxx stars as Django, slave-turned-bounty hunter, who finds an unexpected ally in the presence of Christoph Waltz. Together they dispatch criminals as justice sees fit, but more importantly seek to rescue his wife from the clutches of plantation owner Calvin Candie, played by Leonardo DiCaprio. If there's a lesson learned from past Tarantino films, it's that revenge is a dish best served heated, and Django is a man that's all too fired up. Set during the time of slavery against a panoramic backdrop, "Unchained" is externally a 'spaghetti western.' Ultra-violent and insubordinate, it has no qualms in flaunting casualties. While some scenes are unsettling to watch for more than a breath, others are stylized in a way that's unignorable. It's not often that the color red is so dramatically grotesque, yet imploringly beautiful all at the same time. With respect to the acting, it's no surprise here that Tarantino pulled from the best of the crop. His knack for creating such charmingly sinister villains is consistently legitimate and DiCaprio can now be regarded as one of them. His portrayal of Candie is initially amicable in the throes of negotiation but gradually reveals the ruthlessness that lurks beneath. On the flip side, Waltz takes on his first 'good guy' role as Dr. King Schultz, a small departure from his role has Jew hunter, Hans Landa. It's a nice change of pace for the talented actor who always manages to materialize an engaging character. This time, however, it's Samuel L. Jackson who takes the lead in stealing the spotlight, playing the bigoted head slave, Stephen. His intolerable attitude is infuriating to say the least, a sure way of saying he's done his job properly. Though it's unclear how closely "Unchained" connects to "Basterds," it's certain that there will be a third feature. To where Tarantino goes next should be a controversy in itself.

Rating: 4 stars

Inglourious Basterds

Release Date: Aug 21, 2009 

Runtime: 2 hr. 32 min. 

Director: Quentin Tarantino 

Cast: Brad Pitt, Mélanie Laurent, Christoph Waltz, Eli Roth, Michael Fassbender. 

Welcome to the latest world of Quentin Tarantino, where subtitles are not optional and Nazi-killing is like an after-school hobby. The "Basterds" are a breed not be reckoned with, killing for sport in the most entertaining way possible. Like any Tarantino film, nothing is ever what it seems and dialogue runs deep. But you can thoroughly enjoy yourself with all the wise-crack humor and built-in suspense. Even the most silent of scenes can cause unease and trepidation. Though it starts out slow, the film quickly builds its plot using chapters to introduce characters and intertwine details. The only problems I had were the unexplained reasons for why some things happened and the unfortunate outcomes of certain characters. I guess the director just wanted to leave it open to interpretation rather than dictate. By the end, I was unknowingly clenching my fists when the final act occurred, much to my satisfaction. To say it was a happy ending would be very un-Tarantino-like but what a great way to go. Overall, a curiously smart film that caps off a rather mediocre summer. 

Rating: 4 stars