Inglourius Basterds

Inglourius Basterds was released in Canada on August 21, 2009. The two names of mention in this film are itsDirector, Quentin Tarantino, and the lead role manhandled by Brad Pitt.

The scene of the story is France during the Second World War, where the Nazis are occupying and a group of Americans known as the Basterds, led by Pitt, are unleashed to scalp and kill Nazis. Concurrent with their plot to take down Hitler, a young Jewish woman whose family was brutally murdered by Nazis years before, and who now runs a movie theatre in France, is cooking up her own scheme to bring down Hitler's regime. The narrative is classically Tarantino. Translation. Great story. Lots of blood and gore. Long enough to feed his ego, and too long for everyone else's comfort. That said, it is nicely woven together, funny, and feeds the yearning of anyone who wishes something other than suicide had taken out Hitler. It might also attempt, but ultimately fail, to relieve some of the guilt of the nations who waited a little too long to get him under control.

This is the kind of flick that inevitably gets the attention of the Academy. Despite Tarantino's narcissism that forced this thing onward far too long, it was a good film. Both the film and its director will get a nod this year. Honestly, I've always found Pitt's acting to be unremarkable. He glides by in great roles, but never really nails them. However, this may be his best performance to date. For me, the nomination that is a no brainer is for Christoph Waltz as Best Supporting Actor. His portrayal of Colonel Hans Landa was simply brilliant, and he should be rewarded for his efforts. The thing that may detract from Oscar contention is the early release date. While a relief from the usual summer drivel, it may be dimmer in the minds of the Academy as a result.

Inglourius Basterds was a very entertaining film, and definitely a must see for any Oscar buff.