November 11, 2009
Inglourious Basterds (2009) *****
Quentin Tarantino's take on World War II, the Nazis and the Holocaust isn't exactly historically accurate (the ending will come as a huge surprise to those who actually paid attention in history class), but as a work of cinematic art it is absolutely flawless. Part spaghetti western, part '"Dirty Dozen" and part "Valkyrie" upside down, it's a stylistic tour-de-force with priceless dialogue, terrific action scenes and outstanding performances (Christopher Waltz is absolutely mesmerizing).