"The Hateful Eight" *Non-Spoiler* Review

Well this one was a surprise for sure. Going into The Hateful Eight, my expectations were best described as mediocre. It has been a love – hate relationship between Quentin Tarantino films and me. But damn, this one is my favorite film of his and definitely his best one yet. As with all of his films, The Hateful Eight was both gory and long. The gore did not bother me and at all, and believe it or not, this 2 hour and 48 minute movie feels a lot shorter. The Hateful Eight is masterfully paced to the point where it left me wanting more. There was rarely a dull moment and the film is full of interesting characters. Samuel L. Jackson (Major Marquis Warren), Kurt Russell (John Ruth), Walton Goggins (Sheriff Chris Manix), and Jennifer Leigh (Daisy Domergue) are the 4 standouts in the movie. Their characters had depth, motives, and were just a blast to watch interact. The two that stole the show from the group were Jackson and Goggins. They deliver brilliant performances and do not overact at all. They both stay within their characters and it is a treat. The story of The Hateful Eight is a pleasure to watch unfold. The idea of a bounty hunter and his prisoner worth 10,000 dollars, stuck in a house with eight strangers made for a ride that had as many bumps, twists, and turns as I could have imagined. But that is what makes the film work. Tarantino uses multiple styles of storytelling and camera work that blend together perfectly to make a phenomenal cinema experience. The setting of the old west was felt throughout. The cinematography might have been the best of the year behind only to The Revenant. My only problem with The Hateful Eight was that there were certain characters that could have been fleshed out a little more than they were. In the end, The Hateful Eight made me laugh, cringe, hold my breath, and put me on the edge of my seat. Everything I want in a movie.

Conclusion: Quinten Tarantino’s 8^th film, The Hateful Eight, was his best film to date. While it is both gory and long, the film leaves you wanting more and more. The quartet of Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Walton Goggins, and Jennifer Leigh carry the load of the movie but it does not affect their performances because they were all outstanding. The story and plot keeps you on the edge of your seat with every twist and turn it provides. The storytelling technique Tarantino uses are done to perfection. Even though certain characters could have been fleshed out more, which does not deteriorate any of the movie experience The Hateful Eight will provide you. Unless you don’t like blood, The Hateful Eight is a must see movie.

SCORE:                 8.8/10 – VERY GOOD