A masterful film.

Rating: 9/10 (26 December 2015)

Quentin Tarantinos eighth film 'The Hateful Eight' is upon us. And after seeing the film all I have to say is, go see this movie. Like, as soon as possible and, if you can, in glorious 70mm. This allows you to see the film in an ultra wide format. Not many theaters will get this awesome format so if you have a theater near you playing this film in 70mm go see it. Even if you can't view it in this special format this film still should not be missed. It's a once in a lifetime type of movie. Just being able to go see a film this good in theaters is a treat. The one thing that many are writing this film off for is it's lengthy run time. Clocking in at nearly three hours. In my opinion this makes the film that much better. Somehow Tarantino has fashioned a story that is so involving you will want more by the time it ends. The crazy part is, this isn't a new way of storytelling by any means. It follows eight (or nine depending on who you count) people that all take refuge in a lodge in order to avoid a blizzard.
From early on it becomes clear that no one really likes each other. Slowly, their hate for each other begins to come out in the worst ways possible. It's such a simple plot that it's a wonder how extraordinary it is. Just like his other films this is due to seriously impressive writing. The dialogue is razor sharp in each and every scene.
And, as an added bonus, the characters are very fleshed out. Each one has a different voice on each situation that comes up and they react as they feel they should. The film never uses its characters as vessels to move the plot along. No, 'The Hateful Eight' evolves as our characters do. Each separate action comes with a reaction that feels completely natural for the film.
This leads to some of the funniest scenes of any movie this year. It's pitch black humor stems from the loathing for one another. But this isn't all the film has to say either. In fact this film, unlike some of his others, has a very mature subplot. A subplot that isn't just relevant in the stories universe but our day and age as well. It talks a lot about race relations and prejudices. And although we may hate some people, it's in our human nature to band together against someone who is infinitely worse without a second thought.
It's an interesting idea that I have witnessed first hand. You may dislike someone at work or something until someone worse comes along that both of you hate. Then, suddenly, you become friends with that person in order to expel the universally hated person. It's on these reasons that 'The Hateful Eight' thrives. It's a superb film anchored by an excellent cast playing excellent characters. Characters that you care very much about. Although it has a more mature plot it's still a whole mess of fun. It's bloody, hilarious, and pumping with energy. If there is a theater nearby playing this film, go see it.