Good. Not great, but entertaining

Rating: 7/10 (19 January 2016)

Yes, entertaining. I read a few reviews that call it dull, slow, boring and the like. It's not. Guys, go see Star Wars, this is not your movie.
It keeps you interested from start to finish. It could be no other way. It's by design, but you have to like the genre to begin with, which is not western, but Whodunnit. As such, it has more in common with "Murder on the Orient Express" than with "The Searchers". More of an Agatha Christie stage play than a John Wayne or Clint Eastwood flick.
Of course, that's not all. It's a Tarantino movie with all that implies: gory violence,racial slurs,brilliant dialogue...Yes, I said brilliant dialogue. Many around here might be expecting more "royale with cheese" type of stuff, which I guess by now must bore Tarantino to death. He explores themes like hate (it's called the HATEFUL eight, get it?), mistrust,justice,...And he does it intelligently and manages to increase tension with each passing minute.
The performances are exceptional. And what a cast. Kurt Russel in particular, but all of them shine. Jennifer Jason Leigh receives a well deserved Oscar nod. Some might not agree or might not understand how hers is a beautiful performance, but acting is reacting, and she gives a masterful lesson here, and in difficult conditions I might add.
I understand that if you were born in the US this film might get deeper under your skin, in a disturbing sense. Many could be bothered by the racial tension, the n-word, the Civil War theme and the way it's portrayed. However, I can't understand how anyone can say that Tarantino's "black kicks white ass" antics are offensive, because "what if it was the other way round". Has anyone around here seen "12 years a slave"?
I realise it might be one of those "love it or hate it" movies.But don't let that bother you. Give it a try. If you hate it, fine. But if you love it, it's one of those you might want to see again and again.