Classic Tarantino ...

Rating: 8/10 (26 December 2015)

... I read a handful of very hit (10/10) or miss (3/10) reviews and wondered what I would think about this film. I think the truth is somewhere in the middle but closer to the 10's than the 3's if I had to take sides.
Here's what the Hateful 8 did very well:

Cinematography: it was brilliant with beautiful scenery, lighting, and put together very well. - Musical score: beautifully complemented the film and especially set-up the unique mood and tone - Acting: Jennifer Jason Leigh and Kurt Russell in particular were spectacular I thought. No one was bad but she really brought a critical character to the movie alive and he was larger than life like a John Wayne kind of vibe that was essential. - Writing: while it could be argued this was not Tarantino's strongest work, it was still excellent and when you're doing a period piece, it stands out even more.

Here's a few of my gripes: - The ending: maybe after a rewatch I may think differently, but without giving specifics away, something just seemed missing. It just felt a tad unsatisfying.

One of the characters who didn't like Mexicans seemed pretty friendly like she probably would like Mexicans

I disagree with all the comments about movie length. The roadshow was specifically designed to be long and have an intermission. I'm sure the regular digital and 35mm viewings will be standard length and render that complaint even more irrelevant.
It's not his worst or best movie - it's just a classic, great Tarantino film like ALL his films are great IMO.