John Wayne + Hercule Poirot + Alfred Hitchcock= Tarantino

Rating: 8/10 (6 January 2016)

This one pays homage to a number of movie genres: the Western; the mystery/detective story; the twisted plot; and (as we have come to expect), Tarantino's signature extremely long dialogue. A bevy of interesting/twisted characters - some very grotesque past events; plenty of gun play; and lots of blood - that is what is in store for you with "The Hateful 8."
I suffered thru the longest dialogue in any movie, which, while providing extensive back story, was only tangentially connected to the main action of the story. It could have been shortened by at least 30 minutes without damaging the movie. Bathroom breaks were a welcome relief from the tedium.
But once the action started with the first murder, it did not let up. This is where the mystery and detective angle came in. While Samuel L. Jackson is unraveling the mystery of a specific event which caused Kurt Russell's death, the larger story is unveiled as characters are dispatched one-by-one. The movie's denouement is well done and satisfying.
But, the acting was uneven - with the best roles being played by Samuel L. Jackson; Walter Goggins; and Tim Roth. Roth's character seemed perfect for Christoph Waltz, who I guess was not available. Nevertheless, Roth was convincing as the (presumably) town's hangman. The other actors pretty much were sleep walking thru the movie - especially Michael Madsen. Madsen, in my opinion reached his one and only peak with "Reservoir Dogs" - he should just stop making movies. I was also not impressed with Kurt Russell - the bounty hunter who displayed incredible violence towards his captive - Daisy Domergue (Jennifer Jason Leigh). We really did not need to see the gratuitous violence against women.
And finally we come to the production company - the Weinstein Company. I'm glad Harvey finally came thru with his promise of an anti-gun movie "which will sink the NRA". After seeing this film, I was so appalled by guns, that I tore up my CCL, gave my 9mm Shield to the first gang banger I saw; and made a large ($.50) contribution to Hillary's campaign. Sorry Mr. President, I "came to the light" too late to help you in your crusade to make us safe.
The only remaining question for me about this movie is: where was Meryl Streep? (could she have been Bob?)
Well if Tarantino is your cup of tea. this one is pretty typical of his movies. But if you want to see him at his "best" try "Reservoir Dogs" or "Pulp Fiction."