Review by Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong
Quentin Tarantino returns to the Director/Writer’s chair with his eighth Film, The Hateful Eight. The Movie focuses on eight main characters as they get trapped by a blizzard and are forced to stay in a log cabin in Red Rock. There are a series of events that take place between these characters as suspicions rise and tensions skyrocket. The question is which of the eight – if any – will survive the three days locked away?
The Hateful Eight begins with our main character John “The Hangman” Ruth (Kurt Russell) and a woman who is battered and handcuffed to John, Daisy Domergue (Jennifer Jason Leigh). On their journey to Red Rock, O.B (James Parks) stops the ride to inform John that there is someone sitting on their pathway in the middle of the blizzard, and it is none other than Major Marquis Warren (Samuel L Jackson). Warren and John have a history together and a form of trust as John allows Warren to accompany them on their way to Red Rock.
Continuing along their path, they run into another fella on the path, Chris Mannix (Walton Goggins). Onwards into the third chapter of the Movie, John, Warren, Mannix, and Daisy all arrive at the log cabin to be greeted by Bob (Demián Bichir). They enter the log cabin, and they meet three more characters that appear to be somewhat familiar. These other members consist of General Sandy Smithers (Bruce Dern), Joe Gage (Michael Madsen) and Oswaldo Mobray (Tim Roth). John makes it clear to everyone in the cabin whom Daisy is and that she has a $10,000 bounty on her head, and that he is the one who is going to bring her into town. Distrust grows, deception begins and betrayal unfolds within this cabin.
When it comes to actors, Tarantino has his go-to names and as we have seen over the course of his seven Films, the recipe is fail-proof. This is no different as the Film is without a weak link. The Hateful Eight is no exception as we see Samuel L Jackson in one of the best performances in a very long time – brilliant as he is hysterical, intense as he is comedic. Kurt Russell as John “The Hangman” Ruth is both disturbing and sheer genius; every aspect of his performance is incredible as he truly embodies an ambitious bounty hunter’s hunger. Jennifer Jason Leigh surprises as Daisy Domergue – ruthless, passionate and deeply-convincing in her performance. Bruce Dern is excellent as a grumpy and annoyed Civil War general. As well, Walton Goggins is perfect for the bumbling character that no one seems to pay attention to, holding his own along some of these high-profile greats. Continuing with the performances of Demián Bichir, Tim Roth, and Michael Madsen who all had approximately the same amount of screen time, deliver remarkable performances throughout this intense experience.
Tarantino is synonymous with crafty storytelling and The Hateful Eight is absolutely no exception to what has already been a glorious career of the Filmmaker. The debate about his greatest work is one that draws much discussion, however incredible The Hateful Eight certainly lengthens that conversation even further. From start to finish, this three-hour and 5 minute 70mm (Real Film) epic is every second enjoyable. If promixity allows, you must see The Hateful Eight in 70mm.
eOne Films release THE HATEFUL EIGHT in Toronto and Vancouver on Friday, December 25, 2015 and everywhere else Friday, January 1, 2016.
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