Review of Django Unchained (2012) by Joshua S — 31 Jan 2016

I've always been of the opinion that there are two distinct varieties of Quentin Tarantino movies. The first kind are pulpy, somewhat shlocky yet fun and well-intentioned homages to the B-movies of yesteryear (Kill Bill 1 & 2, and Death Proof). The other are more serious, somber and reflective ventures that border on film noir (Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, Jackie Brown, and Inglourious Basterds). Django Unchained comfortably rides the line between both and delivers one of the more memorable and fiery movies of the year, closely resembling the spaghetti westerns the director idolizes.

While certainly superior to Kill Bill, Django never quite reaches the performance driven highs of Inglourious Basterds. That said, great performances are turned in by Leonardo DiCaprio and Christoph Waltz. DiCaprio reminds us that he is one of the finest actors of our generation through his slimy, sleazy, and engrossing depiction of a francophile plantation master. (The dinner table monologue concerning Phrenology will make you cringe.) Hell, even Jamie Foxx impresses in his best role ever as a silent, cold killing machine. The final result is not perfect with a final act false ending and somewhat questionable soundtrack selections, especially toward the end. Classic Ennio Morricone makes perfect sense but gangster rap in the middle of a climatic showdown set in 1858? Awkward. Overall, a great revenge film and the coolest movie in contention for the awards season.

And Christoph Waltz? You are forgiven for Water For Elephants and Green Hornet. But seriously man. What the hell? Was the money THAT good?