Published: 12:27 PM, Thu Aug 20, 2009
Tarantino's back, bringing Brad
By Brian Dukes
"Inglourious Basterds" opens this weekend, and I have to admit I'm intrigued and excited.
I'm counting this film - not 2007's "Death Proof" - as Tarantino's true "comeback" in the director's chair.
You have to give Tarantino (I call him QT) credit. He tried his hand at a comeback with a high-concept homage offering to those B-rated "grindhouse" films of his youth. And while it fell flat critically and commercially, at least he was trying.
So what did QT do next? He produced and acted in a few scattered films and bided his time. And then - - he lines up Brad Pitt in what looks to be a purely adrenaline-filled, Nazi-slaying gore-fest.
He can't go wrong! I mean, if anything, QT knows how to stage action sequences. Say what you will about the mind-numbingly long and inane dialogue in "Death Proof," but once the cars got rolling, it was on!
Additionally, If QT's past successes with "Pulp Fiction," "Reservoir Dogs" and the "Kill Bill" films tell us anything, it's that the man can master action and darkly witty sequences with ease.
Considering that QT is one of the most brilliant directing talents to come out of the past 20 years, it goes without saying that I'm all in on any of his films.
But even if "Inglourious Basterds" turns out to be bad, it's still going to mark a confident return to form for QT.
In fact, and I'm only judging by previews here, the only thing that could make this film any better is zombies. Nazi zombies. Let that sink in.
But then again, everything's better with zombies. And samurai swords.
It is playing at Cameo Art House Theatre, Market Fair 15 and Wynnsong 7.
Staff writer Brian Dukes can be reached at dukesb@fayobserver.com or 486-3523.