Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair

Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair; 1st time viewing this format, elicits a different response. Original split worked as two clear tonal differences btwn films felt pronounced. Viewed as one, the climactic scene of Vol. 1 loses some juice, as the Bride still has more to avenge in the same film; A+
 

Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood

Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood; Evokes mood & menace of era w/masterful performances yet still underwhelms in its rewriting of history. Seems one of our most beloved filmmakers is more in love w/his own fancies than the audience’s journey, though we will follow him anywhere; B+

The Great Buster

The Great Buster; Wonderfully compiles highlights of Keaton’s career w/o shying away from hard times. Narrative is structured to celebrate his genius, w/insights from a wide variety of industry players. For the uninitiated, it’s a perfect intro. For fans, it’s a great recap; A

The Hateful Eight

The Hateful Eight; Why watching movies exists. What screenplays are all about. A new Tarantino film is an event. Masterful stage craft; A

Django Unchained

Django Unchained; Waltz's scene chewing is a treat to watch but film is over long and not as fun to watch as Tarantino's other work; B+

Destiny Turns on the Radio

Directed by:  Jack Baran
Starring:  Dylan McDermott, Nancy Travis, Quentin Tarantino, James Belushi
Running Time:  1h 42min

Not your usual flick, this movie blends plot elements that are variations on a theme.  From the lovers torn apart to the robbery gone wrong to a mystical entity controlling everyone's fate.  With all these different ideas you'd think that the film would be different or unique in some way.  It isn't.  It isn't a bad movie, it's just that there isn't anything special.  It's just a mediocre film that cashes in on Tarantino's desire to show his mediocre acting ability.  Travis is sexy and could be used more effectively in a better film.  The whole thing is very anti-climatic.  The characters don't really go through any major development and the mystical part seems just that.  It's a mystery as to why it's in the movie at all.

Grade: C-

Pulp Fiction (Pan & Scan)

Pulp Fiction; A reviewer's paradise. I would review this movie a thousand times and still find something new to rave about. After seeing it four times at the theatre and countless times on video (I own 3 different copies) I managed to catch his film on Showcase. That is why it has only received an A. The movie loses very little in its Pan & Scan version but that "little" is Tarantino's amazing use of the widescreen. Pulling from influences like Scorcese's long tracking and Kubrick's horizontal shift through walls, Tarantino manages to mix great filming with fresh, natural sounding dialogue to visual appeal is an A+. Everything that is except the Pan & Scan format; A