On CLIPS In September, 2009
INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS

A group of Jewish-American soldiers and a revenge-bent girl target the Nazis in Quentin Tarantino's salute to WWII.

TRIVIA: The title was inspired by which 1978 Italian movie?

During World War II in France, a group of Jewish-American soldiers become notorious for killing and scalping Nazis. Led by Lt. Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt), they cross paths with movie theater owner Shosanna Dreyfus (Mélanie Laurent), a French-Jewish girl determined to avenge the deaths of her family at the hands of Col. Hans Landa (Christoph Waltz) and his German troops. “Inglourious Basterds” is a wildly entertaining and epic war fantasy that depicts a different spin on the downfall of the Third Reich. Loosely based on a 1978 Italian movie, which itself had its roots in "The Dirty Dozen", director Quentin Tarantino fills the screen with fleshed-out characters, clever dialog and numerous references to past cinematic pleasures. An extremely knowledgeable film fan, Tarantino shows his expertise while making every reference an integral part of the story. The "Green Leaves Of Summer" (from John Wayne's "The Alamo") is heard during the opening credits. The early scene where Lt. Raine addresses his squad is nearly identical to Major Reisman addressing his "Dirty Dozen". Even the character name Aldo Raine is reminiscent of Aldo Ray, star of such war films as "Battle Cry" and "Men In War". Without all of the inclusions for cinema buffs, this 153 min. masterpiece is still impressive. The cast is impeccable. Both Brad Pitt and Christoph Waltz deserve award nominations for their chilling portrayals. The beautiful Diane Kruger ("Troy") is seductive as spy Bridget von Hammersmark and legendary actor Rod Taylor has a few commanding moments as Winston Churchill. Another trivia note: the main theme from "Dark Of The Sun", a tale about mercenaries starring Rod Taylor, can also be heard in this movie. While not as gory as most of Tarantino's projects, there is still enough violence to earn the R rating. Graphic scenes of scalpings  and other violent acts are presented in glorious color. No matter how you spell it, "Inglourious Basterds" is a bloody good time.