Quentin Tarantino films have many pertinent expectations: quick, sharp and snappy dialogue, great ensemble casts and performances, an energetic and unique directing style, and of course, incredibly excessive and gratuitous violence. Tarantino’s 8^th film, “The Hateful Eight,” meets all of these criteria—and more.

Tarantino’s second straight Western movie is set in 19^th century Wyoming, and focuses on eight central characters who coincidentally find themselves stranded in a lodge during a snowstorm. The incredible tension and nervousness that ensues among the characters turns this very simple plot into a riveting “who-done-it” mystery for about the first half of the film. This tension eventually erupts into exciting and chaotic violence and action that is expected with every Tarantino movie. As with many of his movies, “The Hateful Eight” has a brilliant nonlinear structure, with the time frame shifting during the movie. Tarantino handles these shifts very smoothly, and they add many new elements to the story.

“The Hateful Eight” features the very rare and long-extinct 70 millimeter film format, and the film utilizes this novelty masterfully. The cinematography is breathtaking, with long wide shots of the beautiful western landscape. The immersive setting is a character itself, and plays a significant role in the movie. The film also draws the audience in with a magnificent musical score, composed by legendary Western composer Ennio Morricone.

The entire cast is wonderful, with standouts being Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Tim Roth, and especially Samuel L. Jackson, who quite possibly gives the best performance of his career. As usual though, the real star of the movie is Tarantino himself. His unique and recognizable style dominates the movie, and he certainly leaves his directorial stamp on every facet of the movie. Although a few lines, specifically a few jokes delivered by Russell don’t work and come off as slightly cheesy, the writing is sharp and witty, with many fantastic and memorable lines and incredible monologues from Jackson.

“The Hateful Eight” is a great Tarantino movie, and more importantly, a great film—period. It is great across the board: writing, directing, acting, music and a great story. It looks beautiful in 70mm, and finding a select theater playing the film in that special format is well worth the longer drive. The latest film by Tarantino definitely stands out as one of his best, and is an unforgettable movie experience that is certain to receive some nominations during awards season.

Standard Runtime: 2 hours 47 minutes

70mm Runtime: 3 hours 7 minutes

Rated: R

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5