An Alternate Version of World War II-----And A Work of Daring Genius

Quentin Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds" is an unflinchingly audacious rewrite of history, a film in which a group of Jewish-American soldiers seek vigilante justice against the Nazis. These soldiers, led by a charismatic Tennessean named Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt), are in the "killing Nazi" business, and they won't yield until Hitler meets his proper fate. A film with this type of plot must be the work of a madly ambitious filmmaker, and that filmmaker is Quentin Tarantino. It's hard to find a more innovative cinematic auteur and connoisseur than Tarantino, whose films have unmistakable zeal and energy. From "Pulp Fiction" to "Jackie Brown" to the "Kill Bill" films, Tarantino makes movies that reflect his lifelong passion for the movies. And with "Inglourious Basterds", Tarantino has crafted another masterpiece. This is the best movie I've seen so far this year.

From the riveting opening moments of "Inglourious Basterds", it is evident that this is another daring gem from Tarantino. The film opens with a lengthy, spellbinding scene-----the most involving scene of any movie this year-----that introduces us to Nazi Col. Hans Landa (Christoph Waltz), an astonishingly evil man indeed who nonetheless hides behind his menacing charm. The beginning minutes of "Inglourious Basterds", the details of which I will not divulge, serve as proof that suspense need not be manufactured through the use of car chases or loud explosions, but rather that incredible suspense can be the result of a simple conversation between two men. This is a testament to Quentin Tarantino's brilliant knack for writing compelling dialogue. There are several elements in this movie that makes it a distinctly Tarantino picture-----the visually splendid direction, the sheer audacity, the fantastic soundtrack, the list goes on and on. But the one element that is most consistent in all of Tarantino's films is his writing.

Tarantino's dazzling script is buoyed by the strength of the three lead performances. Brad Pitt is known for his world-famous celebrity, but his acting ability often goes overlooked. Pitt's performance here is an exercise in heedless joy. Pitt throws caution to the wind, clearly having a ball while delivering a terrific performance that is great fun to watch. Melanie Laurent is superb as a German woman who changes her identity after her family was murdered by the Nazis. As good as Pitt and Laurent are, however, the star of this film is Christoph Waltz. As the devilishly charming, spectacularly evil Col. Landa, Waltz creates one of the most memorable villains in movie history. Waltz is absolutely brilliant, and if his name isn't on the ballot come Oscar time, the Academy should be stripped of its authority.

"Inglourious Basterds" is bloody fun, literally. This is a darkly funny work of complete originality that pays tribute to past cinema, most notably spaghetti westerns. Most filmmakers wouldn't go near this type of material, but Quentin Tarantino tackles it with fearlessness. "Inglourious Basterds" further solidifies Tarantino as one of the world's great cinematic minds.

Life, Fame, and Comedy

On one level, "Funny People" is a joyous ode to comedy, a testament to the soothing power of humor. On another level, "Funny People" is an examination of the seedy underbelly of comedy, in which comedians are battling internal demons while the rest of the world laughs at their jokes. And on yet another level, "Funny People" is a tribute to the value of friendship. The fact that "Funny People' is so multi-layered is precisely what makes the film so endlessly fascinating. Following in the footsteps of "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" and "Knocked Up", this is another gem from comic mastermind Judd Apatow.

Adam Sandler stars as George Simmons, a wildly successful stand-up comedian who has let fame swallow his humility. Simmons lives a life full of sleaze and glamour, sleeping with a cavalcade of women who are merely interested in having sex with a celebrity just so they can live to tell the tale. Deep down, George Simmons is a lonely soul, living in a gargantuan mansion in Los Angeles all by himself. He doesn't have friends, just showbiz acquaintances. And he squandered his only shot at true happiness when he cheated on his girlfriend (Leslie Mann) years ago. One day Simmons receives devastating news when he is told that he has a deadly illness. The night after he hears of his disease, Simmons takes the stage at a comedy club and bombs with material that reflects his depressing mood. When Simmons finishes his set, a struggling young comedian named Ira Wright (Seth Rogen) comes on the stage and gets big laughs when he mocks Simmons. Simmons takes notice and offers Wright a job writing jokes for him. Wright gladly accepts, and what starts off as a terse business collaboration slowly blossoms into a friendship.

This is a severely trimmed-down version of the plot, but I will not reveal more. Even though the plot may sound like it follows a conventional formula, part of the joy in watching "Funny People" is that it takes us in surprising directions. Judd Apatow's script exists on an entirely human level, and every scene in this movie feels natural. There are no moments of shameless sentimentality or forced emotion. "Funny People" has a genuine heart. The movie is also true to its title, as it delivers very big laughs. Apatow's trademark raunch is at full display here, and the dialogue has a nice conversational flow. Nobody balances ribald fun and heartwarming drama better than Judd Apatow.

"Funny People" has several terrific performances from its extensive cast. Adam Sandler is outstanding in the lead role, reminding us that he is a fantastic actor when he tones it down a little bit. With his work in "Funny People", Sandler has added to his underrated repertoire of fine performances in films such as "Spanglish", "Punch Drunk Love", and "Reign Over Me". Seth Rogen lends his lovable goofball charm to his role as Ira, and he is a winning presence throughout the film. Leslie Mann is wonderful as George's old flame Laura. Mann is so charming in this movie that it is a baffling mystery as to why she doesn't receive more leading roles. Other excellent supporting work comes from the always hilarious Jonah Hill, Jason Schwartzman, and Eric Bana, who nearly steals the show as Laura's self-absorbed Australian husband. "Funny People" is indeed filled with funny people.

This is Judd Apatow's best film, a beautiful piece of work that satisfies on a myriad of levels. "Funny People" has a running time of 146 minutes, but there is not one moment in this film that doesn't belong. "Funny People" has a keen understanding of life, fame, and comedy, themes that in many cases are interrelated. This is one of the best movies of the year.