“Inglourious Basterds”

Peter Falk might be amused to see that certain characteristics of his TV detective character “Columbo” live ON in the form of a Nazi! Quentin Tarantino’s new WWII movie “Inglourious Basterds” is a huge surprise- it’s not just a war movie. In fact, there’s gore, but very few fighting scenes. There are laughs, and lots of tension – mostly created by German actor Christoph Waltz’s malevolent Nazi character Hans Landa. This Nazi considers himself a detective and terrifies his prey – first, with innocent and charming chatter. Just when you think the inquisition is OVER, Landa innocently turns, like Columbo, and says “Oh there’s one more thing….” and someone’s doom is sealed. He operates like an evil version of Columbo’s bumbling but brilliant detective. Even if you have reservations, you’re going to be surprised how much you like this entertaining movie. Tarantino’s war is nothing like the real one was.