Summer Binge Watch Finale — Quentin Tarantino

My wife asked me the other day to rate the top Quentin Tarantino films. Then I realized this is a perfect way to wrap up the summer binge watches. Plus, his latest film — "The Hateful Eight" — debuts in the fall.

1. Inglorious Basterds (2009)
About: Near the end of the film, Lt. Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt) looks at the mark he's left on a Nazi officer and says, "I think this might be my masterpiece." I think that is Tarantino commenting on his film, and he's right. In the film you can see elements of all his prior work, and it fuses together into something incredible. I loved the movie when it came out, and I still appreciate it greatly six years later. It's a stunning cinematic achievement, and a film shot in four languages. Yet it flows well, and is a great mix of all the things we love about Tarantino.
Rating: R for strong graphic violence, language and brief sexuality.
Verdict: Four stars out of four.

2. Reservoir Dogs (1992)
About: Perhaps a controversial choice because of how high it is on this list. This was one of Tarantino's early films, it was his second directorial feature and the first to establish his brand. Some would quibble it's not as great as other films that will appear on this list, but I like the style, performances and execution. It's a bloody crime film, and it's executed perfectly.
Rating: R for strong violence and language.
Verdict: Three stars out of four.

3. Pulp Fiction (1994)
About: Many would probably name this as the best/their favorite Tarantino film, and that's understandable. It was a Best Picture nominee, and more than 20 years later, many think it was the year's best film. I think Tarantino does some great work and is inventive here, too. But to me, it's not his best or my favorite.
Rating: R for strong graphic violence and drug use, pervasive strong language and some sexuality.
Verdict: Three stars out of four.

4. Django Unchained (2012)
About: This is probably Tarantino's most controversial movie, and for good reason. It's not a light-hearted story, and it doesn't pull any punches. But that's kind of what I like about it. This movie has a fantastic cast and a lot of fascinating dialogue and action sequences. In the end, isn't that all we want from Tarantino.
Rating: R for strong graphic violence throughout, a vicious fight, language and some nudity.
Verdict: Three out of four.

5. Death Proof (2007)
About: This was Tarantino's contribution to "Grindhouse," and I thought it was the better half. This film had some fascinating dialogue and characters, and some great action sequences. Casting Kurt Russell was inspired, and you can see Tarantino's love of 1970s pulp film and car chases throughout this work.
Rating: R
Verdict: Three stars out of four.