It’s ‘the sixth film from Quentin Tarantino’ (for those now counting on their fingers, Kill Bill Vol.1 and 2 count as one film officially), and for the first time the Knoxville motormouth appears to be on the back foot. Despite good reviews, Grindhouse was a commercial disaster in the US, finishing second to Ice Cube in Are We Done Yet? (no, we can’t believe it either). Although his fans are quick to point out financial failure and artistic failure are entirely different, others may feel he has a point to prove.

The film focuses on several characters and their stories in Nazi-occupied France. Firstly we have Shosanna (Melanie Laurent), a Jewish girl on the run who finds herself unwittingly caught up with Nazi hierarchy, torn between her need for revenge and her need to survive. Secondly, we have the ruthless Colonel Hans Landa (Christoph Waltz), who plows through Europe finding and slaughtering Jewish families. Finally, the titular Basterds, a group of Jewish soldiers led by heroic hillbilly Lt. Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt), whose mission is ‘one thing and one thing only- killin’ Nazis!’ The three parties’ fates bring them to a Nazi film premiere attended by the Third Reich’s top brass, and where an assassination attempt could mean an end to Germany’s war.

At two and a half hours, the plot is far too intricate to explain fully, but it is 149 minutes of Tarantino heaven. The wandering dialogue, the colourfully developed characters, the many cinematic references, its all here. Added to this a genuinely engaging plot- you’re emotionally involved with Shosanna’s plight, drawn to the simple-but-gruesome charm of the Basterds, and simply terrified by Landa.

This would be just another Tarantino film, however, without it’s amazing cast. Perhaps because he is one of the most famous men on the planet, Pitt’s acting ability often gets second billing to his personal life. This performance is just another reason why this is an injustice. As Raine he is funny without losing any menace, and whilst he is not in the film as much as the posters and trailers would have you believe, it’s a pleasure every time he’s on screen. Ditto Michael Fassbender, playing a dashing English spy. He’s won fans in ‘300’ and the forthcoming Fishtank, and here he oozes class and wit. Laurent benefits from the director’s talent for writing female roles, but all concerned are completely blown away by Christoph Waltz. As we mentioned, he is terrifying as Landa. With a sinister grin and elegant manner, his methods of finding his prey are only topped by his sheer malice when he finds them. One of the most genuinely evil characters in movie history.

At the end of the day, if you’re not a Tarantino fan it will do nothing for you, but those who love him, and even those sitting on the fence, will find this to be one of the most intelligent, darkly comedic films of the year. Over the top, at times a little grotesque, but superb.

Inglourious Basterds is out August 19. Watch the trailer below.