The name Quentin Tarantino is likely all most potential viewers will need to hear in order to decide whether or not they want to see Django Unchained. Arriving relatively close behind (at least in terms of his usual production pace) the most commercially successful film of his critically acclaimed career, Inglourious Basterds, Django Unchained looks likely to outdo its predecessor critically and commercially.

This time around Tarantino has managed to blend the Spaghetti Western genre with Blaxploitation, carrying the usual sharp dialogue and no-holds-barred storytelling along for the ride. The titular Django (Foxx in fine form) is a slave whose heart burns with anger over the love of his life, Broomhilda (Kerry Washington), having been taken from his arms. In exchange for help tracking down the men who took Broomhilda, who carry a sizeable bounty on their heads, Django is set free by a bounty hunter by the name of Dr King Schultz (scene-stealer Waltz). The pair set about claiming that bounty and rescuing Broomhilda from the nefarious plantation owner that holds her captive, Calvin Candie (DiCaprio). Insert countless cameo parts, a supporting gig for Samuel L. Jackson and a mountain of controversy only QT could court without losing face and you’ll find one of the year’s first great films.