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WARRENSBURG, Mo.--Movies about World War II and, in particular, Nazis, have forever shaken audiences. Films like "Schindler's List" made us remember the injustices that Jews suffered during the war and feel for them.

"Inglorious Basterds," the newest brain-child of legendary action-movie director/writer Quentin Tarantino (Kill Bill: Vol. 1, Kill Bill: Vol. 2, Reservoir Dogs), however, was not created to move us. It is simply a thrill ride and adrenaline jockey experience, which truly isn't a surprise, coming from a man like Tarantino known for his action movies.

The movie focuses on two stories, one about a group of Jewish-American commandos known as the “Inglorious Basterds,” who, as Lt. Aldo Raine (played by Brad Pitt) puts it, only exist to "kill Nazis." The other story centers around a young French-Jewish woman named Shosanna Dreyfus (Mélanie Laurent), who, after watching her family killed, escapes Nazi clutches, only to begin living under an assumed name and running a movie theater.

When a Nazi propaganda film is set to premiere in Shosanna's theatre, she and the “Basterds” hatch a plan to finish off the Nazi regime, including Hitler, once and for all. However, there is a thorn in both sides. Namely, a German colonel and detective named Hans Landa (Christoph Waltz). Landa may spell disaster for everyone's plans, as well as a possible end for their lives.

The writing in this movie is exciting and believable. While it doesn't stir our emotions, it abundantly stirs our adrenaline, as one fire-fight after the next keeps us engrossed in the world Tarantino created for us. His wit and prowess as a writer shows through, giving us a far above average mix of both humor and action. It is almost not enough praise to say that this movie is everything an action movie needs to be.

It may prove difficult for some viewers to take in all of the German and French being spoken in this movie, but it plays out so well and the dialogue is so intense that one tends to forget it's not actually in English.

Brad Pitt lends himself masterfully as Raine, leader of the “Basterds.” His subtle, yet omni-present, bravado makes us truly believe him as a force to be reckoned with. His interaction with the other members of his team lets us see them as a military unit and not just a unit of actors. But what really surprises is the bevy of German and French actors in the film, who, although obviously accustomed to a completely different type of environment, dutifully and wonderfully fill their roles. Special praise should be given to Waltz, who plays Hans Landa. This character completely engrosses you with his evil and sinister genius. He is almost too good at his role, making you forget at times that it is only a movie.

Tarantino has a history of fast-paced action movies. Because of this, the story often moves fast and jumps around, which is sometimes hard to follow. This movie is not, by any means, for the casual moviegoer -- if you don't pay attention, it may lose you very quickly.

Overall, this movie is a journey worth every cent of its ticket price. If "Inglorious Basterds" was a maybe on your list, rest assured you are clear to upgrade it to a must-see. This is a Tarantino classic that will find its way into the hearts and minds of many critics and moviegoers. 4.5 out of 5.