[manasecret]

Yes, I must agree that the first two thirds were stronger than the end, and I can see the final third being a bit self-indulgent for Tarantino. But, for me, overall I love the movie despite its minor issues.

I also think you're right about the first scene, it is not farce. As I think about the movie more, it actually dances between two halves, two types -- one half being very very serious with Waltz and the Jewish girl, and the other half, with the Inglorious Bastards, being seriously fun farce. And in the end the two sides clash, and I think, for better or worse, farce wins.