Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)

During the 1960s, there was a time when a new wave of directors came into existence, and forever changed cinema in ways one could possibly imagine. On the 50^th anniversary of the close of this wild and crazy decade, director and writer Quentin Tarantino decides to pay tribute to this time period by releasing “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt, along a lot of other big names (too many to list), the film captures what it means to be a celebrity during this time period. While the film isn't absolute perfection, the movie is quite interesting as well as entertaining at the same time. “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” is a look at the last year of the 1960s and how crazy the decade was in general.

The story follows Rick Dalton (DiCaprio), a former TV star and his stunt double and best friend Cliff Booth (Pitt). Together, they have formed an inseparable bond, but as the years pass, Rick thinks that his career is over. Together, both Rick and Cliff try their hardest to live in Hollywood, 1969, and face the oncoming future. Oh, and Rick's next door neighbor just so happens to be none other than actress Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie)...

“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” is something of an unusual film from Tarantino.

For starters, this is a typical Tarantino production as there are long, extended scenes involving talking. And there is some violent content. Bit for the most part, the really good stuff just so happens to be the interactions between Rick and Cliff.

Both DiCaprio and Pitt play off each other very well, and their acting is superb. In fact, most of the actors and actresses really do a great job, and I commend Tarantino for directing them in such a convincing way.

Yet the real star of the movie is the setting of Hollywood during the year of 1969. The cinematography by Robert Richardson is absolutely great as it recaptures the time period of that era so well. The use of neon and various different locales really capture the essence of the late 60s. Top this with great costumes by Arianne Phillips, and you got one of the best looking movies of the year.

The story, which was also written by Tarantino, implores the great and old fashioned Hollywood of yesteryear, and it mainly focuses on our two main leads. There is some even historical accuracy (for the most part) involving Sharon Tate. But this could lead to the film's biggest problem.

While the story is great, the real world implications are kind of sidelined here for our fictional leads. Not to say that is a bad thing, Tarantino has done this before (“Inglorious Basterds”, anyone?), but here, the whole plot involving Sharon Tate just feels kind of pointless. Yet, it does lead to one of the most bizarre endings ever filmed. Plus, there are certain scenes, like Cliff's backstory, that seem kind of pointless and unnecessary.

There is also the issue of the supporting cast. While it is a great supporting cast, like Robbie, Al Pacino, Timothy Olyphant, Kurt Russell, and Luke Perry, the story doesn't offer them much to do. They are on screen for what seems like only a few minutes, and that was it. Even Bruce Dern, who is great as always, is regulated to a small cameo. Robbie is fine as the late actress that this movie is surrounding on, but she's given little to do. The whole focal point of this movie is with DiCaprio and Pitt, and while that's fine, give the supporting players something to do.

Overall, “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” is a great look at the end of an era, and the beginning of a new one. Let's just keep it groovy from here on out.