Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

(2 Hours 40 minutes)

Quentin Tarantino can do no wrong. Much like the Coen Brothers, his movies are always great, and among my all-time favorites. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood only adds to his legacy. I just love his writing and directing, and the way he uses elements from ‘60’s and ‘70’s pop culture and music in his films. He uses cuts and skips to create the feel of the old drive-in movies. His eye for details adds yet another layer to the story. We see DeCaprio’s character on the cover of TV Guide, MAD magazine and other publications.

This one takes place in Hollywood during the ‘60’s, with Leonardo DeCaprio as a former superstar actor Rick Dalton who is no longer on the A-list. Brad Pitt is his constant companion, stunt man, and assistant Cliff Booth.  

Margo Robbie (Harley Quinn) is excellent as Sharon Tate. Not to mention hot! The movie is filled with actors portraying celebrities including Cass Elliott and Michelle Phillips; Steve McQueen; Lulu; Roman Polanski; Squeaky Fromme; Bruce Lee and more, all blended into this alternate universe story of the Manson gang and the Sharon Tate story. In this universe, Sharon Tate lives.

Bruce Dern is at his best as real life character cranky old George Spahan, whose Alzheimer’s prevents him from remembering old friends. He owns the Spahan ranch where all of the Manson following hippies have moved in and taken over, but he could care less. He just wants to sleep.

When the hippies break in with the intention of killing, Brad Pitt’s character Cliff kicks ass big time, and unleashes his pet pit bull on the intruders to top it off.

The star-studded cast also includes great performances from Kurt Russell, Dakota Fanning  and Al Pacino as well as Luke Perry in one of his final roles before he passed away. Damon Harryman (Justified) portrays Charles Manson for the second time, also playing the mad man in an episode of Mindhunter earlier this year.

Best line in the movie. “Don’t cry in front of the Mexicans.” See the movie and you’ll agree. Tarantino has another hit to go along with Pulp Fiction, Jackie Brown, Django Unchained and the others.

FIVE OUT OF FIVE STARS

-Michael Buffalo Smith