"Once Upon A Time In Hollywood" Review - Dark Minds Think Alike

There are directors out there in the world where you know exactly what you’re going to get. As fantastic as Steven Spielberg is, even with him, you know what kind of movie you’ll be in for. If there’s one thing you can expect out of Quentin Tarantino, it’s to expect the unexpected. And with that, boy what a perfect film to cleanse my palette after that Lion King remake.

This is Tarantino’s best movie since Inglorious Bastards. It is up there in my favorites with Reservoir Dogs and Bastards. There’s never a dull moment in this 2.5 hour long flick that gives the audience what it wants and what it needs all at the same time. What’s there to talk about that’s not already known as common knowledge? Fantastic directing, killer cinematography, an all in memorable cast, and a terrific original idea screenplay that delivers on all points from midlife crisis to simply Tarantino’s specialties. There is some narration that gets in the way of some tension and the overall viewing experience, but it’s made up for with it’s Les Mis like storytelling, in that it focuses on many different characters that somehow all intertwine and collide with each other at the very end. Plus, with an adverting ploy to not give away too much of the movie, let’s just say you are not ready for what’s to come. It may take place during the Charles Manson murders, but don’t expect history to play out exactly the way you want.

I’m sure this will be a divisive film. All of Quentin’s movies are, let’s be honest. But if you’re looking for a love letter to cinephiles and the true nature of 1960s Hollywood, you’ve got it. To the filmmakers who strive to be like one of the masters of directing, keep it up. We need more of this.

Two Nebs Up!