'Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood' - A Movie Review

Would you like to take a trip back in time to 1960s Hollywood? Rick Dalton and Cliff Booth are sure to make your time entertaining.

Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood is Quentin Tarantino's latest film about three different actors—Rick Dalton, Cliff Booth, and Sharon Tate—in the final years of the golden age in Hollywood. Each has three different perspectives about their careers in film, striving for fame, purpose, and recognition.

I was very excited to see Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood. I had a great time watching the interactions between Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt while observing the action unfold in this entertaining, old-fashioned, and comical drama about snippets of how Hollywood has an effect on not only the audience, but the whole movie filming industry.

Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt make the ultimate dynamic duo as Rick Dalton and Cliff Booth, playing off of one another in great moments of comedy, drama, and sincerity. Essentially, the film is not one story, but cuts between different scenarios that have a positive impact in the end.

At times, the movie is a film within itself. DiCaprio is fantastic as the confident, but inwardly struggling, actor, Rick Dalton, who is doing better than he believes. I enjoyed watching DiCaprio discover different acting techniques, and even watching him privately breakdown in his trailer. I was surprised at how vulnerable DiCaprio made his character.

Pitt’s scenes were fun and entertaining to watch as Cliff Booth, the stunt double and driver of Rick Dalton. As the man who lives in Rick Dalton’s shadow, he subconsciously boosted Rick Dalton’s insecure ego. When he is not needed by Dalton, Cliff is taken on an adventure by a stranger who has more hidden, dark secrets than he suspects.

Margot Robbie stars as Sharon Tate, the famous actress from the 60s. I liked Tate's scenes of watching herself on the big screen as a member of the audience, excitedly witnessing the audience's reaction. Robbie explores a simple and yet very important message, about enjoying the little moments in life even though one has reached stardom.

Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood is filled with well-known actors, and even actors who are just making their mark on the big screen. I was very impressed with performances by Kurt Russell, Dakota Fanning, Maya Hawke, Margaret Qualley, and Austin Butler. I have seen these actors in various roles, most notably Fanning, a former child actress. There are so many creative individuals to name on this project who made an impact on this film.

I especially enjoyed 10-year-old Julia Butters's performance as child actress, Trudi Fraser. Butters's strong, mature, and spunky demeanor was heartfully directed in a rather emotional scene with DiCaprio.

Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood is a very different movie, which is what makes it so engaging. It actually feels like a film from the 60s. Tarantino does an outstanding job in the story, direction, and purpose of the film. The sets, pacing, and perspectives within the story made Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood something new for audiences to enjoy.

I was not expecting the climax of the film, and I am still not sure what to think of it. This movie makes you think. It’s important to have an open mind, especially once the movie has finished.

Don’t miss out on seeing Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood, especially while it is still on the big screen. I was actually sad when the film was finished, because it was so captivating. DiCaprio and Pitt are not to be missed in their outstanding roles.