1969 saw Hollywood's Golden Age coming to an end. Actor Rick and stunt double Cliff struggle to hold onto fame in a changing industry that may just have left them behind.
Leonardo DiCaprio (Rick), Brad Pitt (Cliff), Margot Robbie (Sharon), Emile Hirsch (Jay), Margaret Qualley (Pussycat), Timothy Olyphant (James), Austin Butler (Tex), Dakota Fanning (Squeaky), Al Pacino (Marvin).
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood launches by showing us Rick's career and relationship with Cliff. From there the storyline appears and seems to be little more than Rick and Cliff struggling to navigate a quickly changing Hollywood and keep them both employed. Along the way we encounter their old friends, watch them make some new friends, and generally stumble or bumble through life in multiple storylines. The film seems to try and make a point with Charles Manson references toward the end before quietly fading away.
Acting was a mix throughout. DiCaprio fit his role and delivered well, unfortunately the role itself seemed to be the problem. Pitt had possibly the most likeable character in the film and delivered very well. Robbie was solid, as was Qualley, Butler, Fanning and the remainder of the supporting cast.
Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are all solid and enjoyable with good fit and feel. Physical effects fit the film nicely and were executed well. Dialogue was okay but could have done a lot more to develop the storylines. Sound and soundtrack are good with a few nice tracks.
Overall Once Upon a Time in Hollywood feels like a film that rode onto the big screen using Tarantino's name. The story develops little energy and seems to have no point whatsoever, compounded by its over 160 minute length. While we are used to offerings from Tarantino being unusual, they aren't often this boring and without direction. With a few mild chuckles, some will enjoy this one.
With plenty of foul language and sexual references, fairly graphic violence, and disturbing adult situations, save this one for older teens and above.
Released: 2019
Reviewed: 3.9.20
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Drama, Comedy, Showbiz Drama, Crime Drama, Period Pieces
copyright ©2020 Dave Riedel
Leonardo DiCaprio (Rick), Brad Pitt (Cliff), Margot Robbie (Sharon), Emile Hirsch (Jay), Margaret Qualley (Pussycat), Timothy Olyphant (James), Austin Butler (Tex), Dakota Fanning (Squeaky), Al Pacino (Marvin).
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood launches by showing us Rick's career and relationship with Cliff. From there the storyline appears and seems to be little more than Rick and Cliff struggling to navigate a quickly changing Hollywood and keep them both employed. Along the way we encounter their old friends, watch them make some new friends, and generally stumble or bumble through life in multiple storylines. The film seems to try and make a point with Charles Manson references toward the end before quietly fading away.
Acting was a mix throughout. DiCaprio fit his role and delivered well, unfortunately the role itself seemed to be the problem. Pitt had possibly the most likeable character in the film and delivered very well. Robbie was solid, as was Qualley, Butler, Fanning and the remainder of the supporting cast.
Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are all solid and enjoyable with good fit and feel. Physical effects fit the film nicely and were executed well. Dialogue was okay but could have done a lot more to develop the storylines. Sound and soundtrack are good with a few nice tracks.
Overall Once Upon a Time in Hollywood feels like a film that rode onto the big screen using Tarantino's name. The story develops little energy and seems to have no point whatsoever, compounded by its over 160 minute length. While we are used to offerings from Tarantino being unusual, they aren't often this boring and without direction. With a few mild chuckles, some will enjoy this one.
With plenty of foul language and sexual references, fairly graphic violence, and disturbing adult situations, save this one for older teens and above.
Released: 2019
Reviewed: 3.9.20
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Drama, Comedy, Showbiz Drama, Crime Drama, Period Pieces
copyright ©2020 Dave Riedel
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