Pub.lished Movie Reviews
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)
Quentin Tarantino is famously known for wanting to make only ten movies.
However, his math might be slightly off.
He counts the two "Kill Bill" movies as one. Additionally, he doesn't count the portions of "Four Rooms," "Sin City," or "Grindhouse" that he directed.
If you included all of those into the count, he had already directed ten movies before he began working on "Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood."
And perhaps he should have stopped while he was ahead.
The last thing the world needs is another famous director creating a film about the only thing he now knows... Hollywood.
" This was a mistake"
- You are under the age of 18. The movie contains a lot of explicit violence and language.
- You're not a fan of Quentin Tarantino's unique style of filmmaking.
- You have a low tolerance for scenes of graphic violence.
- You're uncomfortable with scenes of smoking and alcohol consumption.
- You prefer movies that are straightforward and easy to follow. The movie has a complex plot with many characters and storylines.
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:
What's the deal with "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood"? It's like Quentin Tarantino said, "Let's make a 2 hour 41 minute movie about 1969 Hollywood, and hey, while we're at it, let's hardly include any of the actual events of 1969!"
I mean, talk about a bait-and-switch! You go in expecting Charles Manson and the Tate murders, and instead you get Brad Pitt fixing a TV antenna for fifteen minutes. Now, don't get me wrong, if there's one person I'd watch fix a TV antenna, it's Brad Pitt. But, come on Quentin, couldn't we have gotten a little more Helter Skelter and a little less handyman?
And let's talk about the film's title. "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" - it makes it sound like it's going to be a fairy tale. And I guess in a way it is, if your idea of a fairy tale is two middle-aged men bemoaning their fading careers while drinking copious amounts of whiskey.
Then there's Leonardo DiCaprio's character, Rick Dalton. He's a washed-up TV actor who's so worried about his career, he breaks down crying in front of a child actress. Now, that's what I call method acting.
And can we talk about Margot Robbie? She's playing Sharon Tate and she has about five lines in the entire movie. I mean, she spends more time dancing barefoot in her living room than she does actually talking. I guess Tarantino was going for a 'less is more' approach. Well, in that case, he really nailed it.
Don't even get me started on the ending. Talk about a twist! I won't spoil it for those who haven't seen it, but let's just say it's like if you watched "Titanic" and at the end, the boat didn't sink.
So, to sum it up, you've got one long movie about Hollywood in 1969 that barely touches on the actual events of 1969, a lot of Brad Pitt being handy, a neurotic Leonardo DiCaprio, and a silent Margot Robbie. What's the deal with that, Tarantino?
The Big Lebowski (1998)
If you enjoyed the slightly off-kilter humor and sprawling LA setting of "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood", you might want to check out "The Big Lebowski". Told by the Coen Brothers, this cult classic shares Tarantino's love for colorful characters and unconventional storytelling.
Inherent Vice (2014):If you enjoyed "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood", then "Inherent Vice" might be a great choice for your next movie night. Paul Thomas Anderson directed this film noir sprinkled with comedic and psychedelic elements just as Tarantino often mixes genres. It is set in the 70s and centers around a private investigator trying to unravel a complicated case, capturing the bohemian vibe of that era.
Boogie Nights (1997):This is another notable film from Paul Thomas Anderson. "Boogie Nights" delves into the golden age of the porn industry in Hollywood during the late 70s and early 80s. The film's throwback vibe and character-focused plot with an ensemble cast might appeal to those who liked "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood".
Almost Famous (2000):If you're attracted to films about Hollywood and the entertainment industry, you might like "Almost Famous". Directed by Cameron Crowe, this semi-autobiographical film follows a teenage journalist covering a rock band for Rolling Stone magazine in the 70s. Its vintage aesthetic and exploration of celebrity culture echo some aspects of "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood".
The Nice Guys (2016):For a look at the darker, grittier side of late 70s LA with a dose of sharp humor, consider Shane Black's "The Nice Guys". It brings together unlikely partners - a tough guy and a private eye - who uncover a vast conspiracy while investigating the alleged suicide of a washed-up porn star. Despite its cynicism, it's a fun ride that fans of "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" might appreciate.
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