A fun ride, punctuated by moments of strong tension and both melancholic or joyful instants. For a purely jubilatory finale, in absolute apotheosis !

Rating: 9/10 (15 August 2019)

A colorful tale (like the Sixties) with delightful dialogs, which depicts (through more or less long sequences, funny or melancholic) both the pleasure and the spleen to be an active member of the 60s' Hollywood. The other side of the story, between legit historical facts and miscellaneous events, or other purely fun situations (sometimes especially for us the audience).
I know that a lot of people felt that they did not really understand where all this fuss could lead ... But from the beginning to the end, the core theme stays "how to find one's place and a sense of life, in this Hollywood as well as in that era, both of which are undergoing a real mutation, and a bit like what had been shown in a touching way in "The Artist", "Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood" also takes a rather touching look on this human need to be loved and not to end up to pasture (or worse). So it remains very spirited and also not too delusional, but not only that ! Quentin Tarantino's very tasty ingredients (with the codes and references that are so dear to his heart, as well as a stylish cinematography, effective as always). So it ends in absolute apotheosis, especially for any fan who digs these juicy dishes of which Tarantino holds the secret.
The three lead roles are obviously excellent. Leonardo DiCaprio as an actor trying to find the light back & himself in the process, Brad Pitt as badass good pal with a heavy past, and Margot Robbie who embodies the sheer freshness of the Hollywood Dream.
I find that this film can be considered among Tarantino's best movies (the main actors as the second roles besides, enhance every little scene). The numerous jubilant dialogues & scenes. And some quite memorable scenes here and there (as in all self-respecting Tarantino). In short, a good combo in my eyes. But depending on whether you're a fan of what Tarantino movies you prefer, I can understand that this film does not necessarily meet certain expectations. Moreover, I think that the film has some solid arguments, because it is strewn with many moments, in their respective genres, that have a real potential to become cults (but of course : different people, different strokes).