Not Your Typical Tarantino but It Still Packs The Punches

Rating: 9/10 (28 July 2019)

Having heard some reviews and seen some that thankfully did not give anything away I essentially went in blind despite hearing the ending was ridiculous. Well, the ending if you watch the film straight through is a doozy and fits the story completely. Many will go in assuming Tarantino dialogue, a killer soundtrack and tons of violence. That last bit is still present but not in huge doses as we all know from Quentin's past is everywhere whether good or not.
The film's core is about the past of actor Rick Dalton (DiCaprio) and his best friend and former stunt double (Brad Pitt) and the present. Rick feels he is washed up as an actor and seems to be stuck in villain mode when he lands an acting gig. Many humorous scenes involve an emotional Dalton angry at himself for blowing lines or thinking his acting sucks, whereas his pal Cliff runs errands, feeds his dog and drives around meeting all types.
Everyone in the film is perfectly cast especially DiCaprio, Pitt & Robbie. Outside of Fight Club, Brad Pitt has never been better and Leo shows he has a humorous side which I never knew existed to this extent. Robbie breathes life into an actress who was sadly mainly known as a murder victim to most of the world. The few scenes she is in as it is not her story are very sweet, touching, and interesting. Pitt steals every scene he is in and I found myself loving every time he was on screen. When together with Leo the chemistry is off the charts.
I know many Tarantino die hards may likely or let's face it will be disappointed save for the last 20 minutes as they will assume it is going to be more of the same. Thankfully it is not. Outside of a few intense scenes this is something Tarantino has been building towards his entire career and although it is long and a slow burn it truly pays off.