CHEER! - (8 stars out of 10)

Rating: 8/10 (29 December 2019)

The stage curtains open ...
Quentin Tarantino gives us another twisted tale as only he can imagine it. This time, he uses the backdrop of Hollywood circa 1969 and, very loosely, surrounding the circumstances of Sharon Tate's murder by members of the Manson Family. Some have toted this as a film with no definitive plot, but I disagree. There is definitely a plot here with an ending you will not see coming.
Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio), a former television star from an old 50's western known as "Bounty Law", finds himself at the tail end of his viable career. It's 1969, and the best role he can find anymore is the thankless role of the "heavy", whereupon he is defeated in episode after episode. He is chauffeured around town by his stunt man double, and friend, Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt). Right next door to him, lives Roman Polanski and his beautiful actress wife, Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie). While Dalton struggles with the realization that his acting career may be over, Cliff has a run-in with the Manson Family which will eventually lead to the film's eye popping finish.
This is good film making. Tarantino is a master at his craft. Going in, I was hoping for and expecting a twisted end. But as the film progressed, I began to fear that it may be more about the journey than the end destination. Not that I was complaining, because the journey is a lot of fun. Thankfully, I was treated to a great ending - one I didn't see coming. In fact, the build up was done so well, that when Tarantino's twist came in, I found myself grinning shamelessly from ear to ear.
I highly recommend "Once Upon A Time ... In Hollywood". This isn't what I would call one of Tarantino's best films, but it may be one of his most unexpected (in a good way). The acting was excellent, the cinematography very well done, and the special effects pertinent to the overall story. I loved this film and will watch it again. A very strong 8 stars out of 10.