Caution Ahead

Rating: 8/10 (24 September 2019)

Now, I have been stoked about this movie since I first heard Tarantino was making a movie based on the Charles Manson murders. My favorite topics in life are Charles Manson, The Beatles, and Brad Pitt. Thus, when I found out the two top billed actors would be appearing in the film, I completely flipped.
With such high expectations, I must admit I was supremely disappointed when I saw the first trailer, and watched the movie on opening night. It seems like he had made a crappy buddy comedy, instead of the crime thriller everyone was hoping for. I realized there would be the common Tarantino comedic elements to it, but I didn't assume he would make a mockery of his stars and the Manson murder topic.
Upon second viewing, I started seeing the dark sides to the film. I started noticing somewhat of a story behind the story, and I saw the details behind what he was using his actors for. I still cannot say I am completely satisfied with this as a movie, but I must say it definitely has a place among the top crime movies out there. I could literally watch any Brad Pitt, or Tarantino movie for that matter, a hundred times and be completely satisfied with every viewing.
A few times after watching this movie have I regarded it as a masterpiece, that would flourish upon the years gained on it, in a similar fashion of Godfather. Maybe we just don't understand the movie yet, and need some time to let it sink in. But I am glad to say I had not sunk back to my first opinion that this movie is garbage.
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood takes course over three days, and is a film about two friends, one a Hollywood television actor and the other a stuntman. The latter, Cliff Booth, serves as a driver for Rick Dalton, the actor. While Rick spends his time mainly filming movies, Cliff Booth spends his time driving around Los Angeles, getting into a lot of predicaments. He somehow finds himself at the Spahn movie ranch after picking up a hippie female hitchhiker (This is the place where the Manson family is living). While this is going on with the two best friends, Sharon Tate, who lives next door to Roman Polanski, spends her days close to her home, visiting the Playboy Mansion for a party one night, and then watching a movie in Westwood. The two completely separate plots eventually meet, when the Charles Manson killers arrive to Sharon Tate's house to commit the horrendous murders. Funnily, they end up at the home of Rick Dalton, and the two friends end up fighting back and defeating the murders. While Cliff ends up in the hospital, Rick is invited to the Sharon Tate house after she consoles him about the violence that took place. Things end happily ever after.
Now, there's not much more to say then what I've already said. And yet, the movie goes in deep and there will be dialogue repeated from this movie for ages. The Cliff Booth character is an exceptional one, and though Brad Pitt has aged since the height of his Fight Club days, he still is seen as a cool guy. It's said he even based the character on his own persona and life.
We'll see if this movie goes on to become one of the greatest cinematic feats in the modern era. I could go both ways, but it's at least a great addition to the crime thriller genre.
8 Stars