A classic Tarantino film...if there ever was one

Rating: 8/10 (23 December 2019)

Once upon a time in Hollywood, there was a famed director who had a reputation for telling engaging, twisted, thought-provoking stories on the big screen. Quentin Tarantino has proven himself over and over again, through efforts like 'Pulp Fiction' and 'Django Unchained' to 'Inglorious Basterds,' Tarantino surely knows how to pull off a great piece of cinema.
In 'Hollywood,' Tarantino tells the story of a washed up actor (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his stunt double (Brad Pitt) as they navigate the landmines of the 1960s film industry and (unknowingly) become more deeply entangled in a sinister plot. As usual for a Tarantino film, the dialogue really carries the torch for everything else. The Rick Dalton and Cliff Booth quick-fire exchanges serve as the foundation for the entire film, and the constant barrage of witty one-liners do more to build up the story than they do to detract from it.
The casting throughout 'Hollywood' is on point, with Margot Robbie as Sharon Tate and Bruce Dern as the cranky old film studio head George Spahn being two standouts. And given this film is about Hollywood, it would only make sense that there are a number of familiar faces from tinseltown, from the late Luke Perry and Damian Lewis to Dakota Fanning and Emile Hirsch. Each of these actors deliver in one way or another.
But perhaps one of the most impressive aspects of 'Hollywood' is the way it bobs, weaves and otherwise maneuvers through dramatic sequences without feeling too heavy. Even in some of the most serious scenes, there is always a hint of sarcasm, irony or deadpan to keep things from feeling too jarring. It would be unfair to categorize 'Hollywood' as anything other than a drama, but as expected for a Tarantino film, it's not your typical Hollywood drama.
'Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood' is going to get all the right attention and accolades in the runup to the Academy Awards nominations. Don't be surprised if it takes home more than a few golden statues.