Instantly Classic Tarantino with a Side of Foot Fettish Overload

Rating: 9/10 (29 July 2019)

The anticipation for this film amongst zealous Tarantino fans seemed to hit new heights at several points through the timeline leading to its release. While the guy may strike many as an eccentric maniac, both from his splatterfest films and off-screen antics that potentially almost killed a few of his actresses, there's a settled maturity here that quietly sets itself to slowly canvassing out a fantastic film. With that, the fervent anticipation ends up being warranted, but also somewhat inappropriate. With that, Once Upon A Time in Hollywood carries itself as a top of the line film star constantly harassed by the paparazzi that ultimately wants you to quiet down and leave it alone.
There's a palpable lack of urgency that bled through in the trailer which ultimately portrays the film's intentions very honestly. It's gotten to the point where most mainstream films refuse to waste an ounce of celluloid by editing down and pushing and pushing the plot through without any breathing room, a style that conjures up an image of a woman forcing herself into pants that are two sizes too small. This is about living the world, being a ride-along buddy with these characters and enjoying the great times. It is an unapologetically vintage approach that, along with flawless set design, harkens back to a period obviously close to Tarantino's heart.
DiCaprio and Pitt look like they're having an absolute blast and it's incredibly infectious. DiCarprio especially appears a lock for an Oscar nomination; his comedy is riotously on point, but he can quite patiently and drastically manage to touch your heart. His character requires a deft balance between equal parts charming, tragic, talented and degenerate. He nails them all.
And yes, despite everything I've just described about a more leisurely and mature film, Tarantino is still secretly that little kid who loves nothing more to steal a box of fireworks and light the whole damn thing all at once. It sure as hell happens, and it's sure as hell glorious. I really loved this film, and I think about 50% of his hardcore fans will too, give or take.
Be sure to avoid the 1% that are there for QT's foot fettish tendencies because they will quite honesty blow a load. That's one part he hasn't changed.