Once Upon a Time in Hollywood                                5 stars

One of the most highly anticipated movies of the summer has to be Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.  This two hour and forty minute marathon is classic Tarantino all the way.  Set in 1969 Hollywood, we follow former TV western star Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio), whose star power is fading, and his longtime stunt double Cliff (Brad Pitt).  As we follow their dealings with Hollywood producers and directors and other stunt people, we are bombarded by an overwhelming amount of references to sixties TV shows, movies, commercials and other aspects of the pop culture of the time.  This is all out of the mind of Tarantino who makes no secret of what he is thinking.  We also get plenty of exposure to the hippie culture in the form of the Charles Manson family and this just happens to be in the year of one of the most horrific crimes in the history of Hollywood.  We also get a glimpse of the life of actress Sharon Tate (a delightful Margot Robbie) and her friends as she just happens to be the next door neighbor of Dalton.  Besides all the culture, the director treats us to many humorous moments such as the fight between Cliff and an arrogant Bruce Lee (Mike Moh).  There are plenty of other well known actors sprinkled throughout including Al Pacino, Luke Perry, Dakota Fanning, Damien Lewis (as Steve McQueen), Kurt Russell, Emile Hirsch and Bruce Dern.  I could go on, but please treat yourself to one of the best movies of Tarantino’s career.  And don’t be too shocked by the violent ending.  It may not go exactly like you expect.