Well, this movie is…interesting.

I’ll admit that it’s not perfect. I love Tarantino and don’t even normally mind how long some of his movies are; he keeps them entertaining and crisp.

This time, however, there were several points where I was getting bored and wondering “What is the point of this movie?!” There were some scenes that really could have used trimming, or deleting altogether.

That said, it made a lot more sense and came together by the end. There are basically three main characters:

1.      Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio), a former 1950s TV superstar who attempted to parlay his success into a movie career, failed, and is now reduced to guest spots on others’ TV shows

2.      Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt), a stuntman who receives even less adulation than others in his overlooked profession*, as his personal baggage means he is viewed as damaged goods

3.      Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie**), the stunning real-life wife of Roman Polanski at the time the movie is set (1969). Yes, the Manson family is featured.

Two of those three are on the downside of Hollywood careers while the third is a fresh face overwhelmed by the magic of her life. Although we don’t get as much character development as I would have liked for Dalton (and I suppose not for Tate either) due to the movie spending too much time meandering, it ultimately comes together with a nice message about how when Hollywood makes you feel old and worthless you shouldn’t let it get you down, as people might be surprised to learn what you’re still capable of. The way it goes about delivering that message recalls Inglorious Basterds.

Here’s my take on the movie’s moral: Quentin Tarantino, one-time wunderkind, is now pushing 60, and sees a whole next generation of filmmakers take up the mantle of audacious hip director. Not wanting to get stale, he has long said that there will be only 10 films where he is both writer and director, and he has been committed enough to that idea that his recent films list onscreen what number they are.

However, he still feels he’s got it, and makes a statement in his latest film about what miracles you can expect from dudes considered old in Hollywood, in the process making you think about what horror might befall people if said old dudes weren’t there. The exact way he goes about it paints a love letter to the Hollywood and to the America in general of his early childhood.

I’ve never seen a movie with so many pop culture references, from the people playing real stars of yesteryear to scenes taking place on the sets of real shows from back then to posters of the Hollywood content at the time to the constant name-dropping of 1950s and 1960s celebrities. As someone who is obsessed with mass media history (and loves Tarantino in large part because of how deftly he weaves old pop-culture references into his movies) I thought it was awesome. Best part might have been how footage of the main character’s 1950s work in the prologue was in black-and-white but the stuff he was working on when the movie was actually set was in color. That’s completely accurate, considering it was in the 1960s that color became the absolute norm in Hollywood.

As fun as it was seeing old-time actors portrayed and referenced, let’s not forget the current stars actually acting in the movie. What an amazing cast, especially the three leads who can often keep us engaged even during the film’s most boring moments.

I’m glad Tarantino wants to go out on top, and I’m certain he’ll be committed to making his next film an incredible swan song. That said, I think he can continue to make amazing films as a writer/director after that if he so chooses. He’ll just need to make sure he continues to find terrific actors. And a better editor, LOL.

Agree? Disagree? Feel free to comment.

Up Next: Click and see.

Bottom line: An magnificent two hour movie stretched to two hours and 41 minutes.

*It’s a travesty that stunt work still doesn’t get recognized at the Oscars, in spite of considerable lobbying by a union whose members risk their lives to do it. Here’s a great video about the issue: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BO_g-ncp5wE

**While I normally make my featured image one from the movie or the advertising, you know about my love of meeting celebrities. This picture of Margot Robbie was my hardest-earned one ever. Film Independent, of which I am a member, had a screening of I,Tonya for us Spirit Awards voters last year. Allison Janney was originally supposed to be the cast member joining the writer and director’s Q&A but there was a blackout at the theater and when the screening was rescheduled Margot Robbie was announced as a guest instead. As you might expect, the big star wanted theater security escorting her out after the Q&A but because I sat in the front row AND sat in the center AND made a beeline for her the moment I heard applause indicating the Q&A was over I was able to ask for a picture with her before security got there. She sweetly said “Sure.” It was worth all the effort as I proudly put the picture on my personal Facebook page saying “I got a picture with Margot Putcha…I mean Robbie. #lookingahead”