Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Quentin Tarantino's latest film, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, takes place in 1969 Los Angeles as society undergoes profound change.

It follows multiple storylines, perfectly weaving them together for an unexpected yet satisfying conclusion.

Fictional characters coexist with people from real history. Nonexistent movies and authentic TV shows coexist, and on at least one occasion real life history diverges into an entirely fantastical alternate universe.

Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio)

Quentin Tarantino's once upon a time in Hollywood is an ode to Hollywood that rewards repeated viewings. That's because the film includes some iconic moments, showcasing Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio as charismatic leads while also giving them complex characters to explore.

Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio) stars as an actor-within-an-actor in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, which follows his struggle to stay alive within the ever-evolving movie industry of 1969 Los Angeles. He's a TV star whose success with westerns has taken a hit, but his best friend and stuntman Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt) stands by to support him and help him stay afloat within this competitive industry.

Director Tarantino revealed to Seth Meyers that he based Dalton and Booth's relationship on an actual actor/stuntman duo, despite it being made up of different actors.

Dalton and Booth are close, lifelong friends who cherish each other deeply. Their admiration of each other extends far beyond their professional collaboration; they both enjoy spending time outdoors together, with Dalton often stopping by Booth's house to light a few cigarettes.

When they're not together, however, Dalton and Emily are hard at work on projects together. Dalton stars as the villain in TV Western pilot Lancer and has difficulty remembering his lines; he even experiences a breakdown during filming!

As Charles Manson grows increasingly disillusioned with his career, he begins to consider suicide. That's when Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie), Charles Manson's neighbor, calls and urges him to visit her home.

Finally, they come face-to-face in a heated confrontation that leads to the tragic murders of Tate's family members. But the movie also touches upon some bigger themes within the industry such as television's influence and increasing racial tension in America. It's an expansive epic film with plenty to offer and provides DiCaprio with an opportunity for self-transformation.

Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt)

Brad Pitt stars as Cliff Booth, Rick Dalton's stunt double and personal assistant. His passion for filmmaking has caused him to struggle finding work due to rumors about him murdering his wife. He owns a pit bull named Brandy and lives with it in an RV trailer with his dog.

Cliff, who works for actor Rick Dalton in the film, is portrayed as a kind and generous friend who wants to help his friend regain his career. He loves foreign films and once engaged to martial arts master Bruce Lee! Additionally, Cliff enjoys driving around his truck with dog Brandy alongside actress Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie) and director Roman Polanski.

However, Cliff's character remains murky. Some believe he is a murderer while others argue for racism to make himself feel better; regardless of your opinion, this character won't appeal to everyone.

Tarantino's novelization of once upon a time in Hollywood reveals that Cliff Booth did indeed murder his wife Billie. In fact, he has killed several people before, including some female Manson Family members and an Italian gangster.

He is a misogynist and racist, as well as a war hero who earned two Medals of Valor. Additionally, he killed an acquaintance during a disagreement over whether or not to enter his dog in a dogfight, then dumped the body in the trunk of his car before abandoning it in Compton.

Once out of jail, Cliff returned to his former profession and started getting into trouble again. His first victim was an acquaintance who owed him money and tried to pay him with his pitbull.

In a fit of anger, Cliff shot Billie with a shark gun, cutting her in half by the torso. The bullet split her open and Billie succumbed to her injuries within seven hours.

Till now, this mystery has remained unsolved. But thanks to the novelization, we can finally know the truth about Cliff's horrifying crime and put to rest rumors that he had been blacklisted from stunt work for killing his wife. For fans of the film, this revelation comes as a shocking blow.

Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie)

Margot Robbie stars as Sharon Tate, an icon of Hollywood's late 1960s movie industry. She lives next door to Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio) and is quickly ascending in fame herself.

In 1969, Tarantino's film takes us through an era that marked the end of the swinging '60s and ushers in the Manson murders. Drawing inspiration from real events and characters such as Roman Polanski, Cass Elliott, Michelle Phillips, Steve McQueen, Charles Manson and Jay Sebring, Tarantino has created a poignant tale set during that turbulent time.

Tarantino often includes actual footage from The Wrecking Crew, the 1969 spy comedy staring Sharon Tate and Dean Martin, to demonstrate how much the industry has changed since her passing in 1969. This is done to illustrate just how rapidly things have progressed since then.

Sharon Tate was assassinated by members of the Manson family in 1969, while eight months pregnant with her daughter. This horrific event has become a iconic part of pop culture and Sharon Tate's face is still featured prominently on news headlines 50 years later.

But it is essential to remember that Tate wasn't a Hollywood icon like Rick Dalton or Cliff Booth; she had been an actress and model for some time, but her career hadn't quite reached its potential. In 1968 she got married to It-director Roman Polanski and soon after became pregnant - tragically this led to her tragic death at 29 years old.

She was an intimate of Steve McQueen and often danced with him at a party hosted by hairstylist Jay Sebring. Additionally, her friendships included Abigail Folger and Wojciech Frykowski - both victims of Manson's violence.

Robbie's character on Once Upon a Time in Hollywood receives scant screen time and dialogue, diminishing her impact on the story to almost nothing. It's an odd choice that was likely intended this way.

In some ways, Tarantino's decision is admirable; his treatment of Tate serves as a metaphor for his attitude toward female character portrayals in his films. Too often, these female characters seem merely there for attention - to be observed and discussed.

Bruce Lee (Mike Moh)

Quentin Tarantino's latest film depicts a time in Hollywood where Bruce Lee (Mike Moh) becomes too arrogant for his own good. In one iconic scene, Lee attempts to train Margot Robbie/Sharon Tate in martial arts but she quickly calls him out on it; eventually she reaches her limit and Lee is humiliated before an entire film crew.

Tarantino's scene with Lee in The Hateful Eight has earned him much criticism, including from Lee's daughter Shannon. However, during an interview with The Joe Rogan Experience, Tarantino addressed these complaints and defended his portrayal of Lee in the film.

Director Christopher Lee says his portrayal of Lee was inspired by stories told to him by stuntmen on the Green Hornet TV show. According to these accounts, Lee had no respect for American stuntmen and would often "tag" them with real punches and kicks.

Lee had such an established behavior in the industry that many stunt men refused to work with him due to it. Additionally, he often engaged in physical altercations with his costars during some of his movies - something many characters found offensive and unpleasant.

Lee's daughter has taken it upon herself to protect her father's legacy and estate, writing an op-ed for The Hollywood Reporter that expressed her dissatisfaction with how his name is being used.

What does Shannon Lee mean when she uses the phrase "a mockery of her father's legacy"? She claims Tarantino presents her dad as an arrogant a--hole who was full of hot air. While understanding that Tarantino wanted to make Brad Pitt appear as a super badass who could beat up Bruce Lee, Lee expressed disappointment in its portrayal.

Mike Moh, owner of a martial arts school in Waunakee, Wisconsin and who played Lee on once upon a time in Hollywood, offers some advice to Shannon. While he understands why the martial artist's daughter is distraught, Moh also wants to present Lee as the iconic figure that he once was.

Best on Amazon Prime Movies

Are you searching for something new to watch? Amazon Prime is an excellent destination. From recent blockbusters to award-winning films, there's something here for everyone.

If you're a fan of Amy Poehler, Lucy and Desi is a must-watch. This documentary follows the lives of these two iconic comedy icons from their earliest days to their divorce.

Shrek

Shrek the first movie of the franchise, this 2001 animated film is based on William Steig's book of the same name. It offers a fun family-friendly experience with great voice acting and plenty of humor.

Shrek, an ogre living in a swamp, loves his home and its life until one day he comes across a group of fairytale creatures forced there by Lord Farquaad of Duloc. While Shrek loves living amongst his creatures, Lord Farquaad eventually decides to dispose of them all.

Shrek becomes furious and takes action, embarking on a quest to save Princess Fiona. Together they embark on an exciting journey as they encounter many bizarre obstacles along the way.

The ogre's journey is filled with unexpected turns and turns, but also offers up plenty of clean humor. Its moral lessons serve as a gentle reminder that everyone has value and no one is an island.

The humor in the film is often slapstick, yet not as crude as some other movies of its genre. Its dry wit and well-timed humor made the movie a huge hit with both children and adults alike.

The Hunger Games

As a cruel punishment for decades of civil war, Panem - a fictional nation modelled on America - holds its annual Hunger Games. Each district is required to send one boy and girl to fight each other to the death in an arena constructed decades in the future.

President Snow, the creator of the Hunger Games, uses fear to intimidate tributes into participating. These participants compete against each other for scarce resources before (the favor of sponsors) and during (the duration of) the Hunger Games such as food drops and other necessities.

Katniss Everdeen, 16 years old and competing in her sister Prim's place, is at the heart of this story. She possesses a strong willed and intelligent nature along with an inborn instinct for survival that sets her apart from other young women.

The Hunger Games is a beloved young adult novel that tells an epic tale of poverty, social justice and conflict. It's the perfect book to educate students about these pressing issues and make them more conscious of our global problems. Collins effectively connects the themes in his book to real-life scenarios through visual metaphors in an age-appropriate manner.

House of Gucci

House of Gucci is one of the most stylish films you'll see this year, boasting stunning visuals, excellent acting and an intriguing story. If you can't make it to the theaters, don't worry - Amazon Prime and Vudu now offer streaming for $20 (or $6 to rent)!

Lady Gaga stars as Patrizia Reggiani, the wife of Maurizio Gucci from the iconic Italian fashion house. Additionally, Adam Driver from Marriage Story and Star Wars joins Al Pacino and Salma Hayek for this project.

Fans of Ridley Scott will be delighted to know he directed this film. It boasts stunning visual effects and impeccable camerawork throughout, providing viewers with a compelling story to follow.

The film is available on both DVD and Blu-ray, featuring several bonus features. These include interviews with the cast and director as well as a making-of feature that gives an inside look at how the movie was made.

Suspiria

Luca Guadagnino's Suspiria is an elegant yet deranged reinterpretation of Dario Argento's beloved giallo horror classic, set to hit American cinema screens on October 26, five days before Halloween.

Suspiria, like its predecessor, is an avant-garde European art horror movie that may not appeal to everyone. Nonetheless, this powerfully ambitious film will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you in awe.

This modern remake of Argento's classic is an intricate film that delves into themes such as Nazis, feminism, political subterfuge and revolution. Although it can be difficult to watch at times, the journey is well worth it.

It's an intense experience that will keep you engaged to the end. It's a movie that will leave you on the edge of your seat, questioning everything about life in general.

Suspiria is an enjoyable Amazon prime movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. For horror enthusiasts looking for something different and new, Suspiria makes for a great option.

Mission: Impossible

If you're a fan of action movies with latex faces, gadgets and thrilling action sequences, Mission: Impossible is the film for you. Starring Tom Cruise as superspy Ethan Hunt who is accused of the deaths of his espionage team and sent on an impossible mission to save them all, Mission: Impossible has everything you're looking for.

Christopher McQuarrie is the new director for this film, having previously collaborated with Cruise on Rogue Nation. Additionally, he will direct two more Mission: Impossible films set for May 27, 2022 and July 7, 2023.

Tom Cruise's franchise often has major production issues to watch out for. Unlike many Hollywood productions, his series are usually shot on location rather than using green screens or sound stages, necessitating them to take a more proactive approach towards security, making sure all sets are free of COVID viruses.

Ghost Protocol, the first Mission: Impossible movie to use an IMAX camera, was released in 2011. It features Tom Cruise returning as Ethan Hunt and a guest appearance from Vanessa Redgrave.

Licorice Pizza

Paul Thomas Anderson's Licorice Pizza pays homage to an iconic Southern California record store chain that older Southern Californians loved but didn't make much money during the 1970s. Unlike Inherent Vice, which examined social and political upheaval of that era with earnestness, Licorice Pizza serves as a defiant celebration of Los Angeles itself.

Alana Haim and Gary Cooper Hoffman embark on their relationship, taking them through an array of experiences that capture the moods and changes that youth can bring. From starting a waterbed business to auditioning for movies to becoming involved in politics, these two navigate popular culture changes as well as the oil crisis of 1973.

The film is an explosion of color and detail, capturing Los Angeles in time with powerful emotional resonance. Each vignette is expertly written and directed with Anderson's trademark emotional intelligence.

One of the film's most captivating elements is how it challenges storytelling conventions. Alana refuses to follow a conventional narrative path, instead opting for her own ambitions and disregarding any threads of social paranoia, vampiric drug trafficking or FBI conspiracies that might come her way. This defiance makes Licorice Pizza such an intriguing watch.

The Last King of Scotland

The Last King of Scotland is an incredible drama based on a true story. It will stay with you long after you've finished watching it.

After graduating medical school, young Scottish doctor Nicholas Garrigan decides to travel to Uganda where he can help the poor. Soon he becomes General Idi Amin's personal physician - a dictator wreaking havoc in the country.

A daring film, The Last King of Scotland follows the rise and fall of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin through the eyes of his personal physician Nicholas Garrigan (James McAvoy). Though it may seem cliched, this satirizes white Europe's fascination with Africa as "the Conradian heart of darkness."

Garrigan uncovers more of Amin's crimes, comes to realize his own complicity and must find a way out. Forest Whitaker's performance as Amin is truly remarkable - surely earning him an Oscar nomination!

Val

Hollywood's legendary star Val Kilmer has been chronicling his life and craft through film and video for decades. His collection includes thousands of hours of footage spanning from 16mm home movies made with his brothers to iconic roles in blockbuster films like Top Gun or Batman Forever.

A powerful documentary, Unflinching looks into what it means to be an artist. Directed by Leo Scott and Ting Poo, the film incorporates never-before-seen footage alongside personal and professional recordings from throughout the actor's lifetime.

Kilmer may be unable to speak, but his creative spirit remains undamped. Through his studio and gallery in Los Angeles, he strives to foster other artists' success.

Though some of the clips may be overly sentimental, they provide an insightful and revealing depiction of Kilmer's turbulent life. His struggles with throat cancer are documented in an intimate film that brings together personal and professional clips.

If you're a fan of Kilmer, then this film is an absolute must-watch. Crafted from thousands of hours of videotapes and reels, it provides an enthralling and emotional journey.

Which Air Purifier is the Best?

Finding the ideal air purifier can be a daunting task, as you must consider your health needs, budget and space. But to make things simpler for you, we've done some research into each device to see how well they perform and what features they provide.

1. Blueair Blue Pure 211+ Auto

The Blueair Blue Pure 211+ Auto is an impressive air purifier that offers exceptional results at a reasonable price point. Furthermore, its eco-friendliness makes it the ideal option for those seeking a cleaner living environment.

The air purifier features a one-button control and 3 fan speeds to choose from, each designed to remove allergens and pollutants such as pollen, dust, pet dander and mold spores. Plus it includes an easy-to-clean prefilter which helps extend the life of the filter.

Another useful feature is the LED display which changes color based on air quality. This provides a great way to stay informed and determine which fan speed suits you best.

Furthermore, the Blueair Blue Pure 211+ features a fabric pre-filter placed before the intake grille - something many units in its price range lack.

This fabric prefilter traps larger particles such as dirt, pollen and dander before they reach the main filter. This keeps your primary filter from getting clogged with large particles and reduces overall air purifier cost due to reduced maintenance requirements.

HEPASilent technology can also help alleviate allergy symptoms and enhance overall health, as it filters air down to a micron size - much smaller than most conventional filters.

The air purifier is effective at eliminating odors due to its carbon filter that absorbs volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from household cleaning products and paint strippers. As such, you can use it in rooms where odors are an issue, like bedrooms, kitchens or bathrooms.

The Blueair Blue Pure 211+ is an impressive appliance made of sturdy materials. It boasts high-quality air purifier capabilities that come with a 5 year warranty if registered within 60 days of purchase - far better than other similar air purifiers on the market such as Coway, Winix or AirMega models.

2. IQAir HealthPro Plus

The IQAir HealthPro Plus air purifier is one of the premier air cleaners on the market. It's robust and reliable, its control panel and remote are user-friendly, and its three filters do an impressive job pumping out clean, fresh air while eliminating odors.

IQAir is highly efficient at eliminating bacteria, viruses and mold from indoor air. It utilizes a HyperHEPA filter which traps particles down to 0.003 microns - 100 times smaller than standard HEPA filters.

Besides that, this device boasts a host of other impressive features. It can eliminate cigarette smoke, pet dander, pollen and dust mites as well as filter out harmful gases like benzene and carbon monoxide.

This filter capacity product can handle a lot of space. Furthermore, it boasts an impressive airflow delivery rate and various fan speeds to choose from.

The unit boasts impressive energy efficiency when compared to some of its rivals, drawing only 200 watts at maximum fan speed and producing 300 CFM, which is on par with top-rated units.

One great advantage of the IQAir is its quiet operation when in operation. This is thanks to its "fan-in-center" design, whereby the fan motor is nestled between two sound-attenuating filters.

This feature is great if you live in a noisy neighborhood or want to reduce noise levels when an air purifier is running. It's hard to find an air purifier that offers both quietness and power simultaneously, so IQAir makes for the ideal choice for people who want the best of both worlds.

The IQAir HealthPro Plus features an integrated UV-C light that destroys viruses and mold, making it perfect for anyone suffering from allergies or asthma. Furthermore, this model can eliminate COVID-19, which is highly contagious and can cause serious illness in both children and adults alike.

3. Levoit Core 300

The Levoit Core 300 air purifier is an ideal choice if you need a compact air cleaner that can clean the air in up to 215 square feet of area. It boasts three-stage HEPA filtration to remove allergens, smoke particles and other pollutants from the air.

Setting up this device is a breeze, while its touch control panel makes it user-friendly. Plus, there's a timer function so you can set how long the unit will run for and it'll automatically shut down after that period has elapsed.

It employs a 3-stage filtration system that is highly effective and capable of trapping large dust particles and animal fur. Furthermore, its secondary HEPA filter captures smaller particles as well as dust mites, pollen, mold spores, and other airborne debris.

This air purifier can effectively eliminate a range of irritants, such as smoke particles and bacteria. Furthermore, it measures air quality with AirSight Plus Technology and displays the results on a mobile App.

Another great feature of this model is its quiet operation. Rated at 24 decibels when running at its lowest setting, the fan can be further reduced to 50 dB for sleep mode.

Furthermore, this unit has been Energy Star certified for energy efficiency and boasts a Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) of 141 cubic feet per minute. This CADD rate is essential when choosing an air purifier, as it determines how quickly the machine can eliminate particles from your space.

The Core 300 is an affordable air purifier option for families who want a cost-effective way to keep their home air purified and safe. Not only is it user friendly and portable, but its portability also makes it ideal for taking with them when traveling or taking a staycation.

The Core 300 is an economical yet high-performing budget air purifier that's worth the investment. Its compact size makes it perfect for smaller rooms, bedrooms and kitchens alike. Furthermore, this air purifier uses energy-saving technologies which could potentially lower your electricity bill.

4. Coway Airmega 150

Air purifiers have become an essential household item as people become more aware of the hazards caused by poor air quality. Fortunately, there are several brands that provide high-quality products at reasonable prices.

If you're searching for an air purifier that is both compact and stylish, the Coway Airmega 150 is your perfect pick. This air purifier has won multiple design awards and was specifically designed with small rooms in mind.

Easy to clean and maintain, the purifier features an on-board sensor to help maintain indoor air purity.

Another advantage of the Airmega 150 is its low noise level. Depending on which fan speed you select, it produces sound levels between 20 - 48 decibels. This makes it suitable for use in bedrooms at nighttime.

The air purifier offers several modes to choose from. It can adjust fan speeds based on air quality, switch to Rapid mode for maximum cleaning power, or turn off most of its LEDs completely.

It also features a filter replacement indicator to remind you when to change your filters. This handy feature helps extend the life of your air filters and gives you fresh clean air without any hassle.

This air purifier from one of the leading brands in air purifiers is highly efficient at eliminating germs and other pollutants from air. Plus, it's user-friendly with minimal power consumption for efficient operation.

Furthermore, the Coway Airmega 150 is compact and lightweight so it can easily be moved from room to room. Furthermore, its quiet operation won't disturb you while you try to sleep.

The Coway Airmega 150 is an affordable air purifier that can eliminate bacteria, fungi and viruses from your indoor air. It's easy to clean and maintain with various modes for optimal results; its three-stage filtration system effectively filters out most contaminants in your home's air.