Wow, what a movie. This film emotionally wrecked me. At this point, The Farewell is the best movie I’ve seen in 2019. Powerful, raw, and cunning. Based on an actual lie, The Farewell follows an aspiring Chinese-American writer named Billi (an incredible Awkwafina). Billi’s family soon discovers their grandmother (who lives in China) has only a short while left to live and they decide to keep her in the dark, scheduling a 'wedding' to gather before she dies. Director Lulu Wang's (her directorial debut) film felt like a breath of fresh air. I was so overwhelmed with emotions throughout the film. Wang gave the picture such a gentle touch and shaped it in a way that could be relatable to anyone. Yet, it was also a film dealing with both culture-specific circumstances.

I was blown away at how she managed to pull that off. Awkwafina shines throughout the entire picture. I knew she was good, but this was an incredible performance — Oscar-worthy some would say. I noticed how her shoulders were slumped throughout the picture. I thought this added depth to her character. We see a young woman stuck in life not knowing who she is or where she fits into. Plus, her neutral clothing added to that central struggle. Recently, this has been a film I've been recommending to everyone I've have talked too. I am excited to see more future films by Lulu Wang. The Farewell takes its time until an overwhelming feeling of emotion overtakes you. Wang exquisitely crafts the picture, exposing life’s simplest moments. This is her very American movie. At the heart of this film is family. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and in the end, you’ll be left with a bittersweet feeling that will bubble up inside of you. It receives five-stars from me. Bravo.

The Farewell is rated PG (Parental Guidance). For thematic material, brief language and some smoking.

Directed by Lulu Wang

Starring Awkwafina, Tzi Ma, Diana Lin, Shuzhen Zhou, Lu Hong, and Yongbo Jiang.

The Last Black Man in San Francisco is a great film and should be seen by everyone. Poetic and beautifully shot, it tells the story of a young black man living in a changing city and feeling left behind. One of the best films of this year. Directed and produced by Joe Talbot (his directorial debut), while the film is based on actor Jimmie Fails' own life. Our story follows Jimmie (playing himself), who dreams of reclaiming the Victorian home his grandfather built in the heart of San Francisco. Joined on his quest by his best friend Mont (an Oscar-worthy Jonathan Majors), Jimmie searches for truth in a changing city growing before his very eyes. Mont is an aspiring play-writer, constantly making notes in his notebook for his next play. His biggest play will test Jimmie and his friendship and the very nature of the Victorian home. Actor Jimmie Fails is a knockout, giving us a powerful performance of a man wanting to be relevant. There's something incredibly organic about this picture, every shot and scene has a purpose. Adding to the depth and structure of this film is the cinematography — finding beauty in the American struggle. Through the slow-motion shots and the emotionally invested characters, we see a wonderful portrait of male friendship that is deeply felt. The Last Black Man in San Francisco is a poetic, bold, and worthy of your time. You'll enjoy every minute of it, I guarantee it.

The Last Black Man in San Francisco is rated R (Restricted) For language, brief nudity and drug use.

Directed by Joe Talbot

Starring Jimmie Fails, Jonathan Majors, Tichina Arnold, Rob Morgan, Mike Epps, Finn Wittrock, and Danny Glover.

Once Upon A Time... In Hollywood is a throwback to Old Hollywood and it’s also Quentin Tarantino’s (Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill: Volume 1 & 2, and Inglorious Bastards) love letter to cinema. An intoxicating fable of a struggling actor in a changing city with a spin on the Manson cult. Funny and violent – with a dash of Westerns sprinkled in the film. Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie are perfection. Once Upon A Time... is one of the best films of the year and it showcases Tarantino’s more provocative impulses. His 9th feature film receives a five-star review from me. For this last month, I've been going back over this movie and I just can't get past the amount of detail Tarantino poured into making this film come alive. Vivid and full of intimacy, Once Upon A Time… lets you live and breathe 1969 Los Angeles. Our story follows a faded 1950s television actor, Rick Dalton (a knockout DiCaprio), and his stunt double, Cliff Booth (a scene-stealing Brad Pitt), strive to achieve fame and success in the film industry during the final years of Hollywood's Golden Age.

With the occasional flashback, Tarantino focuses on three important dates in 1969: February 8, February 9, and August 8. Yes, the Westerns are fading in LA and moving in are a new age of filmmakers (Roman Polanski and others) and lots of hippies. Once upon a time, there were safe TV Western’s like Bonanza and Gunsmoke, now that’s all changed and in the past. Actor Rick Dalton (DiCaprio) is running out of time as an important figure for television. His beloved ‘50s Western known as Bounty Law was canceled like dust in the wind. Now, Dalton is a high-functioning alcoholic, who spends most of his days drinking away at old memories and loathing the idea of having to star in Spaghetti Western films. Cliff (Pitt) is Dalton’s right-hand man and even drives Dalton around because he’s had one too many DUI’s. Along Cliff’s side is his faithful dog named Brandy. You’ll find out why Brandy makes a name for herself and earns the title as “Man’s Best Friend”. Within the storylines, Tarantino takes his time shaping and forming Once Upon A Time… – through DiCaprio and Pitt’s conversations, to the most precise detail of the changing culture in dusty LA. Once Upon A Time… lives in our veins.

There’s a ton of ‘50s and ‘60s TV/film references Tarantino sprinkled in throughout. To me, it was like we were going down memory lane of Grand Ole Hollywood. I am glad Tarantino assumed it’s the audience’s job to know the Golden Age history before entering. So, for film geeks, this movie is a blast of nostalgic cotton candy. Also, Tarantino's attention to detail for LA in 1969 was gorgeous and slapped a smile on my face from start to finish. In the rear-view mirror, of this film, we get two additional storylines – actress Sharron Tate (played by a never-better Margot Robbie) and the murderous Mason Family. Mrs. Tate and her husband Roman Polanski are Dalton's next door neighbors. This is an important detail that will come around later within the film. I could feel Robbie bring Sharron Tate's character to life just through her mannerisms and emotion. She did this so seamlessly. There’s a scene in particular, which I loved and even got a little teary-eyed.

Sharron Tate is going around the town on a normal day and she sees a movie playing at the Bruin Theatre – featuring herself in a supporting role. The movie is a Dean Martin action comedy named The Wrecking Crew (1968). Tate decides to go watch the movie and enjoy seeing herself on the big screen. Here, we see Robbie sitting in the theater with her bare feet up on the seat in front of her, observing herself with lots of giggles. But, instead of dubbing footage of Robbie in The Wrecking Crew, Tarantino used the real-archived footage of Sharron Tate. It’s an amazing moment watching Robbie watch the real Tate on the big screen. There’s a sense of happiness in the air and then, you’re overrun with bittersweet emotions. You’ll fall in love with Sharon Tate all over again and you’ll get the sense that she did love acting and that she had real potential. Gone too soon. Robbie was bubbly throughout the picture – giving us one of the best nonverbal parts in recent memory. Her physicality was pure gold.

Yes, there has been controversy surrounding the Bruce Lee (Mike Moh) fight scene. Many have pointed fingers at Tarantino for stereotyping Lee’s character and making him super arrogant. I agree that the arrogant characteristic might be frustrating for Lee fans; however, I believe Tarantino’s version of Lee was, well, more human. He strips away the superhero layer and makes him more vulnerable. During The Green Hornet fight scene between Lee and Cliff – actor Moh nails Lee’s voice and mannerisms to a T. Yet, when Lee began to fight Cliff some of the older audience members in my theater began to laugh at Lee’s noises. This made me incredibly frustrated with those who were laughing at him. In return, I believe Tarantino unconsciously brought out some people’s ignorance towards the Chinese culture. Thus, demonstrating the continual divide between the East and the West.

I have talked with a friend of mine about this particular scene and found out that he had a different experience. He explained that no one in his theater laughed at Lee, but the demographic was much younger. That’s something interesting to think about. I believe the younger generation is more accepting and understanding of one's cultural background. So, I will ask this question to those who have seen the movie: Why Are You Laughing at Bruce Lee? Moving on, Leo and Pitt's chemistry was on point throughout the entire film. I still don't know who acted better, they both stole the show in every single scene. Possible Oscar noms? We will see. Without spoiling it, the film ends on a bittersweet note. It was wild, funny, and it got my adrenaline rushing. Yes, this was a very Tarantino ending, to say the least. After it was all said and done, I was a little heartbroken because I remembered the reality of it. After you see, you’ll know exactly what I'm talking about. In the end, Once Upon A Time... In Hollywood is a phenomenal movie and is probably Tarantino's most mature film to date. This will be a film that we’ll be talking about years down the road. So, it's time to sit back and enjoy the ride. Let the Western sway songs begin. Note: fairy tales are not overrated.

Once Upon A Time... In Hollywood is rated R (Restricted). For language throughout, some strong graphic violence, drug use, and sexual references.

The 9th Film from Quentin Tarantino.

Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Emile Hirsch, Margaret Qualley, Timothy Olyphant, Julia Butters, Austin Butler, Dakota Fanning, Bruce Dern, Mike Moh, the late Luke Perry, Damian Lewis, and Al Pacino.