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Here's a look at the new movies I saw this week.

Booksmart
Starring: Kaitlyn Dever, Beanie Feldstein, Skyler Gisondo, Molly Gordon, Billie Lourd, Jessica Williams and Jason Sudeikis
Synopsis: This comedy was released early in the summer, but it was re-released last Friday at the special event price of $5 per ticket. It earned rave reviews when it bowed, and acclaim for its stars Dever and Feldstein, and its first-time director Olivia Wilde. All three are quite good in this comedy, which has some incredible moments and is one of the better ones I've seen in an underwhelming summer. The visuals that Wilde creates are incredible at times, and it will be fun to watch her develop as a director. Dever has long been a star in smaller roles, but gets a chance to really shine here. But it's Feldstein who seems to be the real find. She was great in the lead role here and I think she's got great comedic timing. This is a film that earns its R-rating for a lot of its content, but it's kind of a fun journey with a couple great leads in the top roles.
Rating: R for strong sexual content and language throughout, drug use and drinking - all involving teens.
Verdict: Four stars out of four.

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Margaret Qualley, Emile Hirsch, and Al Pacino
Synopsis: This is Quentin Tarantino's latest film, set in 1969 in Hollywood, and follows those in the movie industry. Rick Dalton (DiCaprio) is a former action star on the small screen who has come on hard times. His only friend is Cliff Booth (Pitt), who was also his long-time stunt man but now finds himself on the outside due to a number of issues. Cliff drives Rick around and helps keep his house in order. Meanwhile Rick's new neighbor is Sharon Tate (Robbie), an up-and-coming star married to famous director Roman Polanski. As the film plays out you get intersections with the Manson Family, which those familiar with history will remember played quite a dower role in Tate's life. But as this film plays out, it doesn't got in the way you expect. I won't spoil the third act here, but suffice to say whatever you're expecting this will likely defy your expectations. That being said, this is a Tarantino movie, and by now we should all know what that means in terms of a certain kind of style. This film has that, and it works quite well. He has a great eye for the period, and obviously a great reverence for Hollywood in the late 1960s. Pitt and DiCaprio are very good, so, too, is Robbie, though she doesn't have as many scenes as the trailer makes it appear. In fact, most of the fantastic cast in this film simply pops up for a time. This is Pitt and DiCaprio's film, and they lead it well. Both give great performances and I wouldn't be surprised to see some awards nomination. For me, while I enjoyed the performances and much of the film, it wasn't perfect and wasn't my favorite from Tarantino. Still, it's well worth checking out, especially for fans.
Rating: R for language throughout, some strong graphic violence, drug use, and sexual references.
Verdict: Three stars out of four.

Yesterday
Starring: Himesh Patel, Lily James, Kate McKinnon, and Ed Sheeran
Synopsis: This latest film from Danny Boyle and writer Richard Curtis is a lot of fun. It's a romantic comedy, but one that comes with a twist. Jack (Patel) is a singer whose career hasn't taken off. Ellie (James) is his friend and manager, but their relationship has never really blossomed into more. Jack is ready to give it up when a worldwide blackout comes and he gets hit by a bus. After waking up, he finds the world has changed. There are many things missing that only he remembers, chief among them is the musical super group The Beatles. But Jack not only remembers all their songs, he is uniquely suited to bring them back to life and, in the process, get himself a career. But in the process, will he lose what's really important? This is a film that, fittingly, has a great soundtrack. It also has a lot of fun and funny moments. Patel is great in the lead role, and James is a perfect romantic foil. McKinnon is hilarious in a supporting role, as his Sheeran, who plays a version of himself. This is one of my favorite films of the year. I loved the story and the performances, and it even went in directions I didn't expect. All of it was a lot of fun. This is one you should make sure you make the time to find.
Rating: Rated PG-13 for suggestive content and language.
Verdict: Four stars out of four.