Rip roaring entertainment, magnetic performances, and white-knuckle excitement make One Battle After Another a PTA epic in every way. Yep, it’s a true cinematic tapestry of genres and vibes — weaving laugh-out-loud screwball hijinks with blistering, edge-of-your-seat suspense. The result is a political laden thrill ride that rarely slows down and constantly surprises. It’s also the performances that push it into epic territory. Leonardo DiCaprio once again proves why he’s one of the greats, delivering an effortless turn as the hapless hero — equal parts charming, believable, and sympathetic in his plight. For her part, Teyana Taylor is magnetic from the jump, stealing scenes with charisma and wit. If only we got more of her! Yet it’s Sean Penn who takes the crown as the ultimate scene-stealer. His Colonel character is one of the most twisted villains to hit the screen in years — a quirk-heavy, gonzo creation that Penn plays with fearless abandon. It’s unhinged and nuanced in equal measure, and he fits this film like a glove. And, at nearly three hours, the movie could have dragged — but it never does. The pacing is breakneck, charging from the opening seconds to the closing credits with blistering energy. Still, beneath its playful absurdity, the film tackles weighty ideas: familial strife, political oppression, and the fallout of unchecked power. In short, One Battle After Another is a film that will make you laugh, gasp, think, and feel — sometimes all at once.