Paul Thomas Anderson is arguably the most critically adored director working today. Whilst I think some of his movies are overrated (Punch Drunk Love, There Will Be Blood), I also think he has made two bona fide masterpieces (Inherent Vice, Magnolia), so his every film is a must see. This though falls into the former category.
Set in 1973, Cooper Hoffman (son of Philip Seymour) stars as Gary, a 15 year old actor turned entrepreneur. He forms a tentative relationship with Alana (Alana Haim), who is 10 years older than him.
Licorice Pizza is beautifully shot, really evocative of the time. The leads are excellent, especially rock star Haim, making her debut and there are fun cameos from Sean Penn, Tom Waits, Bradley Cooper and John C. Reilly.
But there are problems with the story. It could kindly be called freewheeling, but more accurately a lacking focus and too long, with way too may scenes of Gary running to a music track from the era. It feels like it could have been written by a 15 year old for The Childrens’ Film Foundation, with Gary attracting girls and setting up businesses on a whim. Also, the central romance does feel a bit dubious, bearing in mind the ages of Gary and Alana.
Never boring but a bit self indulgent.
Rating: 6.5 out of 10