Licorice Pizza Movie Review
Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest film Licorice Pizza offers viewers a tender, humorous take on that Hollywood story: two young dreamers, searching for love and purpose amidst the sprawling suburbs of Los Angeles in the early 1970s.
Released in Canada on January 14, 2022, the R-rated romantic dramedy clocks in at a leisurely 133 minutes. While light on plot, Anderson’s astute direction and sharp dialogue transport audiences back to a bygone era not often seen on film.
The film’s nostalgic portrayal of the 1970s taps into a broader cultural fascination with this transformative decade, a trend that extends beyond cinema and into other entertainment forms, including online gaming. The aesthetic and themes of 1970s films have left a lasting imprint on online gambling, particularly in how games are designed to evoke the era’s iconic visual and narrative styles.
Release date (Canada): January 14, 2022
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Run Time: 2 h 13 min
IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
What Is Licorice Pizza About?
Licorice Pizza follows the relationship between Gary Valentine (Cooper Hoffman), a precocious 15-year-old actor flush with the first flashes of fame, and Alana Kane (Alana Haim), a listless 25-year-old photographer’s assistant uncertain of her path. Their flirtation begins when they meet on Gary’s school picture day.
Over the course of a year, they pursue various get-rich-quick schemes like selling novelty beds and operating an arcade. All the while, they circle each other, trading barbs and compliments, never quite settling the question of whether their difference in age precludes real romance.
Through this loose narrative, Anderson explores universal themes like the pangs of first love and coming to terms with the onset of adulthood. With an ambling pace and setting that feels plucked out of time, Licorice Pizza possesses a dreamy, nostalgic quality. It’s a vibe fans of films like Dazed and Confused and Fast Times at Ridgemont High may find familiar.
Licorice Pizza’s Cast
Anchoring this trip down memory lane are winning lead performances from Haim and Hoffman, both marking their feature film debuts. Hoffman brings humor and confident charm to his portrayal of the teen actor.
Meanwhile, Haim displays sharp comedic chops and an alluring on-screen presence. High praise flooded both young talents for carrying the film’s emotional weight on their shoulders.
Providing comedic sparks in supporting roles are Hollywood veterans like Sean Penn as a hard-drinking movie star and Bradley Cooper as a coiffed hothead modeled after infamous producer Jon Peters.
Other notable players include Benny Safdie, Skyler Gisondo, Destry Allyn Spielberg, and Harriet Sansom Harris. The ensemble creates a tapestry of affable, off-kilter figures.
Anderson’s Style
While the meandering narrative break from Anderson’s past character studies, his exacting direction provides continuity. Known for films like Boogie Nights, There Will Be Blood, and Phantom Thread, Anderson drenches Licorice Pizza in authentic textures, from the saturated yellows of valley smog to era-defining vinyl tracks.
Critics praised how Anderson bottle the feeling of youth, from nerve-addled first dates to rash decisions fueled by naïve ambition. Every frame oozes with Anderson’s deep affection for California’s San Fernando Valley, where he himself came of age.
Reviews
Licorice Pizza garnered widespread critical acclaim, including three 2022 Academy Awards nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. It holds a 90% critical rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
However, the film struggled commercially, only grossing $33 million worldwide against its $40 million budget. Some reviews criticized plot elements like Alana and Gary’s age gap. Others took issue with Anderson’s depiction of racial stereotypes.
Still, most found the movie transportive. Nadine Whitney of Mr. Movie’s Film Blog called Licorice Pizza “nostalgic and heartfelt, funny, and wise.” Shawn Edwards of Fox 4 Kansas City countered the film is slow-moving, stating “Nothing really happens.” So while the film divided some, its tender direction and lead performances charmed many.
By bottling the sunshine warmth and confusion of early life in 1970s California, Anderson has crafted an experience both specific and universal. Licorice Pizza stands as his most personal work to date. Much like Alana and Gary’s meandering journey, the destination matters far less than the shared memories made along the way.
Where to Watch Licorice Pizza in Canada
Canadians have plenty of options for streaming Paul Thomas Anderson’s comedy-drama Licorice Pizza from the comfort of home. The film is available both for digital rental and purchase through premium online outlets like iTunes, Google Play, YouTube, Cineplex Store and for subscription streaming via services like Crave and Prime Video. So, whether looking to rent, buy or stream as part of an existing package, consumers can access the full Licorice Pizza movie through various Canadian VOD platforms.
Similar Films to Watch
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Sorry We Missed You (2019)
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Almost Famous (2000)
Cameron Crowe’s nostalgic comedy-drama follows teenage music journalist William Miller (Patrick Fugit), who goes on tour with an up-and-coming 1970s rock band. He falls for the alluring groupie Penny Lane (Kate Hudson).
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