Licorice Pizza

From Boogie Nights and Magnolia to There Will Be Blood and Phantom Thread, writer-director Paul Thomas Anderson has created some of the most distinctive films of the last quarter-century. 

He’s also the force behind a film I walked out on, Inherent Vice, and one I wish I did, The Master with Philip Seymour Hoffman.

Luckily for everyone, this is one of his best, showing a new level of maturity as an auteur. 

Set in Boogie Night’s 1970’s sun-drenched San Fernando Valley, Licorice Pizza is a coming-of-age story unique to everything else that has been described as such. The film balances Anderson’s usual sharp dialogue, disruptive sidetrack stories and dark comedy with something new from him —sentiment. Yes, it’s his usual edge, but side-by-side with a hint of innocence and a whole lotta warmth.

A love letter to a distinct time in America, Licorice Pizza never explains its title which was simply the name of a local record store of the time. It’s also safe to say that it’s appropriately "two words that don’t go together." Like Anderson and heartfelt. Or like a 15-year old Gary Valentine (Cooper Hoffman) and 25-year old Alana (Alana Haim). Or like the story of an aged-out child actor with a sunny outlook. Or like a chill film paired with the most nail-biting sequence of the year.

Anderson is more of a master than ever.

In a nutshell: A breezy surprise from Paul Thomas Anderson and one of the best films of 2021.

Award potential: With 10 spaces this year for Best Picture, this small film has a solid chance. Less likely for its deserving director and breakout first-timers Cooper Hoffman (son of Philip Seymour Hoffman) and Alana Haim (of the rock group Haim). We may see a nod to Anderson in Best Original Screenplay, however, and Bradley Cooper has momentum in the Supporting Actor category for a very small (but standout) part. 

If there was an award for “most running,” it would definitely win.

Where to see it: In theaters.

The Ten Buck Review: Worth ten bucks.