LICORICE PIZZA

Writer/Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
Starring: Alana Haim, Cooper Hoffman, Bradley Cooper, Sean Penn, Benny Safdie, Christine Ebersole, Maya Rudolph

Paul Thomas Anderson’s films aren’t for everyone. They strike a chord to varying degrees depending on the ride you want to go on and whether you want to film to make complete sense or just be a frothy silly ride of being something different. His new film Licorice Pizza is on the lighter and goofier end of his work. Cooper Hoffman makes his film debut here as Gary, a child actor who sees himself much older and wiser than he actually is at the age of 15. He’s smitten upon meeting Alana (Haim) during school picture day. Alana’s 25 or 28 as she says and is running around working for the photographer. She, on the other hand, is not nearly as responsible as she should be for her age. Despite their age difference, Gary tries to woo Alana with his acting resume and pension for business ideas. Their newfound friendship and working relationship is a wild ride in the summer of 1973 in San Fernando Valley.

Here’s my review

And check out my interview with Alana Haim