2.5 out of 5 stars
Licorice Pizza is a term credited to Abbott and Costello from one of their famous routines about selling vinyl records as pizza. Then the expression evolved into an iconic music store in California from the 1960s to 1980s. One of the many insider nods towards the culture of Southern California by one of the most celebrated directors of this generation, Paul Thomas Anderson (Phantom Thread). He labels this latest film as a ‘friends and family’ adventure that includes many familiar cast members from his filmography, along with his wife, Maya Rudolph (Saturday Night Live), and their children.
Set in 1973, things begin in the local high school where 15-year-old Gary Valentine (Cooper Hoffman) prepares for his school picture day. As he stands in the line for the photograph, the child actor is taken aback by the photographer’s 25-year-old assistant, Alana Kane (Alana Haim), who he attempts to ask out on a date. Even though they meet for dinner, no romance occurs to the young man’s dismay. Their relationship has sexual tension, but remains platonic as they eventually become business partners. Gary is a chronic entrepreneur who starts business ventures that include everything from promotions to selling waterbeds to opening his own pinball emporium.
Trailer contains mature content
While they dabble in business together, both attempt to find romance in the arms of others through the story. Yet, they both continue to look back to one another again and again. In between varying sales experiences, Gary and Alana try their hand at acting and she even finds work volunteering for a local congressman. Their relationship goes from being professional to steadily working its way back to love. As they try to find their own identities, each of them must decide whether they will cross the line and commit to a relationship together.
Before venturing too far further into this review, there seems to be a problem with the premise that some viewers may notice right away. Gary is a minor and Alana is an adult. This has all of the earmarks of statutory issues written all over it. Even though it is set in a different era, there is still something quite creepy about their potential connection. If the roles were reversed and a man pursued a young woman, this film might have a very different audience response. Something that needs to be acknowledged and may cause some to skip this film entirely if this is difficult to stomach.
Another thing to consider is that Paul Thomas Anderson is one of those directors that critics adore, even though most of his films are inaccessible to mainstream audiences because of their complex storylines and tone. He is in an elite class that is difficult to critique honestly, since many treat him as if he can do no wrong. Licorice Pizza falls well short of many of his great works like Magnolia, There Will Be Blood and Phantom Thread. Most directors would like to have one of these credited to their name. Still, with such an extensive back catalogue, Anderson is allowed a few average pieces of work that may not be at the same level. Nonetheless, most critics will gush over this latest project despite its flaws, including a disjointed screenplay and erratic story arch.
Now one thing Anderson does prove is that he has an exceptional eye for casting. He did manage to find some fantastic talent in family friend and musician Alana Haim and in Philip Seymour Hoffman’s son, Cooper. They both give outstanding performances and should be sought after by many directors in the future. Then they are surrounded by an amazing cast of characters played by Sean Penn, Tom Waits, and Bradley Cooper in minor supporting roles that all have their moment to shine. Even though the screenplay is all over the place, most of the film seems to have the young couple constantly running around the San Fernando Valley without breaking a sweat. His talented cast covers many of the rough patches of the story and the glaring issue stated previously.
Credit is due to the award-winning director for providing the world with his own film interpretation of coming-of-age. One that was inspired by Fast Times at Ridgemont High and that whole era. Still, this one is less Jeff Spicoli and more awkward arthouse fodder. Many critics will revere this film, while few mainstream audiences will ever see or want to sink their teeth into Licorice Pizza.
Reel Dialogue: Make good choices
As the father of a teenager, we constantly encourage our daughter to make good choices. We can control very little about her life as she heads off to school or out with her friends. Yet, we want the best for her and hope that she will make the better choices in life as she comes of age herself.
Licorice Pizza is filled with young people making different decisions in life that lead to good and bad results. There are some examples of parents in the film that hope to shield their children from the bad ones. Yet, like it is in real life, children will have to go through life speed humps and many will pay the consequences for the poor options chosen.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to them. - James 1:5
Wisdom is something we all want, but we struggle to determine where to find it. Interestingly, within the words of the Bible, there is an answer to where we can find it. This does not include decisions about what colour socks to choose in the morning. Still, it does point to finding the wisdom needed to make it through the day-to-day things of life and for the bigger things that we all face.
To open more space for reflection and conversation about God, go to thirdspace.org.au
