| 70's Groove | ||
| Licorice Pizza | ||
| Review by Ross Anthony | ||
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While Magnolia continues to be one of my favorite films of all time, sadly, Licorice Pizza is not even close. The first quarter of the film enjoys a 70's sheen that tickles those of us who remember the striped shirts, and shaggy hair cuts. I loved it. And the introduction of these quirky characters is fresh and exciting and simply fun. I chuckled often at their interactions and at the recreation of the era. Paul Thomas Anderson is an excellent filmmaker and the leads deliver great performances. It is also a beautifully lit film. However, these characters become less fun and less easy to root for as the film meanders on. Perhaps, PTA never intended to include a build in drama or intensity or ... I don't know, I just felt the film was a series of rather quirky events that didn't add up. Perhaps there was a joke I was missing. Nonetheless, it seems to me, none of the characters grow much. It still hosts clearly fun moments, but the engagement factor wanes as the film progresses. SPOILER: And then there's the ending (last minute or two of the film). Was this something insisted upon by the money people? It so doesn't fit the tone of the film. Perhaps a better ending would have been to cut to black just as the two nearly collide. |
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Grade..........................B- (1.5/4) |
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Copyright © 1998-2023 Ross Anthony, Author - Speaker - Solo World Circumnavigator In addition to reviewing films and interviewing celebs at HollywoodReportCard.com, traveling the world, composing great music, motivational speaking, Mr. Anthony also runs his own publishing company in the Los Angeles area. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books and shooting documentaries, Mr. Anthony has taught, presented for, worked &/or played with locals in over 30 countries & 100 cities (Nairobi to Nagasaki). He's bungee-jumped from a bridge near Victoria Falls, wrestled with lions in Zimbabwe, crashed a Vespa off a high mountain road in Taiwan, and ridden a dirt bike across the States (Washington State to Washington DC). To get signed books ("Rodney Appleseed" to "Jinshirou") or schedule Ross to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186.
Go into the world and inspire the people you meet with your love, kindness, and whatever it is you're really good at. Check out books by Ross Anthony. Rand() functions, Pho chicken soup, rollerblading, and frozen yogurt (w/ blueberries) also rock! (Btw, rand is short for random. It can also stand for "Really Awkward Nutty Dinosaurs" -- which is quite rand, isn't it?) Being alive is the miracle. Special thanks to Ken Kocanda, HAL, Jodie Keszek, Don Haderlein, Mom and Pops, my family, R. Foss, and many others by Ross Anthony. Galati-FE also deserves a shout out. And thanks to all of you for your interest and optimism. Enjoy great films, read stirring novels, grow. |
