When I booked tickets for Paul Thomas Anderson's film Licorice Pizza, I had no idea what to expect. Literally. I saw the name of the film pop up in Twitter threads of recommendations, so I decided to go see it completely fresh - and I'm very glad I did.The film is a refreshing, coming-of-age tale that follows two young people, Gary Valentine an ambitious teen actor turned entrepreneur, and Alana Kane , a young woman who's unsure of what she wants her life to look like.
From a purely aesthetic standpoint, Licorice Pizza is worthy of a cinema trip. The film's visuals summon an image of California that is so visceral, it borders on familiar. It captures the glamour and appeal of Los Angeles in the 70s, but without any unnatural sheen. Instead, it remains, aesthetically speaking, soft and dreamy throughout.and an utterly nostalgic soundtrack, render Licorice Pizza a feast for the senses, but it will also warm your heart.
As well as being a touching coming-of-age story, Licorice Pizza is delightfully unpredictable. A kitsch song and dance number within the first 30 minutes lets the viewer know they're in for an endearing but wild ride. Additionally, the film is packed with celebrity cameos, including Bradley Cooper, Sean Penn, Maya Rudolph and Tom Waits. Despite these big names, it is our two leads that, quite rightfully, steal the show.