Read Positive User Reviews for Inherent Vice

10

BusdrivermikeJan 18, 2015

The Rockford files on acid. The way the artists could shift gears from drama to slapstick, then back, impressive.

There Is so much subtle homage to Chaplin, whether Phoenix intended it or not I cannot help but wonder. It is great work byThe Rockford files on acid. The way the artists could shift gears from drama to slapstick, then back, impressive.

There Is so much subtle homage to Chaplin, whether Phoenix intended it or not I cannot help but wonder. It is great work by the actors. As someone who grew up in SoCal, it was eerie that PT Anderson could make me feel the humidity and temperature in one scene.

This movie, quite simply, is a masterpiece… Expand

7 of 7 users found this helpful70

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9

frankrog29Jan 17, 2015

Though I knew P. T. Anderson is an amazing director, I wasn't sure how successful he would be adapting Thomas Pynchon to the big screen. Mr. Anderson did not disappoint. He does a great job of capturing the stoned vibe, weirdness, andThough I knew P. T. Anderson is an amazing director, I wasn't sure how successful he would be adapting Thomas Pynchon to the big screen. Mr. Anderson did not disappoint. He does a great job of capturing the stoned vibe, weirdness, and zaniness of the novel. There is a lot in the book that didn't make it into the movie, but it would have been next to impossible to jam all of the book's plot in there. I'm grateful that Mr. Anderson decided to adapt this novel because Mr. Pynchon's weirdness is definitely compatible with the director's style. The cinematography is wonderful. The pacing is just right for the source material: I felt hypnotized by the dialogue - I actually felt stoned after the movie was over. Joaquin Phoenix's portrayal of Doc Sportello is a comedic tour de force. Josh Brolin does an outstanding job and Katherine Waterston does a fine job as the femme fatale. The movie was hilarious and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Seeing as how I'm a huge Thomas Pynchon fan, it was thrilling to see this masterful director and these virtuoso actors transform the offbeat novel into a thrilling, enjoyable film.… Expand

6 of 6 users found this helpful60

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9

BrushedRedAug 18, 2015

If you'd have asked me to rate this the first time I saw it, it would've been around a 3 or a 4. It was very hard to keep up with the convoluted plot. I personally don't know who could've ever kept up with it! But then I gave it anotherIf you'd have asked me to rate this the first time I saw it, it would've been around a 3 or a 4. It was very hard to keep up with the convoluted plot. I personally don't know who could've ever kept up with it! But then I gave it another viewing, just going with it (as many sites and reviewers have suggested), and I loved it! The atmosphere is wonderful and it feels like it came straight out of the 70s. I noticed a lot I never noticed before and some of the movie is just plain silly (in a good way; silly dialogue). I definitely recommend this movie, just enjoy it for the aesthetics and laughs rather than trying to remember everything that goes on and every named mentioned (or you won't enjoy it). Then again I haven't read the book either, but I'm intrigued to do so now. Also, I wouldn't compare this in any way to The Big Lebowski.. It's nothing like it. There's really nothing like this movie. It's definitely neat and original.… Expand

4 of 4 users found this helpful40

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10

manofthemoonJan 21, 2015

Genuinely funny, trippy neo-noir sees stoner PI Phoenix trying to unravel a case while being out of it all of the time. Beautifully shot, first rate direction and strong performances across the board make this the best film making the rounds.Genuinely funny, trippy neo-noir sees stoner PI Phoenix trying to unravel a case while being out of it all of the time. Beautifully shot, first rate direction and strong performances across the board make this the best film making the rounds. Phoenix and Brolin are excellent.… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

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7

MarcDoyleJan 5, 2015

Even it's a touch long, the pace and cadence of the action - especially the dialogue - is never boring and mostly very funny. It's probably my favorite Joaquin Phoenix movie - and my favorite Josh Brolin film. Unfortunately (and it's reallyEven it's a touch long, the pace and cadence of the action - especially the dialogue - is never boring and mostly very funny. It's probably my favorite Joaquin Phoenix movie - and my favorite Josh Brolin film. Unfortunately (and it's really not a knock on this film), it's not close to my favorite PT Anderson film. Punch Drunk Love, There Will Be Blood, Boogie Nights - those were massive achievements. This is more light, breezy entertainment.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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10

epatasJan 19, 2015

A great experience. Many chuckles; one intriguing character after another. Much unresolved, but that is so true to Pynchon. Best movie I've seen in years.

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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8

SpangleJan 16, 2015

I love films like this for the most part and Inherent Vice is no exception to that. Perpetually in a drug induced haze, Detective Larry "Doc" Sportello, portrayed brilliantly by Joaquin Phoenix, stumbles around trying to solve a case heI love films like this for the most part and Inherent Vice is no exception to that. Perpetually in a drug induced haze, Detective Larry "Doc" Sportello, portrayed brilliantly by Joaquin Phoenix, stumbles around trying to solve a case he cannot quite wrap his head around. Hell, there may not even be a case. But, what is certain is that he has no idea what is going on and neither does the audience. Impossible to follow and impossible to wrap your head around, Inherent Vice is a film that gives you a bunch of different puzzle pieces from different puzzles and tells you to put them together. Yet, in spite of that, I loved it. Our confusion mirrors that of Doc and really makes the film and enjoyable watch. It also does not hurt that it has a stellar cast on top of Joaquin Phoenix, including Benecio del Toro, Josh Brolin, Reese Witherspoon, Katherine Waterston, Joanna Newsom, Michael K. Williams, and Martin Short. No one other than Phoenix has that much screen time, but what they are given, they knock out of the park. The direction and writing from Paul Thomas Anderson are stellar as always. The film also does a great job capturing the drug-induced era it is set in and is a beautiful snapshot of the less than nice areas of Los Angeles in the 1970's. If you are comfortable not knowing what the hell is going on, but are willing to still sit there and try to piece together this possibly unsolvable "case", Inherent Vice is the film for you. Though it may not make much sense, Inherent Vice is just a really enjoyable and really, really well made film that even if the "plot" does not do it for you, there should be enough here for you to appreciate.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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8

WarriorFightDec 14, 2014

Really like an 82-83. Not the best film of the year to be sure, and a great deal of people won't like it. I enjoyed it immensely, Joaquin Phoenix and Josh Brolin are fantastic, and I am always intrigued by PT Anderson's choices as a director,Really like an 82-83. Not the best film of the year to be sure, and a great deal of people won't like it. I enjoyed it immensely, Joaquin Phoenix and Josh Brolin are fantastic, and I am always intrigued by PT Anderson's choices as a director, even if I don't agree with them. While I wouldn't count this as PT's best, I enjoyed it just as much as I did "The Master," which was one of my favorite films that year. At year's end, the best films I've seen have been The Grand Budapest Hotel, Boyhood, the sadly under-rated Blue Ruin, Nightcrawler, Inherent Vice, and Whiplash. I am still very excited to see J.C. Chandor's "A Most Violent Year" as well. You might not enjoy Inherent Vice much (maybe not at all), but if you have enjoyed PT Anderson's films in the past, it will at least be an interesting experience. Not for everyone, but it's easily one of the most interesting films this year, and certainly one of the better.… Expand

7 of 9 users found this helpful72

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7

AxgrinderJan 11, 2015

If Hunter S. Thompson and David Lynch got together and wrote/directed a comedy, Inherent Vice would be the likely result. The movie is bizzaro. Joaquin Phoenix plays hippie dope-head private investigator Doc Sportello, who is trying toIf Hunter S. Thompson and David Lynch got together and wrote/directed a comedy, Inherent Vice would be the likely result. The movie is bizzaro. Joaquin Phoenix plays hippie dope-head private investigator Doc Sportello, who is trying to solve the disappearance his ex-girlfriend (Katherine Waterston) and her new lover (Eric Roberts), a wealthy real estate developer. The dialogue, at times, is difficult to hear/understand. The plot is even more difficult to follow. All you can do is inhale the psychedelic haze the permeates the movie, let go of reality and let things unfold. Unfortunately, there isn’t quite enough substance to the story line to sustain the movie’s almost 2½ hour run time. Joaquin Phoenix, as, always, gives a terrific performance. The cast is deep (including Josh Brolin, Reese Witherspoon, Owen Wilson, Beneicio Del Toro, Maya Rudolph and Jena Malone). Brolin is perfectly cast for his role, which is a send-up of the quintessential 1960’s LA police detective. Martin Short is particularly funny in a brief stint as the immoral and drug abusing dentist Rudy Blatnoyd. I found aspects of the movie fascinating, but overall, it came up short. I recommend this movie only if you are looking for something irreverent and off-beat.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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9

KoolAde9Jan 12, 2015

Not for everyone, to be sure, but I loved it.
Quirky funny moments with deeper melancholy. Great cast in small but unforgettable roles for many, but three really solid strong, subtle leads (Doc, Shasta, and Bigfoot). Jonny Greenwood getsNot for everyone, to be sure, but I loved it.
Quirky funny moments with deeper melancholy. Great cast in small but unforgettable roles for many, but three really solid strong, subtle leads (Doc, Shasta, and Bigfoot). Jonny Greenwood gets special recognition for his interesting sound track. PTA does a really outstanding job of capturing the feel of the book (most likely the only Pynchon novel even close to being filmable).… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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10

ThegodfathersonJan 10, 2015

Inherent Vice is the most enjoyable, funny and gripping movies of the year. It symbolizes and homages Tarantino, Drugs and Comedy in a way nobody has ever seen before. Joaquin Pheonix gives us a splendid performance as Doc Sportello and JoshInherent Vice is the most enjoyable, funny and gripping movies of the year. It symbolizes and homages Tarantino, Drugs and Comedy in a way nobody has ever seen before. Joaquin Pheonix gives us a splendid performance as Doc Sportello and Josh Brolin gives a good performance as well. The chemistry between the two is funny to watch and very well written as well. The cast of A listers also does a great job. The sheer enjoyment of watching a funny, relaxing 60's drug fulled drama is just... Perfect. Inherent Vice is a movie, you need to catch on the big screen with a soda and popcorn in your hands. Paul Thomas Anderson really knows what Cinema means.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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10

CMCDec 12, 2014

Joaquin Phoenix and Josh Brolin are good fun to watch. Almost sufficiently Pynchon-esque, references to Philip Lorca Decorcia, Tarantino and south-bay jackie Brown. Some Kubrick-like absurdity. I think the drug confusion could have beenJoaquin Phoenix and Josh Brolin are good fun to watch. Almost sufficiently Pynchon-esque, references to Philip Lorca Decorcia, Tarantino and south-bay jackie Brown. Some Kubrick-like absurdity. I think the drug confusion could have been expressed better, wish Owen Wilson and his baggage had not been dropped in. I wonder if PT can make a film relying on caricatures a little less, Magnolia comes close. Perhaps 15 minutes could have cut out with no damage. All these comments are trifles; there is just so much more here than you get these days. The film is not for everyone. Not for a lot of people, actually. I had a great time.… Expand

12 of 19 users found this helpful127

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9

JE61Dec 22, 2014

A thoroughly entertaining joy ride through the drug infused world of the stoner gumshoe protagonist, Doc Sportello. It's like a zany complex doped up Raymond Chandler just let it all loose in early 1970's California. I laughed throughoutA thoroughly entertaining joy ride through the drug infused world of the stoner gumshoe protagonist, Doc Sportello. It's like a zany complex doped up Raymond Chandler just let it all loose in early 1970's California. I laughed throughout the film and felt the amazing contact high the film offers. Can you follow the twists and turns of the plot? Not without a lot more drugs you can't! And who even really cares about the narrative anyway. Expect to walk out of the film with a smile on your face and severe case of the munchies. WARNING: Don't watch this film if you have a stick up your but. It will only make things worse for you.… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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10

MetawalkerACJan 10, 2015

Phoenix with one of the all-time great comedic performances. It boggles my mind that more people can't enjoy fantastically bizarre films like this. It's f---ing hilarious!!! Comedy of the year, hands down.

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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10

PTAandKubrickDec 12, 2014

Everything you would love from PTA! The acting is amazing, and the way the film is directed is fantastic! Probably the best movie of the year! This turned out to be one of my favorite movies not just of today, but of all time!

5 of 9 users found this helpful54

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10

olive4863Jan 10, 2015

I went to see this film reluctantly due to the fact that the trailers made it look like a ridiculous pot smoking-infused version of American Hustle, which I loved, and didn't want to see "ripped off"!
What did pull me in was the fact that II went to see this film reluctantly due to the fact that the trailers made it look like a ridiculous pot smoking-infused version of American Hustle, which I loved, and didn't want to see "ripped off"!
What did pull me in was the fact that I would get to watch Joaqin Phoenix for a full two and a half hours, which for me would have been well worth the price of admission regardless of the quality of the film.

What I saw was unbelievably hilarious while still subtly and powerfully wrapping the entire endeavor in a poignant melancholy for all that is wrong with the society we inhabit together today. That is a huge undertaking for a film and it could have gone in a depressing or simply ranting direction. Instead, this filmmaker elicits both outrage and empathy in the viewer for the conditions surrounding us humans as we flail our way through the inevitable injustices and heroics of life in the 21st century.
Joaquin Phoenix and Josh Brolin create a chemistry which sums up so much of the opposing forces that surround us, socially, politically and spiritually.

I highly recommend this film but suggest you allow yourself to go along for the ride, and let the multifaceted emotions, and wonderful humor wash over you as you plough through, an, at times, indiscernible plot. The full experience of the closing will make it worth your patience and tolerance for ambiguity.… Expand

5 of 9 users found this helpful54

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10

ProteusJan 10, 2015

After Einstein created the Theory of Relativity everything he did had credibility and huge value. Same with PTA after There Will Be Blood. This movie is delightfully entertaining, superbly acted and a literature lovers dream. If you feelAfter Einstein created the Theory of Relativity everything he did had credibility and huge value. Same with PTA after There Will Be Blood. This movie is delightfully entertaining, superbly acted and a literature lovers dream. If you feel within a fog the first time thru that is about how Doc Sportello feels.

If you don't understand something its probably your fault and not the director just like if you don't understand Einstein.… Expand

4 of 8 users found this helpful44

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7

geedupJan 9, 2015

This reminded me of Tarantino storytelling meets the Big Lebowski, crossed with Fearing and Loathing in Las Vegas, I watched it (all 2 1/2 hours of it) and I'm not sure what the h*ll I just saw. Pheonix was dynamic in his leading role and theThis reminded me of Tarantino storytelling meets the Big Lebowski, crossed with Fearing and Loathing in Las Vegas, I watched it (all 2 1/2 hours of it) and I'm not sure what the h*ll I just saw. Pheonix was dynamic in his leading role and the constant appearance of other actors in minor roles, made for a reason to stay awake. If nothing else you can sit back and try to figure out how all of the things that happen somehow tie together. Or when the movie is over, you can wonder-"thats it?"… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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9

analogkid280Jan 13, 2015

This movie is hilarious!!! There are scenes that will leave you with so much laughter you will be embarrassed how much you are enjoying this movie. Wondering which plot devices are imagined and which are real is perhaps the best part of thisThis movie is hilarious!!! There are scenes that will leave you with so much laughter you will be embarrassed how much you are enjoying this movie. Wondering which plot devices are imagined and which are real is perhaps the best part of this story. It makes you never want to try drugs for any reason that is for sure!… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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9

moviemitch96Jan 9, 2015

Being a fan of several of PTA's films, I absolutely loved this film despite not having read the book it's based on. It's definitely one of his lighter-feeling films compared to some of his previous works, such as Magnolia and There Will beBeing a fan of several of PTA's films, I absolutely loved this film despite not having read the book it's based on. It's definitely one of his lighter-feeling films compared to some of his previous works, such as Magnolia and There Will be Blood. The film had a lot to offer. It was surprisingly funny on several occasions and didn't take itself too seriously. The whole entire ensemble cast also manages to put on a grand show. Joaquin Phoenix made for a great and funny lead. Josh Brolin also had several funny moments. Overall, it's definitely another great addition to PTA's directorial filmography and one of the best films late 2014 had to offer!… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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8

3ebfan511Aug 9, 2015

Possibly PTA's worst film, but...still a good film. It is a bit long, and slow at times. Maybe the director wanted to create the feeling of being high ? I don't know. Its also very hard to follow along as many key plot points are said inPossibly PTA's worst film, but...still a good film. It is a bit long, and slow at times. Maybe the director wanted to create the feeling of being high ? I don't know. Its also very hard to follow along as many key plot points are said in low tones or a whisper. You need to be ready to pay attention but there is some humor and I love the 70's nostalgia, and the plot is all over the place. (Keeps it interesting despite the slow pace at times.)… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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9

Gamed2longJan 10, 2015

I really disliked Joaquin Phoenix as an actor before this film. But he pulls it off. The roll he plays, a dumb dope fiend/clever private eye is basically a contradiction. But in his hands it just works. Its the little thing he does. LikeI really disliked Joaquin Phoenix as an actor before this film. But he pulls it off. The roll he plays, a dumb dope fiend/clever private eye is basically a contradiction. But in his hands it just works. Its the little thing he does. Like crying a single tear as his weed is destroyed that really sells it.
All the performances in this film are excellent. Josh Brolin as the tough cop who doesn't have it as together as it seems. And all the relatively unknowns who play a big part in this move.
The parts by Reese Witherspoon, Benicio Del Toro, Owen Wilson and Martin short, though small are quite effective. They feel like complete characters leading their own lives of which the protagonist is only a small part.
Then there is the plot of the film. The pace of the film is generally slow, so if you aren't watching out for all the clever little details they can be easy to miss. This is not one for the wider audiences. The story is complex with false leads. Trails that seem to go nowhere before they come back around. All the things a good detective film should have. Also there is rampant drug use with more than a little nudity, so not one for the kids. But to the mature film goer looking for an engrossing experience, it is good.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

ArgeonJan 12, 2015

Of course, with Paul Thomas Anderson directing and Joaquin Phoenix masterfully acting alongside Josh Brolin, this movie is a marvel.

It's a great mystery/comedy/noir movie that gets your attention from the very beginning, and then pushesOf course, with Paul Thomas Anderson directing and Joaquin Phoenix masterfully acting alongside Josh Brolin, this movie is a marvel.

It's a great mystery/comedy/noir movie that gets your attention from the very beginning, and then pushes you through the movie. Is it as funny as the trailer made it seem? Not really. Is it as wacky as the trailer had it? Pretty much.

When I watched it, I fell asleep by the very end (because it was rather late when I was watching it), but be warned - it is long and the plot is not a simple as some may like. But, I do thoroughly recommend it. 8 out of 10… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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7

BrianMcCriticJan 9, 2015

In the world of PTA this may be my least favorite, but I still appreciated it. The main flaw with the film is it has to many characters and at times you just can't follow. Joaquin Phoenix and Josh Brolin really make this film go. BottomIn the world of PTA this may be my least favorite, but I still appreciated it. The main flaw with the film is it has to many characters and at times you just can't follow. Joaquin Phoenix and Josh Brolin really make this film go. Bottom line I'm really interested in a second viewing. B… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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10

pryortoMar 24, 2015

I didn't expect to like Inherent Vice but now I'm in love with it. The cinematography and story-line are so organic that they feel familiar and homey.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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9

GerardistheWayAug 18, 2016

A book like Thomas Pynchon's "Inherent Vice", with its mix of zany characters, offbeat humor, and intelligently convoluted plot meant for serious readers, was made for Paul Thomas Anderson to adapt. It compliments his style in every wayA book like Thomas Pynchon's "Inherent Vice", with its mix of zany characters, offbeat humor, and intelligently convoluted plot meant for serious readers, was made for Paul Thomas Anderson to adapt. It compliments his style in every way imaginable while he still manages to bring original vision and flair to the project. Try to follow me through the summary, if you can dig it.

Larry "Doc" Sportello (Joaquin Phoenix, in his second collaboration with Anderson) is a stoner hippie PI living in Los Angeles, riding out the tail end of the psychedelic '60s, when his ex-girlfriend Shasta Fay Hepworth (Katharine Waterson) shows up with a far-out story about a plan by the wife of her current billionaire land developer boyfriend (Eric Roberts) and the wife's boyfriend to get him committed as part of a get rich quick scheme. Groovy. Along the way Doc picks up a couple more cases, and in the process butts heads with local law enforcement (Josh Brolin), the FBI, and Neo-Nazi bikers working as bodyguards for the aforementioned land developer. Also, there's a missing saxophonist-turned-undercover government agent played by Owen Wilson, who screams profanity at Nixon in a scene that I wish could have actually been featured on TV. What a head trip.

As can always be expected from a movie adaptation of a novel some trimming has been done, as several larger supporting side characters were reduced to bit parts or completely cut out (as was the case for a Vegas trip taken by Doc with the on-and-off GF of a buddy of the Neo-Nazi biker he's paid to seek out by a member of the Black Panthers), but overall Anderson succeeds in staying true to the story and capturing the essence of the era depicted in the novel. Paranoia and mistrust are abundant as evidenced both by Doc's interactions with the Feds and with Brolin's character, Detective Lieutenant Christian F. "Bigfoot" Bjornsen (yes, that is his full name, but Bigfoot is the only important part), and the lead characters always seem so hard-assed or perpetually dazed it makes you wonder if people in the '60s were truly as hard-line as they are in this film: out of their mind on drugs nearly every hour of the day or straight-laced with their nose so high they'd drown in a rainstorm.

Without such a talented cast in both the lead and supporting roles, this movie would have undoubtedly been exponentially more difficult to make. Phoenix nails the role of Sportello with such a flawless grace that you'd think he was like that all the time; Brolin manages to make the character of Bigfoot both hilarious and threatening at the same time (there's a scene representing the best of both worlds where Bigfoot beats the snot out of Doc in front of a rookie cop outside the land developer's house), and Waterson, in making her character so secretive and mysterious makes her all the more seductive, and we're glad for it. The supporting cast ranges from all-stars (Benicio Del Toro, Maya Rudolph, Martin Short, Reese Witherspoon, Martin Donovan) to newcomers (Jordan Christian Hearn, Hong Chau, etc.), and it's so delightful to see both familiar faces and fresh ones co-existing together instead of fighting for the spotlight. That, plus a fitting soundtrack from Radiohead guitarist and another frequent Anderson collaborator Jonny Greenwood, makes the ride all the more enjoyable.

In short, there's no easy way to describe this movie; perhaps the best way is to imagine if "Up in Smoke" and "Pulp Fiction" met by chance late one night, went back to one of their apartments, and made sweet music 'til sunrise. This is truly a great movie; the humor and intelligence keeping you either doubled over on the floor or on your toes trying to anticipate its next move (you're out of your chair either way) makes for an addicting watching experience, and continues the tradition of PT Anderson's excellence in his craft. 9/10… Expand

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8

DirigiblePulpFeb 1, 2015

Strange, incomprehensible and alluring. Mostly a character driven dialogue affair. The plot doesn't make much sense, which is exactly the point, but it kinda hurts the film at the same time since so much time is spent talking about it. WhatStrange, incomprehensible and alluring. Mostly a character driven dialogue affair. The plot doesn't make much sense, which is exactly the point, but it kinda hurts the film at the same time since so much time is spent talking about it. What you get is nostalgia, and melancholy, and hilarity, great acting, witty dialogue and a solid soundtrack.… Expand