United Artists Releasing | Release Date: November 26, 2021
6.7
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 298 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
194
Mixed:
47
Negative:
57
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10
RightThenNov 28, 2021
One of the best films of the year. Funny, warm, and a lot of fun. Alana Haim is wonderful.
15 of 19 users found this helpful154
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6
HerickDienerFeb 19, 2022
"Licorice Pizza" é um compilado de cenas irreais e caóticas que causam vergonha alheia ou um sorriso de canto.

E apesar de soar fresh todo o tempo e de sua interessante reta final carregada de drama, o filme ainda parece uma montanha russa
"Licorice Pizza" é um compilado de cenas irreais e caóticas que causam vergonha alheia ou um sorriso de canto.

E apesar de soar fresh todo o tempo e de sua interessante reta final carregada de drama, o filme ainda parece uma montanha russa em movimento que nunca chega a lugar algum. É até cômico ver os críticos se desdobrando para chamar de perfeição mais um filme do superestimado Paul Thomas Anderson, que há muito tempo não chega sequer perto do que foi o ótimo "There Will Be Blood".
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3 of 3 users found this helpful30
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6
benjanzenFeb 28, 2022
Licorice Pizza was not really for me. The aimless and often plotless nature of this film felt off-putting and strange, and I was never able to fully get invested in the story, nor the characters. It's really well helmed by PTA, creating anLicorice Pizza was not really for me. The aimless and often plotless nature of this film felt off-putting and strange, and I was never able to fully get invested in the story, nor the characters. It's really well helmed by PTA, creating an authentic and raw 70s world that was fun to be immersed in, but I kept being pulled out of the story by some of the plot decisions. I do believe that this was PTA's intention, it just didn't really work for me! Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
LuisTorres_Nov 28, 2021
Alana Haim is so good and star of the movie well acted and well filmed, I love it
9 of 12 users found this helpful93
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4
everettFeb 15, 2022
Who are these people, and why should I care about them? This isn't "young love," either; it's an inappropriate relationship, and if the genders were reversed, it would be seen as a much more problematic issue. Why isn't it here? Is PaulWho are these people, and why should I care about them? This isn't "young love," either; it's an inappropriate relationship, and if the genders were reversed, it would be seen as a much more problematic issue. Why isn't it here? Is Paul Thomas Anderson pulling a fast one on us? Is he the one laughing, at everyone who's looking the other way and falling all over this film because of his reputation? That kind of dynamic is worth examining.

I barely managed to get through it. Despite all the running these two protagonists did, it was very slow! And the female lead was so difficult to root for, so unlikable. I just don't understand the adulation for this film; if an unknown director/writer had come up with it, I wonder if it ever would've been made. The joke's on us, I'm afraid.
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3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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10
sophielevittNov 27, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The movie is absolutely incredible. Alana and Cooper's acting debuts are tremendous. I'm not even that big of a movie person but this was amazing. It kept me entertained the full time (and I have ADHD!) The scenes are humorous and it's certainly true to the 70s, to me. It might cover a 'taboo' topic but it's platonic by nature and the film explores it, not sexualizes it. Bonus points because it made me feel represented as a Jew lol Expand
10 of 14 users found this helpful104
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9
livinmediocreDec 12, 2021
I really loved this movie a lot. Not my favorite PTA, it feels a bit messy for what we’re used to. Just like a lot of ideas were thrown together to make the film feel more like 70s LA than actually being used to better the film and understandI really loved this movie a lot. Not my favorite PTA, it feels a bit messy for what we’re used to. Just like a lot of ideas were thrown together to make the film feel more like 70s LA than actually being used to better the film and understand the characters. That being said, they did a really great job of 70s LA. Loved the set designs as well as wardrobe, very very nice attention to details.

The soundtrack and cinematography were nothing short of stellar. And wow Cooper Hoffman and Alana Haim blew me way with their performances. Can’t wait to see them in more things, and Bradley Cooper went OFF as Jon Peters. Love them all.

Overall though I did really enjoy it, had a great time seeing this in a packed theater. Probably my favorite theater experience of the year!

Full review on theotherfilmguys.com
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7 of 10 users found this helpful73
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10
kmkureNov 27, 2021
This was great. Paul thomas anderson created another masterpiece again.....
10 of 15 users found this helpful105
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0
vgmkyleFeb 4, 2022
It's as bad as it sounds. Critics be dammed -- this movie is not a good one and a perspective I hope I never see again.
6 of 9 users found this helpful63
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2
CinemaPeteFeb 15, 2022
Licorice Pizza was such a disappointment. While the performances are very good, the two leads are not particularly charismatic. The biggest problem I have with the story is the premise that a 15-year old boy and a 25-year old woman areLicorice Pizza was such a disappointment. While the performances are very good, the two leads are not particularly charismatic. The biggest problem I have with the story is the premise that a 15-year old boy and a 25-year old woman are falling in love, which is kinda creepy. There are some funny bits, but, overall, this very long and boring movie seems like lots of different scenes strung together that don't really make a compelling or cohesive narrative. I didn't like or care about these characters, and the situations they found themselves in were improbable and pointless. Expand
4 of 6 users found this helpful42
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5
MarkHReviewsJan 14, 2022
In the initial scene of Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Licorice Pizza,” fifteen-year-old Greg (Cooper Hoffman, son of frequent Anderson collaboration Phillip Seymour Hoffman) meets mid-20s Alana (Alana Haim). She is an assistant for the companyIn the initial scene of Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Licorice Pizza,” fifteen-year-old Greg (Cooper Hoffman, son of frequent Anderson collaboration Phillip Seymour Hoffman) meets mid-20s Alana (Alana Haim). She is an assistant for the company taking school pictures on site. He is immediately smitten. They create a quirky connection. Alana is intrigued because Greg has been a child actor on an “Eight is Enough”-style sitcom (featuring a profane Christine Ebersole as the matriarch). Alana acts as chaperone for a trip to New York City, then follows Greg into a series of business ventures and receives his help when pursuing her own acting ambitions. The setting is familiar territory for Anderson – the early 1970s in the San Fernando Valley, a Los Angeles suburb dominated by the porn industry and populated by middle-class families who long for Hollywood and Beverly Hills but can’t seem to make their way there. In several of Anderson’s previous films, this time and place have been used to explore the dark side of suburbia and themes like loneliness and alienation. Here, Anderson offers a lighter touch. His only apparent point in this coming-of-age tale is that first love can be exhilarating and exasperating.

Act One of the film, which centers on the burgeoning friendship/relationship between Alana and Greg, is charming. When it focuses on the rapid-fire banter, sarcasm, incessant teasing and the growing chemistry between the two, this film is endearing and fascinating. Unfortunately, the final two-thirds of the film are a series of unrelated digressions that offer an homage to ‘70s Hollywood, while doing nothing to tell us more about Greg, Alana or their relationship. When trying out for a movie role, Alana captures the attention of a motorcycle-riding William Holden character (Sean Penn), deftly renamed Jack Holden. While selling waterbeds, Greg and Alana meet Jon Peters (real guy, played by Bradley Cooper), a borderline psychotic hairstylist/movie producer and then-boyfriend of Barbra Streisand. Alana works as a volunteer for a closeted city councilman (one of the Safdie brothers) who is filled with vague, idealistic goals for his constituents but has no shred of sympathy for his gay companion. It’s a time and place Tarantino has already covered, much more effectively, in “Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood.”

As first-timers, Hoffman and Haim are both appealing. Some of Hoffman’s facial expressions and mannerisms are wistfully reminiscent of his father. Haim compellingly vacillates between coltish late adolescence to burgeoning young adulthood.

Anderson’s impeccable scene composition and unusual camera angles are on full display here. But the film, while kinder and gentler than his frenetic earlier work, has chosen to substitute random vignettes over a meaningful storyline or actual character development. Because of its technical excellence, it’s a film that critics adore. But for regular moviegoers, “Licorice Pizza” lives up to its name – an unusual set of ingredients that leave an odd aftertaste.
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2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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10
BeastJ18Nov 26, 2021
This is the first film in a long time that felt like magic to me. It transported me, mesmerised me, intoxicated me, shocked me, astounded me... The perfectly executed cinematography, editing, sound design, art direction, performances,This is the first film in a long time that felt like magic to me. It transported me, mesmerised me, intoxicated me, shocked me, astounded me... The perfectly executed cinematography, editing, sound design, art direction, performances, writing, continue to prove that Paul Thomas Anderson is most likely the greatest director of this century, and cement this film as hands down the best film of 2021. The dynamic, execution and chemistry of the two leads is electric and leaves me trapped, wanting to see more of their adventures. I knew this film would be great, because it's PTA, but I didn't expect to love it this much. Expand
8 of 13 users found this helpful85
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10
LgrewDec 11, 2021
Laughed…cried…yeah…great movie! Alana Haim movie star, one of the best films of the year
6 of 10 users found this helpful64
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1
kmartshprFeb 10, 2022
OMG... friggin' critics should have to actually pay money to see a movie before they can write a review for a piece of boring crap like this "full of itself" pretentious waste of time.
3 of 5 users found this helpful32
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0
GreasepocketFeb 27, 2022
This movie went absolutely nowhere with anything. Its supposed to be this artsy movie about young love, but you can't do that when the girl is **** 25 years old and the guy is 15 years old. It feels like the director is trying to justify thisThis movie went absolutely nowhere with anything. Its supposed to be this artsy movie about young love, but you can't do that when the girl is **** 25 years old and the guy is 15 years old. It feels like the director is trying to justify this premise the whole movie but miserably fails. The plotpoints introduced couldve made the movie better if they didn't put in new ones every ten minutes and never closed off any. This movie was creepy, racist and made my dick shrink a couple inches every half hour. I'm happy i saw this movie on a wim and i wasn't actually looking forward to it. Shrek the third was better than this. This movie felt like it was trying to groom me. Hell, this movie felt as if every character was trying to groom eachother. Why was it that everyone wanted to have sex with the two main characters, it's so illogical especially for Gary Valentine who is a MinOr. **** this movie. Expand
3 of 5 users found this helpful32
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2
SharsalMar 27, 2022
Having heard the hype about this film, I decided to stream it. Let me start by saying that I was 22 years old in 1973 and already married, living on the East Coast. The film had an absurd plot from the get go: a pimply faced, chubby teenagerHaving heard the hype about this film, I decided to stream it. Let me start by saying that I was 22 years old in 1973 and already married, living on the East Coast. The film had an absurd plot from the get go: a pimply faced, chubby teenager is madly attracted to an average looking young adult who comes to his high school for work. Right then, the movie lost me. The film’s plot gets even more ridiculous: the teen seems never to attend school again, instead he ricochets from one crazy business scheme to the next, with some questionable acting jobs in between. Meanwhile, the young woman, whose Jewish identity was revealed through a somewhat anti-Semitic encounter with a talent agent, and a brief scene during a Sabbath dinner in her home, made me wince, as I am Jewish. She was portrayed as an aimless, unmoored person, who for some unknown reason, ultimately submits to the attention of the teen. The total mismatch between these two people, both physically and age wise was hard to believe in. The in-between scenes were chaotic and disjointed. I literally hated every second of this film. It deserves no awards by the Academy of Motion Pictures. None. Expand
3 of 5 users found this helpful32
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4
JayQuirozDec 26, 2021
Look it's shot very well and acted but that's about it. I hated every character one way or another, the story was non existent and boring, and I can kinda forgive that.. but this is one of the most uncomfortable and plain wrong movies you'llLook it's shot very well and acted but that's about it. I hated every character one way or another, the story was non existent and boring, and I can kinda forgive that.. but this is one of the most uncomfortable and plain wrong movies you'll ever see. Gary is 15 and Alana is 25 (maybe 28 but it's not confirmed) and throughout the whole movie a romance is building between two toxic and horrible people and by the end the finale is simply undeserved and almost demands audiences to love it and cheer and yet all I can think is "... He's 15"

And that's just it, I can forgive some movie sins but glorifying pedophilia? I draw the line there, I regret ever watching this. I give it a 4 because it truly is masterfully made and acted and there is some entertainment here but the negatives definitely outweigh the positives.
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8 of 14 users found this helpful86
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8
JLuis_001Dec 2, 2021
Licorice Pizza is actually a very light film. And there's nothing wrong with that.
It's basically a dreamy vision of an era. Mostly about youth.
The plot is the least important thing about it. What we are offered is two young folks played by
Licorice Pizza is actually a very light film. And there's nothing wrong with that.
It's basically a dreamy vision of an era. Mostly about youth.

The plot is the least important thing about it. What we are offered is two young folks played by Cooper Hoffman, and Alana Haim.
Both making their debut in front of the cameras, in a story that is pleasantly unexpected.

You never really know where it's headed, but the journey doesn't stop being interesting, and for that reason, even if it doesn't seem like the story will have some sort of message in its final passage, it also manages to make you want to know where it will end.

The chemistry of his central characters is the best thing Anderson could have aspired to as their director, because although the plot makes it clear that in their relationship there's a notorious age difference, their dynamic, though platonic, shows us a happy youthful experience, with them having fun, working, flirting, wanting to make each other believe that they are not really interested in each other.

Along the way they fall in love with other people while avoiding their true feelings, and that dynamic, along with all the other experiences they go through, even when they are apart, are the strength of this film.
We see their relationship constantly evolve, and that really constitutes the entire narrative arc of this story.
It's simple, but it's quite effective.

Its conclusion is inevitably romantic, sugarcoated.
But while one could argue that this feels like a safe, predictable passage, Anderson makes it all flow in a genuine way, and that's a very hard thing to pull off.
Because the detail here isn't that it builds a too-good-to-be-true idyll, but that this feels entirely natural within the process the story goes through.
If you as a viewer are able to buy everything else, but not its ending, I think your own expectations have played a trick on you.

At the conclusion we realize that we didn't really get anywhere. But when an adventure is fun and endearing, its denouement is usually the point you remember the least fondly.
Certainly, I'll always root for films to have a solid ending, but with Licorice Pizza the journey is more than enjoyable, and it comes to an end because it has to, and because I actually think Anderson himself understood perfectly well, that after that point, there really wasn't anything more to say.

This film is really going into my 2021 Top Ten.
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5 of 9 users found this helpful54
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3
jazzyfizzleDec 28, 2021
Hoffman and Haim were fantastic break-out stars, and the cinematography was beautiful. I was quite fine with the disjointed meandering plot, what I cannot get over is the fact that I watched a romance develop between a 25 year old woman and aHoffman and Haim were fantastic break-out stars, and the cinematography was beautiful. I was quite fine with the disjointed meandering plot, what I cannot get over is the fact that I watched a romance develop between a 25 year old woman and a 15 year old boy. I thought I was going to finally see Alana come-of-age and realize she was spending all of her time with 15 year olds and she needed to grow up, but instead she runs into the arms of Gary as if having the epiphany that he was the "one" all along. Cringe doesn't even begin to describe my feelings at the end of the film. Also, the weird racist joke scene with the restaurant owner and his Japanese wives was bizarre, it did nothing to further the plot or develop any characters. It was completely unnecessary to the film. Expand
9 of 17 users found this helpful98
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4
davidsonmoviesDec 29, 2021
First PTA movie that disappointed me. -cringey WTAF moments played for comedy or character context that fall flat (gay stereotype scene; multiple scenes with a purposefully, painfully bad and racist Japanese accent). -two unsympathetic leadFirst PTA movie that disappointed me. -cringey WTAF moments played for comedy or character context that fall flat (gay stereotype scene; multiple scenes with a purposefully, painfully bad and racist Japanese accent). -two unsympathetic lead characters
-languid pace let down by weird editing and multiple scenes where people are just..running?
-flip the genders: would you like a movie of a 25-29 year-old man pursuing a 15-year-old girl?

The whole thing is pointless. If it is illustrate first love, this story is so idiosyncratic and strange it's hard to relate with at all let alone be emblematic of most budding romances in a person's teens.
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7 of 14 users found this helpful77
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1
awade120Dec 29, 2021
Some good acting here and beautiful sets. Unfortunately that's all that is good about this film. Offensive, racist and homophobic characters (100% not necessary), no plot whatsoever, gross and creepy love story between a 15 and 25 year old.Some good acting here and beautiful sets. Unfortunately that's all that is good about this film. Offensive, racist and homophobic characters (100% not necessary), no plot whatsoever, gross and creepy love story between a 15 and 25 year old. Oh, and it's overly long and BORING AF. Save your money and see something good. Time to put this old, outdated filmmaker out to pasture. Expand
6 of 12 users found this helpful66
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3
Brent_MarchantJan 7, 2022
I came away from director Paul Thomas Anderson's latest heaving a big "So what?" This alleged coming of age romantic comedy set in the 1970s fails on virtually every front. I never laughed once during this tedious, meandering overlong saga,I came away from director Paul Thomas Anderson's latest heaving a big "So what?" This alleged coming of age romantic comedy set in the 1970s fails on virtually every front. I never laughed once during this tedious, meandering overlong saga, primarily because none of the supposedly funny bits landed successfully enough to bring out the chuckles. As for the romance, I didn't buy it for a minute, both in terms of its believability and the utter lack of chemistry between the overhyped leads. What's more, the narrative is merely a string of nostalgic anecdotes (many of which stretch credibility) that bear little relation to one another and often seem to come out of left field, shining a bright light on how poorly written this offering's screenplay truly is. How this cinematic mess has captured all of the accolades that it has thus far is really beyond me. And, at more than two hours in length, this release is a genuine waste of one's time. That was surely true for me when I found myself checking my watch after only 25 minutes into it. I can't say I know how PTA has lost his way as a filmmaker, but that's very much been the case with his last four productions, which have progressively gone from bad to worse. As for this picture in particular, all I can say is that, having lived through the '70s myself, they were definitely a lot more fun than this film is. Expand
4 of 8 users found this helpful44
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10
superduperrandoDec 8, 2021
This has been an extraordinarily weak year in film due to a combination of pandemic and the general decline of art under late-stage capitalism. That said, if you don't find yourself solidly entertained by this little slice of joy, then youThis has been an extraordinarily weak year in film due to a combination of pandemic and the general decline of art under late-stage capitalism. That said, if you don't find yourself solidly entertained by this little slice of joy, then you must not be in the mood for it. Expand
4 of 8 users found this helpful44
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2
lucyhoneychurchJan 29, 2022
This is one of those films that critics love but which is, in reality, intolerably long, unconvincing, and kinda pointless. Where is the conflict? Who are these characters and why do I care about them? Do not expect an answer to any of theseThis is one of those films that critics love but which is, in reality, intolerably long, unconvincing, and kinda pointless. Where is the conflict? Who are these characters and why do I care about them? Do not expect an answer to any of these questions when watching Licorice Pizza. Expand
4 of 8 users found this helpful44
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7
TVJerryDec 28, 2021
First off, not only is a relationship between a 15-year-old boy and a 25-year-old woman unusual, it’s also illegal. Perhaps because it takes place in 1973, we’re not supposed to care. Anyway, he (Cooper Hoffman, son of Philip Seymour) and sheFirst off, not only is a relationship between a 15-year-old boy and a 25-year-old woman unusual, it’s also illegal. Perhaps because it takes place in 1973, we’re not supposed to care. Anyway, he (Cooper Hoffman, son of Philip Seymour) and she (Alana Haim of the band Haim with her sisters and parents playing themselves) amble around LA while the story rambles. They flirt, start a business and meet unusual people (segments starring Bradley Cooper and Sean Penn are interesting, but add nothing to the story). Hoffman has a sweet young charm, while Haim comes off mostly flat. Writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson has indulged himself with random encounters that give him a chance to flex his skills without creating much of a gratifying narrative. Even though it’s never explained, the title refers to a former chain of record stores. NOTE: There are a number of stars in cameos, but listen for Anderson regular John C. Reilly’s distinctive voice at the entrance of the Teen  Fair. Expand
3 of 6 users found this helpful33
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10
SergeiWalankovDec 31, 2021
I'd have liked it a shade more with a different ending, but a wonderful film on the whole, superbly acted and with brilliant period detail. I've bumped my mark up a notch or two to help cancel out the moronic losers who have piled on withI'd have liked it a shade more with a different ending, but a wonderful film on the whole, superbly acted and with brilliant period detail. I've bumped my mark up a notch or two to help cancel out the moronic losers who have piled on with negative marks for some undoubtedly stupid reason. Expand
3 of 6 users found this helpful33
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10
snorkissFeb 20, 2022
With SO much utter garbage out there in film-land nowadays this movie has to be a ten, it's everything I love about good cinema. If you haven't seen it see it, and if you have seen it see it again! - 10 Fat Bernies
3 of 6 users found this helpful33
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5
SamiIsidorioJan 4, 2022
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Im sad, awlful film, PTA foi trevas aqui viu. O tom leve do filme funciona mas a história é um tanro básica. Expand
3 of 6 users found this helpful33
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4
ScraperMar 6, 2022
I was a little confused why the characters were made to be so grating. As if they were defying you to like them. They kept each other at arms length the whole time as if they knew no one else could stand them. And I can't explain whyI was a little confused why the characters were made to be so grating. As if they were defying you to like them. They kept each other at arms length the whole time as if they knew no one else could stand them. And I can't explain why sometimes I like characters like that and why I didn't this time. Maybe because they were never self-effacing in their faults or were enriched by any back story. This movie will win awards because the awards people ignored PTA's awesome stuff. This will be a make-good. Expand
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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7
katezoeJan 8, 2022
We liked "Licorice Pizza" although we thought it was too long. The acting by Hoffman and Haim is excellent.
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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9
alejandro970Mar 2, 2022
What makes this story of youth romance of first love interesting is that P.T.Anderson knew how to give it a more personal stamp, without clichés and alluding to typical topics of the 70s, related to politics, to go no further. What if it'sWhat makes this story of youth romance of first love interesting is that P.T.Anderson knew how to give it a more personal stamp, without clichés and alluding to typical topics of the 70s, related to politics, to go no further. What if it's worth the ticket? Of course yes. Expand
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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7
booondMar 20, 2022
Enjoyable if you try not to think too hard about the relationship between a 15-year-old schemer and a 25-year-old who wants to return to the safety of high school. The lightness of the movie and the accurate capture of the life of a 1970'sEnjoyable if you try not to think too hard about the relationship between a 15-year-old schemer and a 25-year-old who wants to return to the safety of high school. The lightness of the movie and the accurate capture of the life of a 1970's teen are the best parts of the movie. It never gets deeper than topsoil. Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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1
AdamEnDetailMay 11, 2022
Alana Haim was magnificent in this film, especially considering its her movie debut. Other than that, why does this movie even exist? And why is it so hyped?

Sadly, my disinterest in the movie began from its very first scene and it grew with
Alana Haim was magnificent in this film, especially considering its her movie debut. Other than that, why does this movie even exist? And why is it so hyped?

Sadly, my disinterest in the movie began from its very first scene and it grew with every subsequent scene. Overall, I think it is a very uninteresting movie. Not to mention, highly questionable and toxic.

The plot/story of Licorice Pizza is awful and the movie aspires to nothing other than justifying its atrocious story while being entirely full-of-itself. Who was this movie made for, and why?
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1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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0
JhonnataJan 2, 2022
If the boy were 25 and the woman was 15, the director of this film would already be in prison, but as he is a boy and an adult woman, it's okay to romanticize pedophilia. Hollywood is very sick
6 of 13 users found this helpful67
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10
internethandle7Nov 29, 2021
The people complaining about a PTA movie being disjointed make me laugh. Same for the rote “guhh sTaTuAToRy rApE!!” culture war grievance takes. Really wonderful film.
6 of 14 users found this helpful68
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9
kirkenderDec 29, 2021
I love this movie. Cooper Hoffman and Alana Haim anchor the show, but the supporting cast really fills the world. Bradley Cooper as Jon Peters is so amazingly funny. It's a really well made and super entertaining flick. Initially the loveI love this movie. Cooper Hoffman and Alana Haim anchor the show, but the supporting cast really fills the world. Bradley Cooper as Jon Peters is so amazingly funny. It's a really well made and super entertaining flick. Initially the love story between a 15 year old boy and a 25 year old woman seems a bit strange, but remember, 99% of film involves a much older man with a very young woman. I'm not saying it's right, but like, if you are going to complain about that aspect you need to stop watching all media. My only quibble with the film is the soundtrack is a bit cliché, and that David Bowie's Life on Mars needs to be retired permanently. Expand
3 of 7 users found this helpful34
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8
GemsicleJan 3, 2022
Like another romance drama, but not as simple as it sounds. You will get the feeling that you will have to watch this film twice to maximize retention, which is a technique that Paul Thomas Anderson is enamored to.
3 of 7 users found this helpful34
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1
oneame26Jan 1, 2022
This was the worst movie I have ever seen. It’s racist, glorifies toxic masculinity and misogyny, and is incredibly boring. Excruciating to sit through, don’t waste your time or money.
3 of 7 users found this helpful34
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3
HurleyGurleyManDec 3, 2021
Like the 1970s, this film dragged on interminably. It would have been better if 30 minutes at least were cut out. Not his best film. Bright spots were Haim and Cooper.
5 of 12 users found this helpful57
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10
andrempFeb 5, 2022
A beautiful meandering film with genuine warmth. I also found there to be a slight feeling of danger lurking beneath the surface, which made it all more interesting.
2 of 5 users found this helpful23
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4
JunoCalaminoNov 28, 2021
A very unimpressive film depicting the dysfunctional relationship between a 15 year old and a 25 year old. A Screenplay devoid of any emotion, Paul Thomas Anderson’s oeuvre this time let's him down.
7 of 18 users found this helpful711
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10
Moviefan1313Jan 2, 2022
Really enjoyed this one. Alana Haim in phenomenal and one of the best debut performances I’ve seen in my lifetime.
3 of 8 users found this helpful35
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10
mitposJan 4, 2022
I don't see why the snowflakes got so mad at this, I had a wonderful time. And with this movie's "racism," I see a larger debate needed to be sparked about the ethics of cultural appropriation for the sake of comedy.
3 of 8 users found this helpful35
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0
NavyBeanJan 9, 2022
I f'n hated this movie. After "There Will Be Blood" and "The Master," PTA is officially off any list of directors whose movies I have to see. The leads of this film are charmless. The whole "hustler" character by Hoffman never comes across asI f'n hated this movie. After "There Will Be Blood" and "The Master," PTA is officially off any list of directors whose movies I have to see. The leads of this film are charmless. The whole "hustler" character by Hoffman never comes across as convincing. I am guessing this is one of those loosely scripted films where the director tells the actors to just "go for it." They do. And they fail in scene after scene. The Brad Cooper character is so overacted and doesn't ring true. Michael Thomas Higgins? WTF. Huge plot holes. Great cast. Awful. Awful movie. Sean Penn was fun for a bit. Expand
4 of 11 users found this helpful47
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2
Sauce_bossDec 13, 2021
disappointing to see how the plot falls apart. Sure PTA does not really do plot, but when a story is character driven, how about you follow the growth of the characters that you sat us through for the past 2 hours and have an ending thatdisappointing to see how the plot falls apart. Sure PTA does not really do plot, but when a story is character driven, how about you follow the growth of the characters that you sat us through for the past 2 hours and have an ending that isnt just fulfilling what you want in the last 15 min. So sad to see good acting wasted on this movie. Pure entertainment though, a few laughs and obviously the nostalgia. I'm pretty over seeing nostalgia as a movie selling point, just seems lazy. Felt like I was watching something old and already done. Left the movie wishing I would have just watched it for free next year. Expand
4 of 11 users found this helpful47
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1
TomMondayMay 29, 2022
If you like this movie, you have lost your mind. There’s no plot. There are no scenes. Just people talking. And then stuff happens. But doesn’t change anything. Characters learn nothing. The actual dynamic (older woman grooming a minor) isIf you like this movie, you have lost your mind. There’s no plot. There are no scenes. Just people talking. And then stuff happens. But doesn’t change anything. Characters learn nothing. The actual dynamic (older woman grooming a minor) is completely ignored. The Japanese scenes were mindblowing. Imagine PTA setting these scenes in an Ethiopian restaurant and pulling the same thing. He would lose his career. But I guess mocking Asian language is okay? Pitiful. It’s hard to believe that it’s a movie that was actually made. The whole thing almost makes me lose complete respect for PTA. It makes his earlier movies seem bad. Expand
2 of 6 users found this helpful24
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9
davemelbourne58Dec 25, 2021
It took me about 20 minutes for me to finally get into the "groove" of this movie, and when I let it wash over me, I really enjoyed the ride. Alana Haim and her real-life family are the real break-out stars of this movie, and it's erieIt took me about 20 minutes for me to finally get into the "groove" of this movie, and when I let it wash over me, I really enjoyed the ride. Alana Haim and her real-life family are the real break-out stars of this movie, and it's erie watching Cooper Hoffman, who really is the son of Philip Seymore Hoffman. It's uncanny. But I loved all the characters and various storylines that Licorice Pizza weaves in and out of. PTA defintely got the look and feel of 1970's America. His music choices were great slices of Licorice Pizza, too. Roll with it. Props to Bradley Cooper, too. Expand
2 of 6 users found this helpful24
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8
MetacriticOnurFeb 19, 2022
excellent
[ ek-suh-luhnt ]

adjective
possessing outstanding quality or superior merit; remarkably good.
2 of 6 users found this helpful24
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10
lucasmorlimFeb 21, 2022
That's a movie.

How I miss good movies, those that make us immerse ourselves in the story being told, that are made for entertainment and exercise the ability to watch a story, regardless of the physical characteristics of the characters.
That's a movie.

How I miss good movies, those that make us immerse ourselves in the story being told, that are made for entertainment and exercise the ability to watch a story, regardless of the physical characteristics of the characters. Hollywood, please stop staring at your own belly button, make art. Nobody is interested in your political agenda, look for a rally and be happy on your own.

For more movies like this, for art, for true entertainment, for beauty. Thanks, PTA!
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1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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1
Touchtalk2001May 28, 2022
An incredibly disjointed and over-rated series of pointless vignettes, Licorice Pizza, doesn't work as a character study and has no discernable plot to speak of. The two characters are alternately cloying, then grating and the premise itselfAn incredibly disjointed and over-rated series of pointless vignettes, Licorice Pizza, doesn't work as a character study and has no discernable plot to speak of. The two characters are alternately cloying, then grating and the premise itself is uninvolving and rather absurd. I wanted to like it based on the reviews but it's just awful and I had to turn it off half way through. Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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3
JacobinaDasousaNov 28, 2021
Licorice Pizza is basically a film where an acclaimed director thinks romanticizing the dysfunctional relationship between a 25 year old woman and a 15 year old boy is artsy and sweet. We're supposed to get butterflies in our bellies becauseLicorice Pizza is basically a film where an acclaimed director thinks romanticizing the dysfunctional relationship between a 25 year old woman and a 15 year old boy is artsy and sweet. We're supposed to get butterflies in our bellies because this grown woman is flirting with a child. Reverse the genders and there would have been OUTRAGE. It doesn't matter how cinematic and pretentiously artsy you try and make it, the entire premise of this film is weird and highly problematic. Expand
7 of 23 users found this helpful716
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1
KotareNov 29, 2021
This is not the good Paul Thomas Anderson you’re looking for. Disjointed and forgettable.
6 of 21 users found this helpful615
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6
AvuvuDennisNov 27, 2021
Paul Thomas Anderson's Licorice Pizza left me somewhat starved. Expertly crafted yet felt like an auteur version of Greta Gerwig's Lady Bird. The characters left me cold, and as beautiful as the script is, I wanted more.
4 of 14 users found this helpful410
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4
NightCheeseDec 6, 2021
PTA continues his run as the most overrated director of his generation. Cooper Hoffman is one note and extremely unlikable.

The production design is a 10/10, but the rest is just boring. I always want to like his movies, but for the most
PTA continues his run as the most overrated director of his generation. Cooper Hoffman is one note and extremely unlikable.

The production design is a 10/10, but the rest is just boring. I always want to like his movies, but for the most part they are just not good.
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4 of 14 users found this helpful410
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3
jake-bNov 27, 2021
A trifle too pleased with itself. The usual movie review hyperboles aside, why are the critics cheering? Because it's effortless, easier to like than Reynolds or Daniel Woodcock clipping nostril hairs or Lancaster Dodd downing jet fuel,A trifle too pleased with itself. The usual movie review hyperboles aside, why are the critics cheering? Because it's effortless, easier to like than Reynolds or Daniel Woodcock clipping nostril hairs or Lancaster Dodd downing jet fuel, hair tonic and lime?

What was the master thinking?
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7 of 27 users found this helpful720
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5
DinesVermataNov 28, 2021
A meandering attempt at portraying first love that leaves you frustrated and wanting more. The characters feel manufactured with no backstory, no real sense that the audience should care about them or what they are doing.
5 of 20 users found this helpful515
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10
moviemitch96Dec 24, 2021
The latest from writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson ('Boogie Nights', 'There Will be Blood') sees a young teen actor (Cooper Hoffman, son of the late great Philip Seymour Hoffman) meeting and falling for a rebellious older girl (Alana Haim)The latest from writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson ('Boogie Nights', 'There Will be Blood') sees a young teen actor (Cooper Hoffman, son of the late great Philip Seymour Hoffman) meeting and falling for a rebellious older girl (Alana Haim) and getting into all sorts of trouble and misadventures with her in 70s San Fernando Valley. Anderson happens to be one of my favorite filmmakers of all time. While his aforementioned films 'Boogie Nights' and 'There Will be Blood' are considered some of his greatest films (and rightfully so), not enough people talk about his 3-hr epic 'Magnolia', which I not only consider his best and most underrated film, but it also happens to be my favorite film of all time, but I digress. So whenever he comes out with a new film, it's always a treat for me. Going into this film based off the previews and ads I had been seeing for it, I knew this film was going to be something really special, and I couldn't have been more right, because this is truly the most I've enjoyed myself watching a film all year! I was all smiles from start to finish watching this exuberant and joyful film! Filled with all-too-relatable characters (at least for me it was), hilarious and heartfelt moments throughout, and a "will they or won't they" love story that you just can't help but root for. As for the performances, the real stars here are Haim and Hoffman, who's chemistry with one another is simply irresistible, and both give what I'd easily consider star-making performances! Other familiar supporting faces pop in throughout as well, such as Sean Penn and Bradley Cooper, who both notably give scene-stealing performances of their own. Other elements such as captivating cinematography (a decent amount of long takes and tracking shots are utilized very effectively) and the use of several great classic rock songs were also great standouts to me! Overall, I must say that not only is this Anderson's best film in years, but it might even just be my favorite film of the year! It's so undeniably charming and shouldn't be missed! Bravo! Expand
2 of 8 users found this helpful26
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0
Frohaf22Apr 6, 2022
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is a classic love hate American drama, the start is pretty ok, but it degenerates into long scenes that takes you nowhere only for a lame ending where they kiss each other. That's the movie as predictable as it gets Expand
1 of 4 users found this helpful13
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9
beno1998Dec 27, 2021
A wonderful story told through the eyes of two young people in love. I really enjoyed this film; the story and acting were excellent.
1 of 7 users found this helpful16
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8
tonyGreenMar 22, 2022
For P.T.Anderson this is a relatively small, low-key film in comparison to some of his previous films, and a welcome return to comedy after several more serious psychological dramas. The casting is perfect, and the film is a totallyFor P.T.Anderson this is a relatively small, low-key film in comparison to some of his previous films, and a welcome return to comedy after several more serious psychological dramas. The casting is perfect, and the film is a totally immersive return to the San Fernando Valley, this time in the early 1970s amongst the start of the oil crisis. Not a demanding watch, but satisfying all the same. Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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9
bertobellamyFeb 25, 2022
Ok, I'm 32, and, of course, didn't live in the '70s; but now I kind of feel like I did after watching this. And don't get me wrong, 'Licorice Pizza' is no cheap nostalgia; this is a tribute to the complexities of an era long gone: the goodOk, I'm 32, and, of course, didn't live in the '70s; but now I kind of feel like I did after watching this. And don't get me wrong, 'Licorice Pizza' is no cheap nostalgia; this is a tribute to the complexities of an era long gone: the good and the bad. And, incredibly, Paul Thomas Anderson didn't live in these times per se. This is like a memory brought back to life.

Now someone please put together a drive-in screening of 'American Graffiti,' 'Dazed and Confused' and 'Licorice Pizza' and call it: "Back to the Future."
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0 of 3 users found this helpful03
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7
IndiefilmloverJan 10, 2022
A basic concept of a romance is you're supposed to be rooting for the central couple to get together. That's kind of hard to do when the couple involves a 15-year-old boy and a woman in her mid-20s. Given the fact that the woman isA basic concept of a romance is you're supposed to be rooting for the central couple to get together. That's kind of hard to do when the couple involves a 15-year-old boy and a woman in her mid-20s. Given the fact that the woman is unremarkable in virtually every aspect, it severely limits her appeal to boy as nothing more than vessel to lose one's virginity. While the boy is charming and loaded with ambition, the woman comes across as vapid and rudderless. Working as a photographer's assistant, she even confesses to the young man that she expects to still be working in the same position ten years later. As a story about a friendship between two opposites the film works much better. Through the course of the film, you begin to get the sense that they truly care about each other. Set in the San Fernando Valley section of Los Angeles in 1973, the film is a nostalgia trip of various goings-on on at that time, but writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson goes a bit overboard with the details. Unless you grew up in that era or relate to specific details about the characters (e.g., religion, hobbies, interests), you'll find the film overlong and meandering. That being said, the film is mostly entertaining with a fair amount of charm. Expand
0 of 3 users found this helpful03
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7
Compi24Jan 19, 2022
I still can't 100% stand behind the film's central relationship in good faith, but the overall experience of "Licorice Pizza" remains decidedly enjoyable, with the film's breezy feel and goofiness ultimately winning me over. I actually alsoI still can't 100% stand behind the film's central relationship in good faith, but the overall experience of "Licorice Pizza" remains decidedly enjoyable, with the film's breezy feel and goofiness ultimately winning me over. I actually also really enjoyed the episodic nature of things at hand as well, with the part-by-part, "a year in the life" approach to the narrative hearkening back to movies like "Lady Bird," "Dazed And Confused" and even "Napoleon Dynamite" for me. Sure, there's a bit of an overarching story, but still it's all a bit loose, which is cool. This also really does feel like a culmination of a lot of different throughlines within Paul Thomas Anderson's career. Cooper Hoffman (son of frequent collaborator Philip Seymour Hoffman) and Alana Haim (member of the band Haim, for whom Anderson's directed several music videos for) star, with the plot involving real-life characters and events that influenced Anderson's childhood. Kind of a neat assortment of details. Again, it's by no means my favorite of Anderson's, but I don't regret watching it overall. Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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0
WizzleAug 11, 2022
This was more LGBT propaganda. Poorly written and poorly acted. It’s boring and drags on like a homo soap opera.
0 of 3 users found this helpful03
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9
RMckayFeb 26, 2022
As per usual, PT Anderson does not disappoint! I was a bit worried, because I wasn't too fond of his Pynchon adaptation, Inherent Vice. But I love every other PT film, so I of course didn't want to shut the door on it, just because of oneAs per usual, PT Anderson does not disappoint! I was a bit worried, because I wasn't too fond of his Pynchon adaptation, Inherent Vice. But I love every other PT film, so I of course didn't want to shut the door on it, just because of one stinker. Phantom Thread was enjoyable, but I wouldn't write home about it. But here with Licorice, PT kicks it back to a feeling of Boogie Nights sans the sex meets Punch Drunk Love, and then twist it into a coming of age piece. It plays out in vignettes and the passage of time is never fully clarified, to evoke a nostalgic feeling. Like this is all being pulled from Gary Valentine's adult memory and only the important parts stick out, just like how real people remember things. Great editing and smooth flow to pull off such a feat of nostalgia, with great YA performances all around, and some great but not contrived cameos! Loved it. One of the best of the year, and one of the best coming of age stories of the decade. PT nailed it once more. Expand
0 of 3 users found this helpful03
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10
PanchogulMar 25, 2022
Un 6.7 es una puntuación demasiado baja para una película tan bella y encantadora.

Desde el momento en el que Alana y Gary se conocen crean un vínculo instantáneo con el espectador, empiezas a formar parte de su historia y te vuelves a
Un 6.7 es una puntuación demasiado baja para una película tan bella y encantadora.

Desde el momento en el que Alana y Gary se conocen crean un vínculo instantáneo con el espectador, empiezas a formar parte de su historia y te vuelves a merced de sus acciones, crean una complicidad que es compartida, a veces no entiendes el por qué, pero es una sensación adictiva e hipnótica. Definitivamente Licorice Pizza fue una de las mejores películas del 2021 y posiblemente de la década, aunque pienso que Alana Haim merecía mas reconocimiento como actriz y ser incluida en las nominaciones al Oscar.

Larga vida a esta película, las emociones quee transmitió no las sentía desde hace muchos años
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0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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9
MarkTakayamaJan 6, 2022
It was a sweet and romantic comedy of 16 years old boy and 25 years lady. Great movie. I just want to put one comment about Japanese ladies. They refused to shake hands, then bowed. It never happened. If some Japanese ladies married AmericansIt was a sweet and romantic comedy of 16 years old boy and 25 years lady. Great movie. I just want to put one comment about Japanese ladies. They refused to shake hands, then bowed. It never happened. If some Japanese ladies married Americans and live in the States, they definitely speak English and shake hands! LOL. Expand
0 of 3 users found this helpful03
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9
DelayedReviewsJan 30, 2022
weird self-aware asian joke schtick aside (I was more confused than offended), funny af, slapstick, good tension building, filled with teenage angst and confusion, great chemistry and casting. Some snobs in the back of the theatre complainedweird self-aware asian joke schtick aside (I was more confused than offended), funny af, slapstick, good tension building, filled with teenage angst and confusion, great chemistry and casting. Some snobs in the back of the theatre complained about how long the movie was and that it could be cut down a lot, but I think it's great the way it is. It's a good time. Expand
0 of 5 users found this helpful05
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9
theredskyJan 10, 2022
Paul Thomas Anderson releases another banger of a film. The characters, performances, and writing really sell this as one of the best films of the year. The one big talking point with this film that I have noticed is the age differencePaul Thomas Anderson releases another banger of a film. The characters, performances, and writing really sell this as one of the best films of the year. The one big talking point with this film that I have noticed is the age difference between the main characters. Alana Haim’s character is 25 while Cooper Hoffman’s character is 15. If you’re looking from the outside then this can seem really weird and predatory but what I got out of this film is that that was the point. These two characters aren’t supposed to be together. They are both incredibly toxic human beings who shouldn’t get together at all because of who they are. It makes their character moments more interesting because it is obvious that they care about each other and want to be friends but Gary doesn’t want that. The relationships between the characters is fascinating to watch. Each character brings their own unique portrayal to the table even if they are only on screen for about 5-10 minutes. Bradley Cooper, Sean Penn, Benny Safdie, and Tom Waits being key examples. They have limited screen time but that screen time is dedicated to furthering the relationship and toxicity between the main characters. All of the performances here are excellent especially from Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman who haven’t acted almost at all before and give potentially career bests. The cinematography and music are once again top notch and Paul Thomas Anderson’s direction is one of the best of the year. I wouldn’t place it super high on my PTA ranking just because some of his others have left more of an impact on me. I would definitely recommend checking this film out when you can as it’s definitely gonna get nominated for a lot of stuff. Expand
0 of 4 users found this helpful04
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7
UncleWillardMar 6, 2022
This movie had a great vibe, and despite the two leads being inexperienced actors, (or because of it), they do a great job carrying the movie. Kind of a sequel to Once Upon A Time in Hollywood; a love letter to LA with the optimism of theThis movie had a great vibe, and despite the two leads being inexperienced actors, (or because of it), they do a great job carrying the movie. Kind of a sequel to Once Upon A Time in Hollywood; a love letter to LA with the optimism of the 70s. Refreshing optimism. Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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8
DawdlingPoetSep 10, 2022
This is a film that's very much nostalgia based - a coming of age tale with a good soundtrack and some good cinematography/camerawork - it features a fair bit of soft focus. It does have a bit of a seedy feel at times, due to the plot -This is a film that's very much nostalgia based - a coming of age tale with a good soundtrack and some good cinematography/camerawork - it features a fair bit of soft focus. It does have a bit of a seedy feel at times, due to the plot - there's not too much graphic content but it may make some feel a bit uncomfortable, due to the age difference between characters. The cast do a decent job with their performances and while its categorised as a drama, it has quite a laidback feel generally speaking. It's a bit like a summer holiday romance depicted on screen. I enjoyed it for the most part - the scenes with Sean Penn were quite good and yes, I'd recommend it. Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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7
r96skJan 18, 2022
I can't say I enjoyed 'Licorice Pizza' as much as most, but this flick from Paul Thomas Anderson is a good one.

Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman are entertaining in the lead roles, with Haim particularly standing out - though Philip Seymour
I can't say I enjoyed 'Licorice Pizza' as much as most, but this flick from Paul Thomas Anderson is a good one.

Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman are entertaining in the lead roles, with Haim particularly standing out - though Philip Seymour Hoffman's kid definitely improves as the film ticks by. There are some amusing roles for more well known faces, my favourite parts of this 2021 release are in fact with one of them - funny stuff with a certain someone (won't spoil who, just in case) who made his film debut in 'Wet Hot American Summer'! Some parts are amiss, mind; e.g. the strange Japanese wives bits.

I did find the dialogue a little pretentious I can't lie, mainly early on as we get to know the characters - once everything is fleshed out and set it's all shipshape, to be fair. The film gets a tad aimless near the end, I'd actually say the pacing is perfectly fine but it does feel as long as it is in terms of the run time - I felt every second of the 130 or so minutes.

All in all, I'd recommend it. Major film buffs will lap it up, evidently.
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0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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8
hisaviFeb 20, 2022
PTA has never been better. Alana Haim gives the most revelatory performance of the year.
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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9
AJ_13Feb 25, 2022
Charismatic performances, hilarious sequences, a direction that exudes elegance and a wonderful soundtrack. One of those movies that you wouldn't mind watching again right after finishing it. Haim and Hoffman are great, but the supportingCharismatic performances, hilarious sequences, a direction that exudes elegance and a wonderful soundtrack. One of those movies that you wouldn't mind watching again right after finishing it. Haim and Hoffman are great, but the supporting actors are not far behind. All this coupled with an electric script and mesmerizing camera movements make Licorice Pizza an incredible experience. To mention something negative, I found the ending a bit abrupt. Expand
0 of 3 users found this helpful03
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10
sproutpodFeb 18, 2022
Really enjoyed the complex and slightly disturbing relationship between the main characters. Love the subtle tone to the movie that respects the viewers' intelligence.
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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9
CLAYTAYLOR21Dec 31, 2021
Licorice Pizza is pure unadulterated fun. This all starts with the fantastic central characters. Gary Valentine and Alana Kane are two of the most fun characters of the year. They are both well-written and fleshed out while being brought toLicorice Pizza is pure unadulterated fun. This all starts with the fantastic central characters. Gary Valentine and Alana Kane are two of the most fun characters of the year. They are both well-written and fleshed out while being brought to life by great performances from Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman. Watching these two grow up together while having fun and wreaking havoc on Hollywood was an absolute joy. The only problem I have with this film is the discombobulated story. It's all over the place without any real focus. This was mostly fine with me because of how much fun I was having, but it probably would've made the conclusion a bit more satisfying had the plot been just a bit more structured. I still really enjoyed the movie and would definitely recommend anyone to check it out. Expand
0 of 3 users found this helpful03
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7
DeviltherobotJan 10, 2022
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The movie is well acted and shot, but is bloated. This did not need to be 133 minutes. The main problem is the elephant in the room which is the relationship that happens between the 25 year old woman and 15 year old boy (kid). This was not really shown in trailers and was weird to see and took me out of the movie. PTA says the relationship is not sexual but the 25 year old shows her boobs, sensually hugs, and kisses the kid. The ending frankly turned an 8/10-8.5/10 movie into a 7/10. Her saying she loves him and kissing him? So weird. And it invalidates the best scene in the movie (the truck scene). Honestly if the genders were swapped, there wouldn't be this pretentious hand waiving about the age and how people "don't get it". People wouldn't defend it or romanticize it. Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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10
michaelmurphyJan 8, 2022
Another wonderful feature from Paul Thomas Anderson.. ‘Licorice Pizza’ , although it barley has a plot (still somehow works) , shines through it’s well written script , wonderful script and unique characters.
0 of 3 users found this helpful03
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8
MisterWilliamsFeb 5, 2022
Licorice Pizza disregards the conventional and expected plot "necessities" and instead focuses on telling a relatable story of growing up and coming to terms with your childhood being over. Where it lacks in "conflict resolution" andLicorice Pizza disregards the conventional and expected plot "necessities" and instead focuses on telling a relatable story of growing up and coming to terms with your childhood being over. Where it lacks in "conflict resolution" and "character development" it makes up for in relatability to one's own life and experience. Imagine the emotion behind being so much older than someone yet loving everything about them except for their age, stunning. Also, Alana's realization through her feigned pursuit of maturity by working "real" jobs and hanging out with "adults" is so pure and enjoyable to watch as she slowly understands that she can be happy with what makes HER happy, not those around her. A great emotional and pure film. Expand
0 of 3 users found this helpful03
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7
MargiVSep 7, 2022
The category of the movie should be fantasy. Trying to understand where everything goes

Besides his dream. Yeah, I get it why it was nominated for best picture category, it had an too optimistic vibe, but it was very disorganized, nothing
The category of the movie should be fantasy. Trying to understand where everything goes

Besides his dream. Yeah, I get it why it was nominated for best picture category, it had an too optimistic vibe, but it was very disorganized, nothing went anywhere until the ending. The situations were too good to be true. I couldn't see those happen in this time, not to mention in their timeline. I liked Seymour Jr acting, I hope he will have a good career, he started well. As in for the other nominations, not deserved. It deserved for the music department, the songs were excellent, but that's it.
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0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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9
CarlElmoreNov 24, 2022
Another really great slice of life film with great performances, direction and cinematography.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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4
EludiumQ36Mar 9, 2022
"Licorice Pizza" is a coming of age story set in 1973's Los Angeles-Encino. A pudgy, pimply-faced yet over-confident 15 year old Gary Valentine falls for a barely average looking 25 year old year-book photog. She's firm that they can't be a"Licorice Pizza" is a coming of age story set in 1973's Los Angeles-Encino. A pudgy, pimply-faced yet over-confident 15 year old Gary Valentine falls for a barely average looking 25 year old year-book photog. She's firm that they can't be a thing and his many, many attempts to impress her enough fuels the film's 2hrs. Look it's not a bad film but it's a low-budget affair that in yester-year would be straight-to-video. Some will love the authenticity of the moment, the attraction between two unlikely unattractives. Alana Haim as Alana Kane is new to mainstream Hollywood but her very plain looks and equiv acting won't advance her from this. This is Cooper Hoffman's first film credit and would've fit in well in the '80s "Porky's". Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
jamessMay 2, 2022
Take Once Upon A Time In Hollywood and Rushmore and you essentially have Licorice Pizza. Paul Thomas Anderson sets the film in the early seventies in the valley, where the siren call of Hollywood beckons, but there's a reason there's theTake Once Upon A Time In Hollywood and Rushmore and you essentially have Licorice Pizza. Paul Thomas Anderson sets the film in the early seventies in the valley, where the siren call of Hollywood beckons, but there's a reason there's the Hollywood hills, and being in the valley. Cooper Hoffman (son of the late great Phillip Seymour) portrays Gary, a fifteen year old child actor, who is a forty year old trapped in a teen's body. As they would say in the day, the kid's got moxie. He's constantly hustling, looking for the next venture with his band of underage cronies (ala Rushmore). Alana Haim is the mid twenties photographer's assistant Gary meets at school. He's smitten. She's amused by this hyper confident kid, but states right out their age difference and even says a relationship would be illegal. In fact throughout the film they always deny any relationship, despite their growing affection for one another. The film does meander along, but it does so amicably. They meet Jon Peters, a bit unhinged Bradley Cooper, as the hairdresser/boyfriend of Barbra Streisand, who would become a major producer, proving that sometimes it's not what you know but who you know. Alana meets up with middle aged star Jack Holden (Sean Penn), who literally dumps her off the back of a motorcycle while attempting a drunken stunt. Haim and Hoffman have such a natural charm and presence that it's hard to believe they haven't acted for years before this. Licorice Pizza may not be two great tastes that taste great together, but it's a mighty fine slice. Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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3
Data1001Apr 17, 2022
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I've read a few reviews of this movie that gleefully attempt to brush aside the disturbing undercurrent of pedophilia. The director says that "no line was crossed" -- like that matters -- but the fact is that a few lines were indeed crossed. The 25-year old girl showing her breasts to the 15-year old, him wanting to cop a feel while she slept next to him but stopping at the last moment, and of course the final kiss (followed by "I love you Gary!"). The people who claim it's a "platonic relationship" obviously weren't paying attention.

I can't believe this was made in this day and age. As has been said before, if it was a 25-year old guy and a 15-year old girl, do you think people would be pooh-poohing the subject matter like they do for this film?
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6
AnIisFeb 20, 2022
I think , it's a good film, but the scénario is incohérent , i liked the film
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8
OlivierPielJun 15, 2023
Masterful cinematography, the slowly moving travellings blend gorgeously with the decor and the lighting (PT Anderson always loves the brash lighting contrasts). Wonderfully quirky acting and cameos; writing is witty. Pacing is slick as well.Masterful cinematography, the slowly moving travellings blend gorgeously with the decor and the lighting (PT Anderson always loves the brash lighting contrasts). Wonderfully quirky acting and cameos; writing is witty. Pacing is slick as well. A great moment. Maybe the whole endeavour is a bit too shallow, nostalgic and phoned in? Too self-aware? However, compared to the dearth of intelligent films out there, this is still a treat for the eyes and mind. Expand
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8
arrivistJul 21, 2023
Another nostalgia trip from PTA. It's probably his most accessible film to date and has plenty of gags and comedic moments. Young Cooper Hoffman shines in the film and Alana Haim compliments him beautifully. A time machine to a better decade.
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7
sachineldhoOct 16, 2022
Although the love story is cringe-worthy, the film is well-made. Tried to be an American Graffiti, but not close enough.
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9
egoBorderAug 9, 2023
While the film superficially can seem disjointed or even incompetent, the more time I have to digest it the more layers I discover. That doesn't mean it's for everyone, and even I wanted desperately for some scenes to end sooner than theyWhile the film superficially can seem disjointed or even incompetent, the more time I have to digest it the more layers I discover. That doesn't mean it's for everyone, and even I wanted desperately for some scenes to end sooner than they do. But I feel strongly that the film's style and tone serves to enhance the story and especially the themes. The movie is a coming-of-age story but about someone who is rather late to the event and not dressed for the occasion Expand
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7
FaxthtaxFeb 21, 2022
The is a real colourful oddball of a movie.
From start to finish we are instantly thrown into Alana´s journey and are taken trough a series of strange situations.
There is no pre-development, little to be told about the main characters
The is a real colourful oddball of a movie.
From start to finish we are instantly thrown into Alana´s journey and are taken trough a series of strange situations.
There is no pre-development, little to be told about the main characters history. The movie is a moment-to-moment story of love and its ups and downs. However i enjoyed the little humour moments in it and i had to giggle at times.
Catches the 70´s mighty good. I movie i felt weird and awkward but loved nevertheless.
All the woke idiots (Anita Sarkeesian) taking to social media because of a 25 year old interacting with a 15 year old can be ignored. They deserve to burn.
Enjoy the film.
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4
Mauro_LanariAug 14, 2022
(Mauro Lanari)
In high school the highly acclaimed PTA must have been struck by the subsection "Herrschaft und Knechtschaft" ("Lordship and Bondage", "master-slave") of hegelian "Phenomenology" to compulsively direct films that always focus
(Mauro Lanari)
In high school the highly acclaimed PTA must have been struck by the subsection "Herrschaft und Knechtschaft" ("Lordship and Bondage", "master-slave") of hegelian "Phenomenology" to compulsively direct films that always focus on human relationships as relations of force, oppression and prevarication. "Licorice Pizza" is the adolescent variant of "Phantom Thread" (2017) and the television one of "Boogie Nights" (1997): a quarter of a century entirely dedicated to a concept formulated in 1807 and to which the equally acclaimed trusty Jonny Greenwood contributes. "Over the course of his career, he has received eleven Academy Award nominations, including three for Best Director without ever winning it, making him the living director with the most nominations for the statuette without any victory." Really incomprehensible.
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4
ProfAmateurJul 20, 2023
Completely random scenes enriched with other random action-scenes in two random protagonists life. I have absolutely no clue what's the point of this movie, except it is a more or less okay-ish love story.
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10
KM123Jul 17, 2023
Easily one of the best movies I've seen in the last 5 years. A masterpiece in building a sense of time and place, and is even shot and lighted like it was actually made in the 1970's. Oozes atmosphere and period detail. You can tell theEasily one of the best movies I've seen in the last 5 years. A masterpiece in building a sense of time and place, and is even shot and lighted like it was actually made in the 1970's. Oozes atmosphere and period detail. You can tell the director made this with love and care. Ultimately your enjoyment will come down to how much you want to inhabit this world and hang out with these characters though, because that's what you will be doing for the not-insignificant runtime.

I enjoyed the two central characters and their tumultuous relationship. The acting was great especially as these were effectively newcomers. Complete nepotism hires by the director, but good is good. It was refreshing to see lead characters who actually look like real people, flaws and all, visible pimples and questionable DIY makeup. To those recoiling at the 15/25 age gap, this was obviously deliberate. You aren't supposed to know how to feel about this, or know for sure whether you should be rooting for them to end up together. You will go back and forth between being put off by the ick factor and thinking that maybe there is some way these two can make it work. The leads really pulled this off through genuine chemistry. You're supposed to be uncomfortable: that's the central conflict. Can a boy who is 15 going on 25 and a girl who is 25 going on maybe 17, just split the difference? Are adolescence and adulthood about more than just numbers?

Along the way a lot of random stuff happens. Some of it is amusing, some of it poignant, and some of it just happens. Kind of like life. You follow these characters through numerous vignettes that they navigate together, and track the ups and downs of their unusual relationship. Kind of like real life, with the sense of wonder and weird magic you experience when you fall in love. Plot wise, sure you could wipe out like half the movie, but the destination isn't really the point.

Refreshingly, this movie doesn't hit you over the head with a tiresome 2020's "woke" agenda. Shoehorned unrealistic diversity is kept at a minimum, which is a relief these days. At the same time, the film has a major undercurrent which effectively criticizes the outlandishly entitled behaviour of every adult character depicted with even a modicum of power - realistically for the time all of them white and male. This is fair criticism of 1970's America and done in a way that doesn't patronize the viewer. The fact that none of these louts get punished or even called out on their behaviour is also realistic. The depiction of Asian stereotypes by a white character was just one example of this, and serves to criticize the casual racism of the time. Reviewers offended by this are being tone deaf.

I went into this with zero expectations and found a marvellous hidden gem, and contender for the best film of the Covid era.
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8
iCampoRamilMar 8, 2022
Muy difícil de catalogar, entre esa comedia-drama-romance ocurren un montón de cosas incluso llegando a situaciones algo extremas dentro del contexto de la película, pero sus personajes, ambientación y la concatenación de historias al casiMuy difícil de catalogar, entre esa comedia-drama-romance ocurren un montón de cosas incluso llegando a situaciones algo extremas dentro del contexto de la película, pero sus personajes, ambientación y la concatenación de historias al casi puro estilo de un sketch la hace maravillosa para aquellos que encajen desde el principio, para los que no, puede ser un visionado tedioso y algo raro.

· Cosas buenas: la música, se nota de dónde viene Anderson, la película en sí es muy videoclipera, con planos de grúa y cambios no muy vistos en cine. El tratamiento de la fotografía es magnífico, y en general toda la ambientación, diseño artístico, puros 70s vaya. Cómo no, el pedazo casting que no podía haber sido mejor.
· Cosas malas: es arriesgada, coquetea en varios momentos con no gustar al espectador, con tomas de decisiones extremas, cosas inconclusas. El guion es algo errático.

· Conclusión: puede ser rara de ver para un público medio, porque detrás de todo el entramado sí es verdad que hay una historia de amor, pero la forma de contarlo, con eso de coquetear con no gustar, se hace extraño y no es fácil, pero si entras desde el principio es totalmente maravillosa.
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7
HingleMcCringleFeb 26, 2022
A solid slice of life movie with good performances by a lot of first time actors and a bunch of small roles by talented veterans. The writing was funnier than I was expecting from the trailer and the line deliveries were spot on and they didA solid slice of life movie with good performances by a lot of first time actors and a bunch of small roles by talented veterans. The writing was funnier than I was expecting from the trailer and the line deliveries were spot on and they did well replicating the feel of the era it's set in. Expand
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8
NickTheCritickApr 19, 2022
a seventies ballad filmed with hands in pockets and a smile on his lips. Because the PTA film obeys a childish logic and proceeds unpredictably in a world that has (almost) banned adults. Adults, when they are there, enter the scene witha seventies ballad filmed with hands in pockets and a smile on his lips. Because the PTA film obeys a childish logic and proceeds unpredictably in a world that has (almost) banned adults. Adults, when they are there, enter the scene with their exaggerated and grotesque behavior, as often happens in PTA films. The prologue is like lightning, it is love at first sight. History is as old as the world and its packaging has the 'flavor' of an old adage. In the image of its title, Licorice Pizza designates the unreal world of memories, where everything is possible. Another wonderful film from PTA, not his best one (i prefer many other movies among PTA's ones) , but certainly the most nostalgic and the most heartfelt one. The "most commercial", in other words, many people would say. Expand
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6
hardkotMar 27, 2022
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Retro rom com

I was intriguied of this film: Paul Thomas Anderson, romcom, 70th, teens. And I was dissapointed, but the film is not bad.

So what I like: story, dialogs, characters are relly interesting and fresh, also 70th atmosphere is great, colors, clothing, This part of film is really enjoyable and I think that only by this part I can recommend to watch this film.

Acting - actors are try their best. and it's realy good performance,but nothing special as for me. As a rom com I think that it's too sweety characters are not evolving their relationships through whole film. It's very important especialy for romcoms. Next sentence is spoiler why I don't like it. -> At the beginning they are "friends" that not sure what to do next with each other and at the end of the film they are still "friends" that are not sure how to live with each other. I don't believe that their romance will have ending. So that's why I think ending is bad and unlogical.

I can not recommend this film as good romcom, but for PTA fans it will be good experience. Also I think it's very ordinary film to be nominated for best picture of the year.
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6
runjumphugMar 22, 2022
Licorice Pizza is a meandering coming of age love story. An incredible looking slice of the 1970's Valley with all preconceptions realized. It feels like a dream or distant memory. The underlying story doesn't reach the same height.Licorice Pizza is a meandering coming of age love story. An incredible looking slice of the 1970's Valley with all preconceptions realized. It feels like a dream or distant memory. The underlying story doesn't reach the same height. Characters for critics, pacing, & double standards abound. Expand
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7
adamtaylor792Aug 4, 2022
There are too many long and tracking shots in the film to the point where they lose significance. It is slice of life but not the best executed film in the genre.
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9
alanpotter17Dec 26, 2022
Um espetáculo em edição, e funciona tanto como comédia romântica quanto como retrato de época de uma juventude que está no limiar entre a liberdade e o convencionalismo. PTA se mostra aqui firme o suficiente pra abordar questões comoUm espetáculo em edição, e funciona tanto como comédia romântica quanto como retrato de época de uma juventude que está no limiar entre a liberdade e o convencionalismo. PTA se mostra aqui firme o suficiente pra abordar questões como estereótipos, política, romance não convencional, meios de sobrevivência, e ainda assim parecer filmar um filme despretensioso, portanto, tomos os temas abordados saem naturalmente, com uma fotografia oitocentista que nos remete de forma fácil ao universo do filme. As atuações estão muito à vontade nos seus respectivos papéis, e a comédia funciona.
Mesmo que o final seja o básico, você sai com um grato sorriso no rosto.
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