Black & A Half

The Longest Running Comedy Podcast In Seattle. Probably.

Review: Licorice Pizza

Licorice Pizza (2021)


R ‧ Comedy Drama /Coming of Age ‧ 133 Minutes

Written by Paul Thomas Anderson

Directed by ‎Paul Thomas Anderson

Review by Silas Lindenstein

THE CAST

Alana Haim; Cooper Hoffman; Sean Penn; Tom Waits; Bradley Cooper; Benny Safdie

THE STORY

The story of Alana Kane and Gary Valentine growing up, running around and going through the treacherous navigation of first love in the San Fernando Valley, 1973.

THE REVIEW


Some of the best films are just a simple premise done really well. To a degree, this is what makes Licorice Pizza such a good film. It’s probably in my top ten films of 2021. Well acted, great writing, funny, and a story that compels you to keep watching to see what happens next. 

A coming of age story set in the 1970s southern California area.  It’s the tale of a 15 year old entrepreneurial boy Gary (Cooper Hoffman) and his unlikely (and at times inappropriate) relationship with a 25 year old woman, Alana (Alana Haim) he meets at his school’s picture day. Their relationship strengthens as they become partners in Gary’s business and they satisfy each of their needs. Gary’s need to have something to yearn for, and Alana’s need to have the attention of someone and a potential opportunity to escape from her redundant existence. 

Cooper Hoffman is the son of the late great actor Seymour Hoffman, this is his first feature film lead and he handles it like he’s been doing it for ages. His tone is effective and right for the character throughout. Very believable as a boy searching to find the next quick buck while he yearns for an older woman that won’t let them be together.

Cooper would probably be getting more recognition for his performance if he wasn’t playing opposite Alana Haim, who delivers one of the best performances of the year. She’s a very authentic actress. She exposes herself and wrestles with her dilemmas so we can share them with her. The chemistry between Alana and Cooper as actors elevates the script so that we can understand the complicated relationship between Gary and Alana. 

The production of the film is nearly flawless. The only major thing is within the storyline itself. I had trouble rooting for the leads to get to get together because of the age difference. Ten years isn’t a deal breaker, unless one of the parties is under 18, then it’s a little creepy. 

THE BEST

Three BEST things about the film

  1. Alana Haim’s performance. Honest, passionate, and authentic. 
  2. The writing, it’s believable, turns out it is based on a real guy.
  3. The cameos; Bradley Cooper and Sean Penn make you howl.

THE WORST

The WORST things about the Film

  1. There’s really only one thing that bothered me about the film, and that’s the age difference. While it’s not clear exactly how long the film takes over, as the film develops and feelings between the characters, we have to remember that Alana is an adult and Gary, however mature he seems at times, is still a kid. The relationship isn’t appropriate and if the genders were reversed, this film wouldn’t be celebrated.

THE LESSON

You don’t need attention as much as you need appreciation. 

THE FINAL WORD

A solid film from top to bottom. Expect high praise from this film now, and extraordinary work in the future from the lead actors. Licorice Pizza is a film you need to take a bite out of. 

THE VERDICT

My 3L system gives me the choice to Love It, Like It, or Lose It. 

Licorice Pizza gets a Love It.


ABOUT SILAS

When he’s not reviewing films or interviewing people for the Black & A Half podcast, Silas can be found in the greater metro Seattle, WA working as a real estate agent helping people buy and sell homes, or performing stand up comedy to fellow nerds. He has a wife and three children and desperately wants to learn to make the perfect homemade pizza.

Review: The Power Of The Dog

The Power of the Dog  (2021)

R ‧ Drama/western ‧ 2h 6 m

Written by Jane Campion

Directed by ‎Jane Campion

Review By Silas Lindenstein

THE CAST

  • Benedict Cumberbatch
  • Kirsten Dunst
  • Jesse Plemons
  • Kodi Smit-McPhee
  • Thomasin McKenzie
  • Genevieve Lemon
  • Keith Carradine
  • Frances Conroy

THE STORY

(In their own words) Charismatic rancher Phil Burbank inspires fear and awe in those around him. When his brother brings home a new wife and her son, Phil torments them until he finds himself exposed to the possibility of love.

THE REVIEW

The Power of The Dog is an incredibly well-crafted film. The cinematography is at times breathtaking, not just in the gorgeous views it shows of the landscape (it’s supposed to take place in Montana but budget constraints had it filmed in Australia), but because the cinematography really helped tell the story. The actors are first rate; Kirsten Dunst has completed transformed from her early work to such a strong, powerful actress. In this case, showing a woman being slowly broken by the constant badgering of a brother-in-law, Phil Burbank played by Benedict Cumberbatch. Always a good actor, Cumberbatch plays the badgering bully of his brother and his family. He really showcases the nuances to this complex, powerful and unlikeable character.

Though despite the great artistry of acting and production design, I couldn’t help but be completely bored through the first 30-40 minutes of the film. Were it not for needing to review it, I would have shut it off. Which, would have made me miss the surprising turn the film takes in the last third of story. While it seems to be a slice of life film to start, it turns into a little bit more……not exactly a thriller…but not everything is as it seems.

While the last part of the movie saved me from boredom I couldn’t see myself watching this film a second time. It’s just too slow without enough of a payoff. .

THE BEST

The BEST things about the film:

  1. The cinematography.
  2. Unexpected direction.
  3. The craftsmanship of this film.
  4. The acting by Benedict Cumberbatch and Kirsten Dunst is incredible.

THE WORST

The WORST things about the Film:

  1. So slow.
  2. First 40 minutes are really, really boring.
  3. Unrelatable.

THE LESSON

Be kind, because you just don’t know. 

THE FINAL WORD

One of the most beautiful films that has ever bored me. 

THE VERDICT

My 3L system gives me the choice to Love It, Like It, or Lose It. 

Like it for craftsmanship.

Lose it for entertainment.

ABOUT SILAS

When he’s not reviewing films or interviewing people for the Black & A Half podcast, Silas can be found in the greater metro Seattle, WA working as a real estate agent helping people buy and sell homes, or performing stand up comedy to fellow nerds. He has a wife and three children and desperately wants to learn to make the perfect homemade pizza. 

Episode 192: Reviews of Swan Song, The Lost Daughter, and Zola

On this week’s episode Silas reviews the films Swan Song (Apple TV+), The Lost Daughter (Netflix), and Zola (Came out earlier this year in theaters but viewed recently for awards consideration). 6:31 – Swan Song, 16:32 – The Lost Daughter 27:20, – Zola

www.netflix.com/lostdaugher

Episode 191: Don’t Look Up With Guests Chelsea Day and Eric Stewart

This episode is a full discussion of the new Netflix star studded satirical comedy Don’t Look Up starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence. Silas was joined by two friends, Chelsea Day and Eric Stewart to discuss the film. #SFCS

Episode 184: Khaled Ridgeway and Death Of A Telemarketer, Plus 8-Bit Christmas Review

This week Silas is joined by director and writer of the new film Death of A Telemarketer, Khaled Ridgeway, for an interview. Before that Silas reviews that film and the new HBO Max Original film 8-Bit Christmas.

5:29 – Review of 8-Bit Christmas
16:10 – Review of Death Of A Telemarketer
24:28 – Interview with Khaled Ridgeway

Episode 183: Reviews of Encanto, King Richard, and Tick Tick Boom

This episode Silas reviews the new Disney film Encanto, the new WB film King Richard, and Netflix’s Tick Tick Boom.

Episode #182: Reviews of Ghostbusters: Afterlife, Passing, and Red Notice

This week Silas reviews  Ghostbusters: Afterlife opening up this weekend in theaters nationwide, as well as two Netflix films Passing and Red Notice, both just released on Netflix this past weekend. 

Episode 181 Reviews: Soulmates, Lovehard, The Harder They Fall

This week Silas reviews the new films Soulmates, Lovehard, and The Harder They Fall.

Episode #179: Christine Weatherup & Reviews of Fink, The Guilty, and See You Next Christmas

Silas sits down with actor, writer, and director Christine Weatherup to talk about her premiere film that was just released on VOD, See You Next Christmas. She also answers the Seven Questions. But first, Silas reviews three films, The Guilty on Netflix, A new film called Finch coming to Apple TV+, and See You Next Christmas, which is now playing. 

Episode 180: Marvel’s Eternals Review with Mike Devore

Silas and guest Mike Devore review Marvel’s Eternals in this bonus episode. 

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