I am a huge fan of Paul Tomas Anderson’s work going back to Hard Eight. He is one of those directors/writers where every film he does is quite distinct from one another. Licorice Pizza is definitely not another Boogie Nights, except for the fact that they both represent specific time periods in the United States. Don’t get me wrong, Anderson’s quirkiness and touch are still present. However, as with some of his later films, I am not nearly in awe of it as I am with, for instance, Boogie Nights or Magnolia. I can say Licorice Pizza’s 2 hrs. 15 min. runtime didn’t feel like it dragged exactly, but I wasn’t constantly drawn into to every moment of it either. With that being said, there is quite a unique love story here between 15-year-old Gary and Alana, who is ten years his elder. The two leads, Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman (son of the late Philip Seymour) are excellent and there some interesting supporting roles by well-known names to accompany the newcomers. There is no doubt Anderson is in top writing form here. Although the plot may be a bit thin, a mood is established early on. Anderson balances the comedy and drama with skill, which is no easy feat. I would recommend this film to anyone nostalgic for a coming-of-age story set in 1970s Los Angeles.