avatarAslynn Roe 🐈

Summary

"Licorice Pizza" is a coming-of-age film set in the 1970s, nominated for several Oscars, including Best Picture, and is praised for its lighthearted depiction of teenage life, despite not being considered Best Picture material by the reviewer.

Abstract

The film "Licorice Pizza" is a nostalgic look at the experiences of teenagers in 1970s California, focusing on the relationship between Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman's characters. The movie is recognized with Oscar nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. While the audience may anticipate a more dramatic narrative, the film instead offers a charming exploration of youth, entrepreneurship, and societal norms. The performances by Haim and Hoffman, along with notable appearances by Sean Penn, Tom Waits, Bradley Cooper, and Benny Safdie, contribute to the film's appeal. Despite its charm and the actors' great performances, the reviewer feels that it does not quite reach the level of a Best Picture winner.

Opinions

  • The reviewer appreciates the film's lighthearted approach to teenage life, avoiding the cliché of a dark, traumatic event.
  • The chemistry between the two main characters is compelling, engaging the audience from the beginning.
  • The film is seen as a refreshing diversion, particularly welcomed as a form of escapism during the pandemic.
  • The reviewer commends the acting, particularly by the leads, but ultimately does not consider the film to be Best Picture material.
  • "Licorice Pizza" is acknowledged for its humorous take on traditional Hollywood romance tropes.
  • The presence of well-known actors in supporting roles adds to the film's enjoyment.
  • The reviewer suggests that the film is a fun and engaging watch, but it may not be as impactful as other contenders in the Best Picture category.

OSCARS

Wanting a Slice of Licorice Pizza?

Another Coming of Age Story

Photo Credit Collider

Oscar contender Licorice Pizza is a cute film reflecting being a teenager in the 1970s in Encino California. Through the film, I waited for something dramatic to happen to the characters, perhaps a dark trauma the characters would overcome. No, it was just a lighthearted romp through teenage angst and pranks.

This film is nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay.

The film stars Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman, the son of Philip Seymour Hoffman. From the first five minutes of the movie, the audience will fall in love with their quirky personalities. Alana is ten years older than Gary (Cooper Hoffman), who has fallen in love with her. We spend the rest of the movie wondering will these two have a love story, but we are along for the ride.

The trailer seems to be a huge hit with audiences.

This flashback to the 70s is refreshing as a full float waterbed as it follows these two and their families through exploring themselves, entrepreneurism, politics, and society. Along the way, Sean Penn, Tom Waits, Bradley Cooper, and Benny Safdie steal the show for a little ride.

The film was a fun romp and even poked fun at traditional Hollywood romance movies. They are average kids doing average things and just enjoying life. We all need a pandemic diversion back to those innocent times. The acting was great and it was a nice diversion, but not Best Picture material.

See more of my Oscar Contender reviews for Best Picture

I hope you enjoy my movie reviews. More to come!!

Licorice Pizza
Oscars
Netflix
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