Licorice Pizza 2021

This review contains spoilers after the non spoiler section. Non spoiler thoughts (summary): This one eases you in with a relaxed, inviting vibe, letting scenes stretch out so people feel real. The soundtrack gives it a playful forward motion, especially during the hustle driven moments, and the side characters inject bursts of humor and chaos that keep things unpredictable. What stood out to me most is how emotionally genuine it turns out to be. What seems quirky or lightweight at first slowly reveals sincerity underneath. The central connection is awkward, shifting, and imperfect. Beneath the jokes and strange situations is a very human need for closeness, validation, and choosing someone. This review contains spoilers after the non spoiler section. ⚠️ Spoilers ahead. From here on, plot details are discussed. Read on if you’ve seen the film. If not, save this post and come back after. ⚠️ Warm and tender from the start. There’s an easygoing comfort to it that immediately pulls you in. The color grading feels almost identical to One Battle After Another. Very PTA with that slightly washed, nostalgic look. And of course, a lot of long takes that let scenes breathe and characters exist naturally within the frame. There’s a bit of Boogie Nights energy in the music and vibe, especially during the waterbed selling scenes. The score choices really carry that sense of momentum. The supporting characters add texture and humor without breaking the film’s tone. Jerry Frick is hilarious! The way he messes with English, changing intonation as if he’s translating the language itself, is funny. Then there’s Bradley Cooper, who brings pure psycho energy. Loud, chaotic, unpredictable. He completely hijacks every scene he’s in. Alana doing sales calls instantly reminded me of Jordan Belfort’s early days at the Investors Center. That raw, desperate hustle, figuring it out as you go, transitioning into a seductive whisper. It fits her character perfectly. The scene where Alana flashes Gary, Gary asking if he can touch them, and then getting slapped. is also funny, and very telling of their dynamic. It’s playful, and confusing, which honestly sums up their entire relationship. There’s a constant push and pull throughout the film about who’s going to get jealous next. Power shifts back and forth between them, but the chemistry is undeniable. It feels natural, unforced, and surprisingly sincere. Before watching, I honestly thought this was going to be a childish film. But I was wrong. It’s full of heart. Beneath the humor and weirdness, there’s genuine longing, and a desire to be seen and chosen. They keep running from each other, circling, colliding, pulling away, and reconnecting. But in the end, despite everything, they still choose each other. Licorice Pizza is about youth, confusion, impulsiveness, and connection. Messy, funny, and oddly sincere.