Writer and Director Paul Thomas Anderson's ode to the 1970s Californian teenager, Licorice Pizza is the story of Alana Kane and Gary Valentine growing up, running around, and falling in love. The film tracks the treacherous navigation of first love with potentially star-making performances from the fresh-faced leads. It is enjoyable, captivating, and chaotic with an eclectic supporting cast of interesting oddballs.
Cooper Hoffman (the son of Philip Seymour Hoffman) is a real find as Gary, a 15-year-old go-getter, a sweet kid who hustles parlaying his schemes into reality. When he meets 20-year-old Alana (Alana Haim), an "older woman", she’s dazzled by his self-assurance but keeps her awe somewhat in check. He wants her to be his girlfriend; she wants to be his business partner.
