OSCARS

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

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