Inherent Vice

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David S This 70’s fueled drug trip of a movie is captivating. The screenplay is fantastic with well written characters based off the novel by Thomas Pynchon. The performances by this all star cast are all great, especially from Joaquin Phoenix Josh Brolin, Reese Witherspoon and Owen Wilson. The songs and score featured in this movie are all fantastic and fit the vibe really well. The cinematography captures the hazy and often psychedelic dream-like atmosphere of LA. This movie features a narrative that is out of order but yet draws you in to the mind altering world that Paul Thomas Anderson created. Get ready for a groovy time, when you watch what’s easily now one of my top movies. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/14/24 Full Review Audience Member This film was good to see although I have some negative thoughts in these one is that the dialogue was good but it was just too slow on what happening in the film. The actors were good in delivering this film to come out. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 11/11/24 Full Review Sandon D From the outset, the film immerses viewers in a world dripping with the aesthetics and idiosyncrasies of the 1970s. The costumes, set designs, and soundtrack all meticulously capture the era’s vibe. However, beyond this surface-level homage, “Inherent Vice” struggles to offer anything substantial. The plot, adapted from Thomas Pynchon’s novel, is labyrinthine and convoluted. While this might be a deliberate choice to echo the paranoia and confusion of the times, it often feels more like a crutch to mask the lack of depth in the screenplay. The dialogue, instead of delving into the characters’ psyches or exploring profound themes, is laden with an excess of pop culture references. These references, rather than enriching the narrative, come off as forced and superficial. Characters frequently exchange lines that seem more concerned with name-dropping or showcasing quirky 70s lingo than with advancing the story or revealing their inner lives. This reliance on nostalgia over substance results in a script that feels hollow and disjointed. The moments that should resonate emotionally or intellectually are drowned out by the film’s obsession with its period setting. In the end, “Inherent Vice” is a movie that prioritizes style over substance. While it may appeal to those who relish a heavy dose of 70s nostalgia, it fails to engage viewers seeking meaningful dialogue and a more profound narrative. The film’s potential to be a thoughtful and creative exploration of its era is undermined by its overreliance on clichéd references and a superficial script. For those looking for a film that genuinely inspires thought, creativity, and emotion, “Inherent Vice” may prove to be a disappointing watch. The sacrifice of meaningful dialogue for the sake of played-out pop culture references ultimately leaves the film feeling more like a pastiche than a poignant portrayal of a bygone era. Rated 1.5/5 Stars •  Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 07/01/24 Full Review Christian K I tried really, really hard, I did. But this is seemingly designed to be as impenetrable as possible. You are bombarded, with locations, characters, details, and phrases too quickly. Has its moments with characters and performances but this is not easy to get through. Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 05/28/24 Full Review KB B I really couldn't get into this one after 45 minutes so I put it and me out of our misery. Don't bother. Rated 2/5 Stars •  Rated 2 out of 5 stars 05/27/24 Full Review Jeff M I suppose even great artists can't hit it out of the park each time. Director Paul Thomas Anderson, whose MAGNOLIA I consider one of the finest films ever made, has made this incoherent mess, the plot of which I honestly couldn't explain even if my life depended on it. After awhile it becomes almost mesmerizingly bad - I suppose it's the cinematic equivalent of the drug stupor the main character is in throughout the movie. At nearly two and a half hours, it is almost a torturous experience to sit through, even when certain scenes illustrate Anderson's obvious genius. Rated 1.5/5 Stars •  Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 02/11/24 Full Review Read all reviews

Inherent Vice

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