Jake Solesski

what word alone can sum up this most wonderful Wes Anderson offering? layers. of course, this word can likewise be ascribed to each of Wes' films. but this one in particular, more so than ever. it is first and foremost, a journey film (not to be confused with a road film). and as you would have it, the external journey, and all of its foibles and landmarks, reflects and refracts the inner journey of three discontented and dysfunctional brothers. and that my good friend, is just the first of the myriad layers. the cast. the cinematography. the script. the irony and the sharp yet deadpan wit. the music. all standard fare you would expect from a Wes Anderson film up until now. but whats the angle here? to this i would say...alot of what this film wants to say cannot be said in only one veiwing. it is by far the most demanding and the most dynamic, yet most subtle of films that will have you digging out new insights and treasures with each new veiwing, even years down the road. and i would have expected nothing less from this filmmaker, a true master of his craft, who seeks to rewrite the rules of cinema with each outing.

so what IS this movie exactly??? who is this for? many have probably come out of the theatre after watching this latest outing from Anderson asking these very questions. is it a coming of age dramedy? is it a 'feel-good-hit-of-the-summer'? is it a high falutin' period peice/art film? well... it is all of these yet it is really none of them. Licorice Pizza is... a ride. a kaileidoscopic journey. perhaps to some, a shimmering and shiny time capsule. some moments are tender. some moments are tense. and some are even funny. but most of the key moments are an impossible blend of all three. as far as i am concerned, this movie stands above reveiws or criticism. it exists within its own special microcosm, unsullied from highbrow opining. yes, go see this. now. whatever you have to do. watch it. and enjoy the ride.

i am digging dilegently through the 5th season now. up to this point, heres my personal breakdown. entertaining Clancy levels of political thriller schlock? oh hell yeah. realistic? nah. and it really isn't meant to be. messagy and preachy? sure. but not in a bad way. i would only blame the show if it were uber-realistic AND preachy. but because the situations and conflicts are so outlandish, the antagonists are so caricaturized and cinematically hammy, then all i can truly except it as is hard-boiled entertainment with a beating, bleeding-liberal heart. yes it has a core audience, and knows who its audience is. cant get to critical of that. if anything, that is if the messages and morals don't hit, then at least its a suspensful blast.

not essentially Tarantinos best, and struggles to stand against the rest of his filmography (which is why many may be disappointed by this one) BUT... its STILL an awesome movie nonetheless. It relies more on dialogue, atmosphere, and characterization rather than your usual Tarantino 'shock value' kinda stuff to keep it going. I myself am quite a fan of dialogue driven film. There is alot to immerse yourself in here, and is quite possibly one of the most bright and colorful Tarantino films, as well as witty, charming, and immensly memorable. Not a bad movie at all.

this is not only an astounding horror film, but an astounding film, period. this is a true lesson in craft.

its a slow burner, as you would expect from Refn. but as well, it is extremely stylized and shot with a kind of laser precision. the story is quaint, and the acting is phenomenal. the extreme bursts of violence seem to stick out like a bruised and broken thumb on a perfectly manicured hand, but again, this sort of spectacle is to be expected from Refn. likewise, Refn knows that you will either love or hate his movies, as he does not seem to aim for any sort of commercial middle ground with any of his works. enjoy, but at your own risk.