Charles Harbit

I thought brilliant. PTA is a magician, and can create/recreate that magic despite the era, (this time early 70’s LA). Extraordinary and natural performances by mostly the newcomers, despite a hilarious and unexpected cameo/short role by Bradley Cooper playing a caricature of Jon Peters (no, ok that was Jon Peters). Also in a similar small role/subplot Sean Penn and PTA regular Tom Waits create a bit of a spectacle out on a golf course while also giving us somewhat of a plot antagonist in the form of an inebriated “Jack Holden” (aka William). Yes it is off beat and maybe a bit plot thin, but only minutely. The movie rolls on because of the spectacular performances right from the start of Philip Seymour Hoffman’s son Cooper, who almost steals the show. But the show stealer IMO and who really blew me away was how fantastic the performance of Alana Haim (the musician) was (along with her sisters/whole family for that matter). Alana is the point of this film and she nails it to the floor. Without her there is no Licorice Pizza. Why aren’t there more natural, non CGI laden dramas like this being made any longer? CPH

Mike Leigh is a genius, no two ways about it. Gut wrenching at times. Brilliant performances by the ensemble cast of British actors (many now well known world-wide and subsequent Leigh “regulars”). As real as cinema gets, IMHO. Viewed again recently for the first time in decades and wasn’t surprised to see it’s now part of Criterion Collection. Has aged extremely well. CPH

The ultimate romantic comedy. Set the standard for decades. So true to life, it eventually ends on an (arguably) sad note. Yes, the guy doesn’t get the girl. But what a ride. Can’t listen to “Seems like old times” without feeling a bit sentimental and since there’s so many parallels to my own life, though I hate to use the word: nostalgic. Must see at least 10 times before you die. ;) As Balzac said “There goes another novel.” C