Licorice Pizza

        Defying the simple description of a "coming of age film", this new comedy-drama is from writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson. As with many of his films, the story is set in the San Fernando Valley circa 1973 and revolves around the odd relationship between 15-year-old Gary Valentine (played by Cooper Hoffman) and 25-year-old Alana Kane (played by Alana Haim).

        Ms. Haim is one third of the band, "Haim" along with her two sisters, who play her sisters in the film. And keeping it in the family, Alana Kane's parents are played by the Haim sister's real parents.

        Gary Valentine is based on one of Mr. Anderson's friends and many of the plot points are culled from real events. While still in high school, Gary has an entrepreneurial spirit and after spending time as a child actor, starts a waterbed company and later on opens a pinball arcade. After meeting Alana at a photo shoot at his school, they become friends and she gets involved in his various business ventures flirting with him from time to time.

        Sean Penn has a cameo as Jack Holden (based on William Holden) in an odd scene involving Tom Waits, Alana and a motorcycle. Bradley Cooper also has a cameo as Jon Peters, once the boyfriend of Barbra Streisand. The sequence involving Mr. Cooper is one of the best in the film.

        Mr. Hoffman and Ms. Haim have a wonderful chemistry and while their relationship is the heart of the film, the plot moves in odd directions and you are never quite sure where it's going. The film could have also benefitted from some additional editing.

        Familiar with period, Mr. Anderson knows how to get the mood and visuals of the time right and uses a wonderful soundtrack that enhances the story perfectly. It's an odd tale of first love that may not appeal to everyone but both leads are terrific and have bright futures ahead.