This movie is a curious case. It is a Paul Thomas Anderson film, with that given fact you would think this movie would be on par with it's hype, if not surpassing it. Being a project developed by PTA, of course it has a stacked cast of versatile actors and unique cameos.
With all of the big names attached it ended up coming out quite flat, with a storyline that almost seems at times to be non-existent.
There were a few different elements that dragged this movie down a few notches mostly in the fact that this movie was lacking the action, causing it to seem a bit dragged out. This aside the dialogue had a strong sense of realism and had a few witty jokes/statements carefully positioned throughout. Although the writing is rather complex, if there had been better pacing and an overall stronger sense of story, this could have been so much more.
The performances from the main characters, especially that of Joquain Phoenix was a sight to see. The impressive acting in turn, helps to perfectly capture the era of 1970's Los Angeles and the infamous hippie movement that followed along with it.
Overall this movie didn't quite live up to the hype, due to a dull script, which at times is a little hard to follow. With its exceptionally capable cast and crew, it is worth a watch just strictly out of curiosity if anything.
6.5/10
