In 1970's Los Angeles, a private detective investigates the
​disappearances of a wealthy real estate mogul and an old girlfriend.

​CRIME/DRAMA

Inherent Vice (2015)

Written and Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson

Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Josh Brolin, Owen Wilson,
​Katherine Waterston, Benicio Del Toro, Reese Witherspoon,
Jena Malone, Martin Short, Eric Roberts, Serena Scott Thomas

Based on the novel by Thomas Pynchon

Oscar Nominations - Best Adapted Screenplay, 
​​Best Costume Design

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Connor Eyzaguirre

January 30, 2015

5/10

I had expected much more from Inherent Vice. It was billed as a comedy with an all-star cast, but this was not the case. The film is far from a comedy, apart from a few comedic moments. Needless to say, I was disappointed.

This film does have some great performances, particularly from Joaquin Phoenix and Josh Brolin. I just wish these performances could have excelled in a coherent, easier-to-follow film. Inherent Vice was unbelievably convoluted and contained several important plot threads that do not connect in the slightest. It's quite infuriating and by the halfway point, I found myself wishing the film was over.

I really wish Inherent Vice could have been great. I had such high hopes and this boring snoozefest dashed every one of them. Hopefully, Paul Thomas Anderson does better with his next film, which I hope is something of his own design.

Caleb Leger

January 30, 2015

5/10

Paul Thomas Anderson should stick to original ideas, not adapting other people's work. As a fan of the director's previous work, this film was a major disappointment. The trailers were also extraordinarily misleading as it was billed as a straight up comedy, instead of a dramatic film with a few comedic moments. 

The film does benefit slightly from the actors great performances throughout. Joaquin Phoenix delivers another stellar performance as a pothead and private detective. Josh Brolin is hilarious in his role of a police detective. The running joke with him eating bananas and ordering food at a Japanese restaurant were hysterical. Apart from that, the film is a major slog that is incredibly incoherent. There are plot threats that never seem to connect, leading to more frustration than is needed. 

Inherent Vice should have been a great movie based off its ensemble cast and stellar production design. Instead, it turned to be a major snoozefest that had me falling asleep towards the end. I hope Paul Thomas Anderson does a much better job with his next movie.