The One (2001)

The plot was a stretch, but a good stretch. Jet Li was in fine form. Solid special effects for the time.

Rating: C+

Licorice Pizza (2021)

I’ll see anything Paul Thomas Anderson makes. He earned that after Magnolia. But I think he peaked back then. Nothing since has come close to his early stuff. This was an interesting period piece, with a focus on quirky characters. It meanders without really going anywhere. 

I did find it quite funny at times. My two favorite scenes were the interactions with the casting agent lady and the conversation before the home waterbed installation. 

Rating: C

Phantom Thread (2017)

This didn’t feel like a Paul Thomas Anderson film to me. Sure, the film hinges on the dramatic performances of its actors. Almost to a fault in this case. There isn’t much of a plot in the traditional sense. More like very specific characters interacting with one another. It oft feels depressing, and a little dark. It’s mood heavy. Not a film you would ever crave to see again, but you won’t regret seeing it either.

Rating: C