Review of Inherent Vice (2014) by David R — 11 Jan 2015

A massive, crushing disappointment to this fanatical Paul Thomas Anderson fan. Overly convoluted plot (that's undoubtedly Pynchon's fault), characters I cared absolutely nothing about, barely understandable whispered dialogue...but mostly just crushingly BORING. I desperately wanted to leave at the one hour mark (a not uncommon impulse it seems)--but having been helmed by my favorite living director, I felt I owed him the courtesy of staying thru the entire thing. Agony.

And I NEVER thought I'd say this about anything by PTA, but every. single. moment. in the film with even a spark of energy or humor was in the trailer. That's a very, VERY bad sign...