Inherent Vice: Paul Thomas Anderson strikes a fine balance in this film; the story is colorful (as are the images, beautifully captured by Robert Elswit’s camera), but in spite of its exaggerations (yes, almost to the point of incomprehensibility), it retains what matters the most, a big heart. There’s big respect for the usual elements of the film noir genre, even if the presentation differs from the traditional; the comedy speaks more to the initiated. The cast is in great shape (and used to great effect in many scenes that unfurl in long takes); Joaquin Phoenix is impressive, and interacts beautifully with Katherine Waterston, Josh Brolin and Owen Wilson. Nice set and costume design.

See what I wrote before: Inherent Vice