Inherent Vice Review: A bonkers detective story that may polarize some, but leaves you with good vibes

Paul Thomas Anderson has had a extremely varied career. From a story about porn stars to making Adam Sandler actually act to a tale involving greed, corruption, and oil, and finally, to a thinly veiled allegory about Scientology, the stories that PTA tells are definitely unique and varied. Now comes his latest film, an adaptation of the Thomas Pynchon neo-noir detective caper Inherent Vice.

Inherent Vice takes place in 1970s Los Angeles, where drug fueled Larry "Doc" Sportello (Joaquin Phoenix) begins to investigate the disappearance of real estate mogul Michael Wolfmann (Eric Roberts) and Shasta Hepworth (Katherine Waterson), Wolfmann's mistress and Doc's former girlfriend. His mystery leads into running him with the LAPD, specifically Lt. Det. Christian "Bigfoot" Bjornsen (Josh Brolin), who clashes with Sportello at almost every turn, dentists, prostitutes, and a whole other host of problems, problems that I would rather not spoil so that you may see the movie.

Having never read the Thomas Pynchon novel, I was excited for this as this looked to be much more light hearted compared to PTA's previous features, plus he had assembled one amazing ensemble cast of actors. I also went into this film blind, having only seen the first trailer maybe once, but remembering it left a big impression on me.

 After seeing the film, Inherent Vice is a very enjoyable film, one that leaves good vibes with you throughout, although the film's structure will become polarizing to some.

The cast is absolutely spot on here. It's amazing how many people PTA assembles for his films, and this is no exception. As our protagonist Doc, Phoenix is perhaps at its most zaniest, as he stumbles around the film gleefully looking like he's having the time of his life. Doc is brilliant as a PI, but is always hazy about facts, due to being high almost all the time. Phoenix has always been a unique actor, going from stoic and serious in one film to zany at the brink of the hat. Phoenix is a joy to watch in this role.

Phoenix is backed by an incredibly strong supporting cast, particularly Owen Wilson, Katherine Waterson, Reese Witherspoon as the no nonsense DA, Benicio Del Toro, and a bunch of other surprises I do not dare to spoil. Finding out who is in the film is one of the more enjoyable parts, as the surprises come at every corner. The supporting cast is entertaining, there is no weak link in the bunch.

However, the big standout is Josh Brolin as "Bigfoot." Every time he comes on screen, Brolin had me rolling in my seat. He essentially plays the straight laced, comedically stoic detective that most would find in noir films. Bigfoot feels like a parody of those type of hard boiled, morally compromised protagonists seen within those type of films. Brolin plays this to great effect, taking normally serious moments and managing to elicit a strong laugh out of the audience (at least in mine and with the friends I saw the film with).

That's what PTA seems to have gone for in the film. It  feels like a parody of noir films from the 50s, 60s, and yes, even the 70s. The use of lighting, the shots of the camera, as well as the script all feel very tongue in cheek with the genre of film noir. The script itself is downright hilarious, as it does have its moments where you know you shouldn't be laughing or moments that are blatantly immature but you can't help but grin.

Another strong point that the film delivers on is the soundtrack. Jonny Greenwood, once again teaming up with PTA, that feels reminiscent of old scores from the olden days of Hollywood. In addition to the score, the film is peppered with some amazing tracks from artists such as Neil Young,  The Marketts, and Sam Cooke, among others. Next to the Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack, this gets my vote for one of the best soundtracks from 2014.

However, the script is also where it might alienate a lot of filmgoers. The film features a very twisty and complicated narrative that may alienate some movie watchers, even becoming incoherent for some. If you are looking for a film with a simple structure, then this is not the film for you. Also, while the film does clock in at two and a half hours, it felt rather brisk, mainly due to the pace PTA sets throughout the film.

Inherent Vice is a film that definitely requires you to pay heavy attention and may seem incoherent to some, it's a very entertaining film to watch and one of PTA's best. Backed by a top notch cast, superb writing, and an excellent soundtrack, this film is sure to please any fans of PTA as well as those that are fans of watching a good detective story.

GRADE: A-

Have you see Inherent Vice? If so, what did you think or are you planning on seeing it? Sound off in the comments below! I'm also on Twitter, follow me @filmfan108!