My Rating: 3.86/4 (aka Very likely worth your time)

One line summary: The familial saga of an American vigilante.

The Deets: Yes, I confess that it took me too long to see this film. And yes, even worse, I watched it on a plane (and I will commit to watching again on a larger screen for a more full cinematic effect). And yes, there are some movies whose ratings are affected by the bias that comes with them; in this case, the bar was impossibly high – I had heard and read about the film, the highly anticipated and brilliant work from one of America’s most original directors working today – Paul Thomas Anderson. And don’t get me wrong – I really liked this movie, especially DiCaprio, who throws down with one of his best performances (and probably Sean Penn, too). But the bar was too high. While I was highly engaged for the entire 2 hour and 42 minute runtime, locked in and laughing at many moments, it just doesn’t scream masterpiece to me. Anderson brings his trademark needle drops and borderline brilliant (I use that word sparingly) and original cinematic style. The intensity is palpable; the Coen brothers influences prominent. And it slyly blends and bends across genres. It’s also fun and funny, which is rare given the intensity (Benicio Del Toro is spot on). But it holds together, and that is admirable. I just don’t know if it will stay with me the way some of the greatest works of art do. Time will tell.

Perfect for: If you like to watch DiCaprio cook, but mostly if you’re a PT Anderson fan, or if you want to become one.

Where to watch: You can stream it, and I suggest you find the biggest screen possible. And turn the volume all the way up.

Food pairing: A big bowl of something crunchy. You won’t want to look away.