Paul Thomas Anderson is a writer/director with a mixed bag of hits and nots. This one falls in the middle. Leonardo DiCaprio and Teyana Taylor play a couple that’s involved in radical bombings as part of their revolutionary uprising protests. One particular army officer (Sean Penn) takes a special interest in them and pursues their takedown. This is a sprawling drama that plays out with extreme views on both sides. Even so, this film isn’t about the politics, but the personal situations that surround their actions. DiCaprio centers the film with his stoned character, but it’s Penn who makes the strongest impression. He’s magnetic in every scene, including the occasional amusing moments. Taylor also proves captivating with her personal and sexual bravura. At 162 minutes the film could use a bit less sprawl, but Anderson manages to keep it involving most of the time, primarily due to the performances. Only during the final act (esp. the unusual car chase) does any real tension or emotional involvement happen. 
(3.5 / 5)
