I know, I know, it's a film you're meant to watch more than once, but to be perfectly honest, I have absolutely zero inclination to do so because it was just so boring to me.

Like, what am I missing here? It's a by-the-numbers crime thriller that's occasionally funny, and has good performances and a decent soundtrack, but other than that there's nothing special about it whatsoever, and the plot's convoluted and confusing as hell to boot.

This is the only PTA film I've seen so far, so I'll no doubt come back to it one day once I've seen a few more, but for now...I mean I certainly hope it's his worst one.

Let's start this off with a reward offering. I'll pay anyone $20 if they can explain to me, in detail, the full plot and synopsis of "Inherent Vice," front to back. That's a good place to start, eh?

The New York Film Festival press and audiences given the gift of a first look at Paul Thomas Anderson's hotly anticipated "Inherent Vice" starring Joaquin Phoenix and an all-star cast. Based on the novel by Thomas Pynchon, rumors flew about for months that the novel is a tough read and that the translation from book to film could be confusing in the hands of an auteur filmmaker like Anderson. Well, to a certain extent, they are absolutely correct. "Inherent Vice" is such a mind trip, one that will probably make you want to enroll in drug rehab by the end credits. What's amazing about it is even though you, nor I will probably "get it," and there's way more questions than answers at the moment, I cannot wait to revisit it again to start seeking those things out. You can see a little of Anderson's entire filmography.

Our "basic synopsis" is the story of Larry "Doc" Sportello, who in the 1970's, begins to search for his missing former girlfriend. The other things that accompany those facts, is a hallucination of laughs, satire, and magnificent filmmaking abilities.

Let's start with thanking the good Lord for Paul Thomas Anderson and his love of 35mm. Even though the screening did not show the film in that quality (the public screening however did),there's a charm that's still embedded within all of Anderson's film that pays homage to all the classic films of history. This is also partly thanks to Academy Award winning DP Robert Elswit, who can frame a scene to tension and success. Much like his past efforts such as "The Master," "There Will Be Blood," and "Boogie Nights," there's a magnitude of a visual master's exercises on display. He crafts provocative and engaging players that fully mesmerize you for its duration.

On the top of his game, once again is the genius that is Joaquin Phoenix. He's hilarious, and nothing like "The Dude" as many will compare him. He's a three-dimensional character with layers, fully invested in the story, and best of all, utterly believable. In a quirky, detective mystery such as this, you expect some outrageous behavior that can sometimes run false. Call me crazy, I believed nearly all. Phoenix is pure, ludicrous, and keeps you fixated entirely. You couldn't ask for a more dependable thespian at this time in cinema. There's even a weird but obvious comparison to Freddie Quell, as if Freddie's illegitimate child got into drugs and missed out on the alcoholism.

The supporting players are as rich as any Anderson creation before. Finally back to large ensembles, where he has shined time and time again in films like "Magnolia," he assembles one of the strongest casts seen in 2014. Like a rock and roll star, Josh Brolin owns the stage with a savage and vicious dedication to his character, he stands out as one of the finest performances of the year. I adored him, and it might be his finest outing yet, and something that could ring him some much deserved awards attention.

If you don't know her name yet, Katherine Waterston will be on the tongues of many for years to come. As Shasta Fay Hepworth, you'll find an enigmatic character with an entrancing and sensual aura. At times, feeling like a mixture of Rollergirl from "Boogie Nights" and Claudia Wilson Gator from "Magnolia," Waterston is one of engrossing and compelling characters of the year. It's an awards worthy performance, baring the soul of a performer that understands her purpose, Waterston is plain magnificent.

You will get big chuckles from Benicio del Toro, Owen Wilson, and Martin Short, all of which make their mark. In one strong scene, Jena Malone leaves her mark while Michael Kenneth Williams could have set the screen on fire with more time than what he was given. Sasha Pieterse (fabulous as always),Reese Witherspoon (reminding us why we loved Johnny and June Cash together so much),Eric Roberts (yearning for a larger role at this time in his career),Joanna Newsom (our new female Morgan Freeman of this generation's narrators),and Maya Rudolph (who needs to team up with hubby more often),all shine.

Why the world isn't recognizing Jonny Greenwood as one of the most innovative and talented composers yet is beyond me. Once again, everything on-screen is elevated by his eerie composition and whimsical take on the 70's aura. Not to mention, the soundtrack may be THE album of the year. You can't tell me that you won't have that on repeat seconds after viewing. You also get a richly realized costume design by Mark Bridges and honest sets by David Crank and Amy Wells. It's a technical masterpiece for sure.

"Inherent Vice" is such a strange demon. Hard to say you love, if you don't comprehend it all yet, but with enough magic to keep coming back for more. It's one of the best offbeat and pecuilar monsters seen on screen this year, and you just might fall for its potent nature.

Paul Thomas Anderson this reviewer has always considered to be an extremely talented director, and of his films 'Boogie Nights' and 'There Will Be Blood' are particularly wonderful.

Before viewing 'Inherent Vice', this reviewer was yet to see a bad film from Anderson with 'Hard Eight still being a very good film. After seeing 'Inherent Vice', although for Anderson it's disappointing and could have been better that feeling still stands. It is completely understandable why people won't like it however, it is not for all tastes and even though 'Magnolia' and 'The Master' are polarising films that test the patience and challenge those who don't like those films 'Inherent Vice' has clearly divided viewers more than any other of Anderson's films.

'Inherent Vice' does have its issues. Its biggest problem is the story, which seems to be the biggest flaw for a lot of people (even those who liked or loved the film have acknowledged it isn't as strong as the rest of the film). Here the story is meandering, over-entangled, over-complicated, draggy pace-wise and not very easy to follow, with a lack of pay off. It is adapted from Thomas Pynchon, and despite the noble effort it is living proof that Pynchon is very difficult to adapt and even considered unfilmable.

The characters are not the usual realistically flawed or compellingly real characters of most of Anderson's films, here they are not as interesting or as developed apart from Phoenix's character, most of the supporting roles being caricatures. And this is a rare instance of the soundtrack being a disappointment, Anderson's films have always had memorable utilisation of music that are catchy and rich in emotion, but neither is the case here and mood-wise it's too subdued.

On the other hand, 'Inherent Vice' is a superbly made film as is always the case with Anderson. As was said in my review for 'The Master', Anderson's films are some of the most visually beautiful and bold around. Exquisitely shot with sumptuous and atmospheric production values, Anderson's trademark visual style shines completely with his distinctive use of constantly moving camera, steadicam-based continuous long takes (a famous example in his films being the opening shot in 'Boogie Nights'),tracking shots and very multi-layered audio-visual imagery. Anderson's direction is superb.

The script along with the costumes was Oscar-nominated, and those nominations were deserved, with the costumes being spot-on in representing the era. The script achieves some tremendously funny, often hilarious, moments, as well as an affectingly melancholic tone, balancing both adeptly. The acting is one of 'Inherent Vice's' biggest strengths. While not quite as good as his performance in 'The Master' Joaquin Phoenix is wonderful, while Josh Brolin attacks his role with gusto. Even with short appearances, Witherspoon, Martin Short, Owen Wilson, Jena Malone, Joanna Newsom, Maya Rudolph and Michael K Williams give brilliant supporting turns (Short in particular is a hoot),and Katherine Waterson is unforgettably sensual.

Summing up, Anderson's weakest and has its problems, mostly with the story, but interesting and worth watching. 7/10 Bethany Cox