Before 'The Long Walk,' Cooper Hoffman Gave Us a Star-Making Performance in This Coming-of-Age Comedy with Alana Haim

Falling in love can be a real punch to the gut, ask any 15-year-old. Paul Thomas Andersonaimed to capture that beauty and misery in 2021's Licorice Pizza, starring a young Cooper Hoffman in his film debut. It was a much-buzzed-about film because he had large footsteps to fill, as his late father, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, worked with Anderson previously in several films, from Punch-Drunk Loveto Magnolia. The '70s set, Los Angeles period piece also co-starred Alana Haim in her film debut, and together, she and Hoffman brought a magical dose of innocence and wonder to the film in a tale of growing up. Packed to the brim with classic rock and many cameos from Anderson's muses, Licorice Pizza is a laid-back, meandering ride with lots of heart.