Ironically, as Licorice Pizza’s reception started to spin out, what seemed to get lost in the crossfire was its own thematic focus on well-intentioned characters losing control of their narratives.

Based on a manga? Check. Strong, silent protagonist? Check. Prisons? Check. Rage against The Man? Check. Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky and the Female Prisoner Scorpion movies complement each other perfectly as showcases of Japanese and Hong Kong cinema at the zenith of their age.

Or "An excuse to go on about Hong Kong cinema."

this isn’t the starry-eyed kids of the pre-Vietnam sixties, setting out to make a name for themselves. It’s the druggies and the rockers and they’re here to party because fuck you, old man.

So long, Superman. Your secret identity is safe with me.

You crazy car. I don't know whether to eat you or kiss you.