Let’s not allow for any skepticism that a recent film blunder, also about a retro-spouse-heist based on a novel, may have provided Needless to say, the Jennifer Anniston-led Life of Crime — based on the James Ellroy novel — won’t hold a candle to Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest oeuvre. Inherent Vice looks infinitely more promising. Written, directed and produced by the mind behind Boogie Nights, Magnolia and There Will Be Blood, Inherent Vice is a noir kidnap story set in 1970 with all the kitschy set pieces that era would indicate. Based on the book by author Thomas Pynchon (The Crying Of Lot 49, Gravity’s Rainbow, etc), the film stars Joaquin Phoenix as a private eye, with Reese Witherspoon, Benicio Del Toro, Josh Brolin, Jena Malone and Owen Wilson also throwing in their talents. Our favorite critic quote has got to be “It’s not a movie. It’s a contact high,” from Hitfix. Not sure what that means, but we’re sure it’s worth a hit. Set your bong-load pre-party and popcorn purchase date for the December 12th release.