Inherent Vice

Inherent Vice has quietly become one of the more dependable comedies currently available. A tight runtime that never overstays its welcome. 2,731 viewers have already rated it on TMDB — the kind of consensus that does not happen by accident. Joaquin Phoenix's performance alone is worth the time investment. Start it whenever you need something guaranteed to land.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, Inherent Vice is worth clearing space for. The jokes in Inherent Vice land because the characters underneath them are worth caring about. In Los Angeles at the turn of the 1970s, drug-fueled detective Larry "Doc" Sportello investigates the disappearance of an ex-girlfriend. Joaquin Phoenix and Josh Brolin lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 2014. Inherent Vice earns its laughs from character rather than situation, which is why it does not wear thin the way pure farce tends to. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

If you need a comedy that actually makes you laugh, Inherent Vice is a strong candidate. If you have run out of similar titles to watch, this is a strong next pick. Best experienced as a single, sustained watch from start to finish. Joaquin Phoenix sets the tone, but the supporting cast is where a lot of the best moments come from. A reliable pick for any night you want quality comedy without the homework.