The Buzz: Paul Thomas Anderson's latest effort adapts Thomas Pynchon's novel Inherent Vice, which follows private investigator Larry "Doc" Sportello (Joaquin Phoenix) as he investigates the disappearance of his ex-girlfriend's boyfriend in L.A. There won't be any word on Inherent Vice until its premiere at the New York Film Festival on October 4th, but the early word from those who have seen it is that, while not Anderson's best film, Vice is another extremely entertaining movie from the director, and could fit this year's American Hustle slot, of being agreeable enough to earn a truckload of nominations, though going home with nothing. Oscar Predictions: Even if the spies are right and the movie falls slightly short of Anderson's top-tier work, that doesn't entirely discount it from Best Picture or Best Director, while the safest bets are Best Actor (Phoenix), Best Supporting Actress (Katherine Waterston is supposed to be electrifying), Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Costume Design. It's easy to see the movie going home empty handed if the the studio spies are correct. Otherwise, who knows? Release Date: December 12th (US), January 30th (UK)