SCOOP
Woodman fans unite! The old guy is back in front of the camera and though he re-traces some footsteps from his early days he still manages to amuse narcissists everywhere!
3 stars (out of 4) [(2006)UK-US/FocusFeatures/Rated PG-13] - (1 hr. 36 min.)
Written & directed by Woody Allen
Classical source music from the works of Tchaikovsky, Strauss, & Greig
Lead characters/Cast
Sid Waterman (aka 'Splendini' & 'Mr. Spence') - Woody Allen
Peter Lyman - Hugh Jackman
Sondra Pransky (aka 'Jade Spence') - Scarlett Johansson
Review:
Woodman fans UNITE!!!
This may not be Woody Allen's best comedy ever (re: "Annie Hall"), but it's certainly his most delightful romp in as long as I can remember. However, due to the intricate nature of the plotting this will be a non-spoiler review and no help at all for those that require such things. I highly suggest staying away from anything (reviews, trailers, etc.) that could create an expectation of any kind. This film is best experienced like the theater's air conditioning - cold.
Biggest surprise for me was Woody's return to form as a comic actor and the revival of some dormant stand-up techniques that one would assume had been long since forgotten. Lucky for us, the 70-year old comedian-actor-auteur hasn't fallen victim to the Alzheimer's epidemic that is slowly overtaking our older populace.
Using himself as the comic relief, Allen smartly recruited his last leading lady, Scarlett Johansson from "Match Point", as the protagonist and chief love interest. But thankfully, she's not wooing the Woodman, but instead, it's Australia's most charismatic leading actor (& mutant), Hugh Jackman. The Aussie has recently proven himself as a stage performer and on-screen as the 'Wolverine' in all three "X-Men" movies, but his romantic-comedy opportunities have been long in coming and like Allen seems grateful to return to the genre.
It's the interplay between this trio of actors that keeps the idiocy of the situation and the steamy romance perfectly balanced despite it's 'light-as-a-feather' underpinnings. Certainly a perfect date-movie with its two equally gorgeious leading actors. Both Jackman and Johansson willingly offer themselve for a meet-cute swimming pool scene that girls will have the girls swooning (over Jackman) while the guys will drool over a dripping wet Johansson in her one-piece.
The photography is excellent throughout and Woody doing a great job of showing off London the same way he showcased New York City. The Woodman has also chosen some perfect classical pieces to set the mood for each section. So don't let humorless critics with their spoiler-laden pans get you down, any Woody Allen fan will tell you he's an acquired taste until you learn to adore his particular brand of silliness.
There's no better tonic for a long hot summer than the sound of one's own laughter and 2006 has been very good for comedies so far, so don't miss this one. Don't expect the outrageousness of "Clerks II" or the pathos of "Little Miss Sunshine," but DO expect to have an entertaining time at the movies as this one keeps the laughter going in its own much more polite, genteel manner.
Cheers, mate, check it out!
Supporting characters/Cast
Joe Strombel (Legendary British reporter) - Ian McShane
Mr. Malcolm (London Observer reporter) - Charles Dance
Vivian (Sondra's London friend) - Romola Garai
Jane Cook - Fenella Woolgar
Lord Lyman (Peter's father) - Julian Glover
Jan - Victoria Hamilton
[MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some sexual content (no nudity, just a couple kissing in bed scenes)]
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