As heavy as it is light

Rating: 9/10 (27 July 2006)

Merging those two ill-fated styles of comedic wit and sincere bite as seamlessly as any legendary comedy would, Allen's Annie Hall is every bit deserving of it's towering stature and as one of the high points in his brilliant career. Delivering scene after scene of convincing, multi-layered, and hilarious insight into our tragic hero's neurotic mind via a series of failed relationships, the analysis of the title role post, pre and during our negative one's crazed narration guides the viewer through an intensely enjoyable romantic comedy that is as unique and genuine as it is funny and tender. The blistering script will hardly ever loose relevance (except for those that just refuse to ever enjoy Allen's style) and the two lead performances are very real, accentuating the fast pace. In such a great career, it is still small wonder why this one will always be up there on lists with Woody, although the fierce originality he brought to the table that shines so brightly in this movie, eventually became his Achilles heel when that originality stopped being so original, and later altogether abandoned to an apathetic new generation. Hopefully his last rebirth of popularity via Scarlett will actually let him do what he does best on screen in this new one with her, albeit with much less force and gripping psychological relevance then the good old days used to provide.