Woody at his best.

Rating: 10/10 (5 April 2005)

Intelligent and still fresh to this very day. The amount of movies it has inspired is amazing - When Harry Met Sally (1989) probably being my favourite comparison.
But with Annie Hall, there isn't really a comparison. It is the best romantic comedy ever. What was initially a three hour long film, called Anhedonia, was cut down to the succinct hour and half comedy we have with us today. The non-linear narrative really gives this film an edge on other comedies. It feels like memories of a relationship, being remembered in patches.
Diana Keaton is great as the titular character, Annie Hall. Teeming with flaws, and quirkiness, Keaton creates a fully believable character - one that is enhanced even more by the appearance of Alvy Singer, Woody's character. Woody Allen is so funny in this movie, possibly Allen at his creative best. The jokes are intelligent, they move along well, and are - most importantly - varied. The subtitle scene, or where Alvy goes to Annie's house for dinner - and Grammy the Jew hater sees him - oh, it's just classic.
I can't say any more than that. It really is funny - there are too many moments to mention. It is well acted, written and directed, with great pacing. If you are a Woody fan, I can't think of many comparisons to Annie Hall. Manhattan, another classic, is nothing like this movie, instead opting for a more melancholy mood. It isn't a period piece like the average Curse of the Jade Scorpion or the fantastic Purple Rose of Cairo. Annie Hall really is unique in his collection, with inventive jokes, the lively nature of the story and the way it involves the audience. Although people call this film romantic, it is actually quite the opposite at the end. Similar to Manhattan in that respect, but at least Annie Hall contained more laughs.
You won't feel cold watching this movie. Go and get it now, it is fantastic cinema.