Best Allen film since Crimes and Misdemeanors

Rating: Null/10 (13 February 2006)

I'm amazed at how much hate this movie has inspired from people. If I had to guess, I'd say it's from either a. Too high of expectations or b. It's becoming hip to say that Woody Allen is over the hill. While Allen's films haven't been as strong the last few years, its ridiculous to think that he's lost it, and if you want proof check out Sweet and Lowdown or Melinda and Melinda. That said, to those still willing to give the Woodman the benefit of a doubt, Match Point is his absolute best in years, probably his overall strongest movie since that masterpiece Crimes and Misdemeanors (Or at least since Bullets Over Broadway). The plot concerns a young former tennis player who manages to slink his way into a very wealthy British family, getting himself a cushy job, a beautiful wife, and a lavish lifestyle to boot. Despite the fact that he's achieved so much, the young man gets bored quickly, and for more excitement he enters into an affair with his brother-in-law's former fiancé. Things quickly go wrong though, and soon the man's comfortable and secure lifestyle is thrown into jeopardy. In the hands of another director, this may have turned into another Fatal Attraction ripoff. Woody is too mature a filmmaker for that type of thing. Revisiting themes from Crimes and Misdemeanors, Woody again examines how one who has achieved an ideal lifestyle will react to the threat of losing it all, even resorting to murder. Allen also takes it one step further, by examining just how much luck determines our fate in life. Overall, a great film with wonderful performances all around. Just be careful not to come into it with the wrong attitude, or you may end up like some of the other posters on this site.