Allen disappoints and frustrates with agonisingly British effort

Rating: 3/10 (1 December 2005)

After the brief resurgence in Allen wit, style and innovation, this really feels like a giant leap backwards. After the stellar performances, nuances and power of Melinda and Melinda I was excited about Allen's first ever venture away from his beloved New York. With a painstakingly British line-up (including everyone from Brian Cox to James Nesbitt) and setting/ theme (class divide and tennis!), not to mention the sizzling Scarlett Johannson, Allen seemed to have a sure-fire Richard Curtis-bashing British hit on his handsbut oh dear.
I think Match Point will succeed in America with the ethereal ultra-London setting, concentrating on Union Jack Mini's and every prime location in the Rough Guide's centre-folds. I could never really understand who this film could be enjoyed by. I mean, we all get the clever operatic narrative and the Sliding Doors life-split decisive moments but there is so much wrong. The British will snicker at the outrageous stereotypes and the rest will find it hard to like any of the characters. Rhys Meyers is shallow and nasty, Johansson is sexy but weak and the whole Brian Cox family reeks of upper-class nonchalance. Not to mention the noticeable lack of Allen traits which we have all grown to love.
Hop back on a BA Flight Woody and get back to what you know best.