1st Woody Allen Movie that was any good since his wife was born

Rating: 9/10 (3 February 2006)

I loved Woody Allen's early work, but somewhere along the line like many other of his fans, I became fed up with him. It's not that he kept doing the same stuff. He really didn't. His style was distinct though. And much of his work became tiresome. That is why Match Point is so great. It does not play at all like a Woody Allen film. It is not a comfortable film by any means. I felt like I was constantly squirming through every scene. I'll admit there was a part of me that was happy to get out of the theater. I think about the intended audience for say "Texas Chainsaw Massacre". And I would describe match Point as Texas Chainsaw Massacre for people with an intellect. That is an odd description, I know. My point is that they both have the same effect on ones bottom action in their seat. They admittedly go at it in very different ways though. I love the payoff at the end. I enjoy the commentaries about the effects of luck and faith on the paths of our lives. The actors were all superb. I hope this signals in a new era for Mr. Allen. The man can coax very good work out of his actors. He has proved this before and it all gels so well in Match Point. See it. You're going to squirm.