A win for this Match!

Rating: 9/10 (31 March 2006)

Woody Allen has been serving our comedic cravings for many decades. Love him or hate him, the "Woodsman" has verifiably proved that he is a comedic cinematic genius and a master of storytelling within themes of neurosis, self-exploration, adultery, egoism, and obsession. His latest effort "Match Point" serves up those themes with cinematic poetic justice. Jonathan Rhys Meyers stars as tennis pro Chris Wilton, an opportunistic handsome Scottish lad who befriends a British yuppie named Tom Hewett played by Matthew Goode and eventually marries his sister played by Emily Mortimer. Let's just say that Chris wants to live a joyous "Chrismas" lifestyle every day of the year by marrying into a wealthy family. The luscious Scarlett Johansson co-stars as Nola Rice, Tom's fiancée and Chris' American object of desire. I will not spoil a good cinematic match for you, but I will say that Chris' obsession for Nola does have enough probable cause for him to double fault and jeopardize his enriching plan. Johansson looks ravishing in the narrative. No doubt that "Scarlett Fever" is hot! Murder does come into play in "Match Point" during the latter part of the narrative. Rhys Meyers and Johansson were a superb acting duo with their ace performances. However, the main "advantage" of "Match Point" was the cleverness of Writer-Director Woody Allen. His triumphant return to cinematic excellence was done by the way of game, set, and "Match Point". ***** Excellent