The women stole it...

Rating: 5/10 (6 February 2006)

I've never been a fan of Woody Allen's narcissistic neurotic work but I gave Match Point a chance based on popular concensus that it was a 'turning point'.
I say, thank god for the female cast and the stunning London locations or it would sink without a trace. Rhys-Meyers has nowhere near the range required to carry an internalized, nuanced performance a film like this requires - I'm STRESSED- I'm RUNNING MY HANDS THROUGH MY HAIR- and Matthew Goode plays like a cheap, unlikebale Hugh Grant fopp. Do any of my fellow Britons know anyone who speaks like these characters (regradless of how posh?) "Coal me on moi mooooboile when you get oarrrf" (?!) It is so jarring to watch British actors play to the American audience, spouting clichés written by a New Yorker.
Emily Mortimer was outstanding - A realistic, sympathetic alternative to Johanssen's unhinged sex-pot. Johanssen is in a league of her own. She can't even be compared to the Dunsts, McAdams, Gellars et al. This is an acting sensation....
The other redeeming feature was the ring moment. Who saw that one coming??