Felt like pulling teeth...

Rating: 3/10 (9 August 2006)

Woody Allen shoots his first film in London, I spent the day watching him direct, it was a great experience. Such a shame that ninety percent of this film is toilet.
Now, I am quite well read when it come to Allen and his films. I have books on the subject and have seen his films. This film was the first film in a while that I really wanted to turn off. The story premise is good, a nice idea and the last fifteen minutes are pretty good BUT, this is a big BUT; Jonathan Rhys Meyers's acting absolutely KILLS the film. His acting STINKS. All the other actors seem to be fine in there parts but Meyers just cant act. I have to point out that this probably has allot to do with Allens directing style and Meyers just is'nt experienced enough to handle the directors free-wheeling approach with actors. There is even a point in the film where it appears the editor left in a moment where he fluffs his lines. Its that bad. He's playing a man from a working class background who is a tennis coach (very American) but when he speaks he sounds like and upper class twit with piles.
Another bad point about this film is how American its views are. Some of he lines that the characters spout are very American in there language. Also the view of London. The capital, also my home I should add, is portrayed as it is on postcards. Full of white snobs, Horse Gaurds, designer shops, red phone box's, black cabs. I could go on. The view of London blinkered to the point I was offended by it. No sign whatsoever of the richly multi cultural London, REAL London. I suspect if there were scenes in Waterloo Station we would see steam trains and bowler hats.
The characters themselves are also despicable. I don't know if this is what Allen wanted but I didn't like any of them.
Not a disappointing film. Meyers's just kills it dead in its tracks and Allen's view of London is just so naive and offensive. The last fifteen minutes are good and the supporting actors are good.
Woody, your films are great! Go home! Please go home! For your own good!