A Very Good Woody

Rating: 7/10 (10 September 2013)

I saw this film on TV and at first did not know that it was from Woody Allen. I think I figured it out after about ten minutes. I started wondering if it were a Woody movie just by the unique concept of the film, but I became convinced it was Woody's work when a piece of period music came swimming into the film.
Midnight In Paris reminded me of several of Woody's movies, including Annie Hall (a love of Paris taking the place of a love of New York), The Purple Rose of Cairo, and maybe a touch of Radio Days and Hannah and Her Sisters. I initially was not thrilled with Owen Wilson playing the lead, but he grew on me a bit as the movie moved along. Still, I probably would have cast someone else.
I thought it was an excellent film. It delivered some yuks while at the same time provided several philosophical thoughts to chew on. For a younger audience the pace of the movie might have been a bit too leisurely, but it did not bother me. The film was only 94 minutes and besides, I wasn't in a hurry.