Hemingway Anyone?

Rating: 8/10 (10 March 2017)

I made the mistake of respecting online reviews for this film and delayed watching for some time. However, I liked the idea of time travel in Paris and thought perhaps the reviews were misleading and over critical. Wow, was I right in that assessment!!
If you have any notion of the music, art and literary genius of the '20s, Paris intrigue, and fantasy, this film is definitely for you. I was swept up in the concept and did not digress into the explicit formalities of complicated technical issues clearly ignored in this film.
I enjoyed the excitement of anticipation of interaction with so many illustrious artists and philosophers and invited discourse of who, when and where I would prefer to explore. This era probably fits the bill for most and addresses mostly romantic gestures of vague recall to move the plot along.
I am a futurist and spend little time thinking about what period I would like to visit in the past. Perhaps hanging out with Amelia Earhart on her last voyage, or Patton on his quest to quell Hitler's war machine? I am reminded of the remark by Owens that the past is not quite as romantic with the concept of lack of antibiotics. Only ONE effective reminder that is most sobering about a yearning for simpler times.
The ubiquitous guitar riff used incessantly throughout the film was extremely annoying but not more so than McAdam's portrayal of a high maintenance bride. Hard to ignore but when midnight strikes all is forgiven when the true adventure ensues.
The arbitrary voyage to "La Belle Epoque" was unexpected and further complicated the plot to appreciate a bygone era but did serve to exploit the imagination on why so many view the past with such reverence.
Many of my friends claim that the 50's were the Golden Era. Bolderdash I proclaim! Did they forget about how smoking was encouraged as seXy? And so many women just wanting to get married and never contribute to society or the family income? Or, well you get the idea, rainbows and lollipop thinking.
I am so pleased that this type of intellectual (well vs current offerings) script is mainstream and available to us who crave mental stimulation. I highly recommend this film for the many fantasy elements, Francophiles, and sumptuous scenes that excite beyond convention.
Bravo Mr. Allen for bringing such joy to the silver screen!!!