Charming, beautiful and really very funny

Rating: 7/10 (11 April 2014)

I knew nothing of this movie as I brought up the stream from Amazon IV this afternoon. But I love Paris. And I was bored. I didn't bother with any reviews, I just went for it..
I actually groaned as the opening credits cited "Written and Directed by Woody Allen". I'm just not a fan of his work, being as I am a stage actor who's used to tight dialogue with no sign of improv. I'm also not big on Owen Wilson, who to me is a rather whiny, limp wristed actor. Perhaps that's why Allen chose him for the film.
But Wilson actually does a very good job as the insecure writer, Gil, with lost puppy eyes who's run roughshod by his fiancée (Rachel McAdams) and her wealthy overbearing parents. In fact the cast is superbly chosen, from Michael Sheen's smarmy, pedantic, arrogant professor through to Adrien Brody's marvellously weird, rhino-obsessed Dali.
And then there's Marion Cotillard, with whom I fell in love in A Good Year, and who never fails to bring a scene to life with her sultry smile, fabulous accent, and flawless delivery.
It's a slow-starting film, with not a lot of substance until Gil drops back in time to the 1920's and starts bumping into his heroes. Then the wit and the charm come rolling forward, buoyed by some stunning sets and equally stunning costumery.
If you like your art and lit, you'll love this. It's not without its flaws, but it has enough substance to overcome them and take you right through to the (somewhat corny) ending with a smile on your face.