Magical movie about Paris, making your own "golden age" and finding the right mate

Rating: 7/10 (30 January 2018)

RELEASED IN 2011 and written & directed by Woody Allen, "Midnight in Paris" chronicles events when an American writer (Owen Wison), his hot fiancée (Rachel McAdams) and her parents visit Paris. Incredibly, the nostalgic writer finds himself going back to the 1920s each midnight and meeting iconic artist/writers. Michael Sheen plays a "pedantic" academic.
Allen's movies are the perfect antidote to conventional CGI-laden "blockbuster" drivel. "Midnight in Paris" is magical because (1.) Paris is such a charming city, which is thoroughly showcased, including the picturesque prologue, and (2.) the plot involves a fantasy element. Concerning the latter, there were 2 or 3 scenes where I didn't buy what was going on, but it was only for a moment and the movie quickly recovered (remember: movies are supposed to "take you away" to another place/time/situation and make you believe it through cinematic wizardry). In any case, the morals of the story are commendable and effectively driven home.
Woody has a good eye for women without resorting to sleaze. And the charismatic McAdams is showcased in all her jaw-dropping glory; modest Léa Seydoux too, to a lesser degree. The ravishing Marion Cotillard is also on hand in a significant role, but her beauty is diminished by the 1920's look/apparel she's straddled with, but that's not really a problem.
THE MOVIE RUNS 1 hour & 34 minutes and was shot in Paris. ADDITIONAL CAST: Tom Hiddleston, Alison Pill, Corey Stoll, Marcial Di Fonzo Bo, Adrien Brody, David Lowe, Olivier Rabourdin and Kathy Bates.
GRADE: B+