Very good Woody

Rating: 6/10 (16 July 2012)

While certainly not the best of WOODY ALLENS films, it's better than most. There are four story lines which do not link. That's part of its strength. Nice to see a film where the Italians speak Italian (sub titles make it more realistic). This is a definite must-see if one is a WOODY ALLEN fan. Even if you're not, there is something very enjoyable about it. Implausible to say the least, but that's what makes it so much fun. Time elements are all over the place, and logic must take a 'back seat' if you're going to enjoy this clever movie. Not as clever as MIDNIGHT IN Paris, but clever in its own terms. Everyone will have a favorite segment. Mine is the one in which WOODY actually appears. His daughters future father-in-law is a great opera singer...IN THE SHOWER. Woody makes note of this and his shower taking is incorporated into the story. Must be seen to be appreciated. The ALEC BALDWIN/JESSE ESINBERG segment is a bit confusing, but fun. Poor Jesse. That poor guy. He's no actor. He delivers the SAME PERFORMANCE IN EVERY FILM. He has an acting range from A to B!!!! PENELPE CRUZ, on the other hand, really makes her segment come alive and one wishes there were more of her. She's featured in the newlywed segment. The weakest segment is the one with that Italian actor who won an Academy Award years ago, Roberto Bergini. While he does fine with the material, the story seems a little forced and too long. Although the scene at a movie premier with his wife is hysterical when the press is commenting on the wife's apparel.