unrealistic male fantasy

Rating: 4/10 (1 September 2008)

The problem with VCB is that, about half-way into the movie, we are presented with such an over the top, unrealistic scenario, that the only people that could possibly buy it are people that have no experience dealing with real women in the real world. This scenario begins the moment that Javier brings his mentally ailing ex-wife Maria into his house, which he already shares for the time being with current girlfriend Cristina. Cristina is somewhat perplexed. Javier explains that Maria will have to stay with them for a little while. How long? Javier explains, "a few...months". Believe it or not, Cristina, though intitally frustrated and angry, accepts the arrangement.
Keep in mind, these are not rednecks from a trailer park in Alablama. Cristina is not an inbred hillbilly, nor is she suffering from any kind of apparent neurotic low self-esteem or psychosis. She is presented in the movie as an intelligent, cultured, incredibly attractive woman. So I ask Mr. Allen, in all seriousness, what woman has he ever known...what woman has any of us known, that would not have immediately walked out that door and never come back once Maria was brought into that house to stay for two months.
So this is the main problem with this film, it's not a problem of morality or "liberalism" or anything else of that nature. It's assumed any fan of Allen's who has walked into this movie has at least somewhat of an open mind. The problem is one of realism. (and by the way, since the movie is not particularly funny, we cannot accept the movie on those terms either). The normally socially conservative, committed Vicky sleeping with Javier in a moment of abandoned passion is realistic....Cristina agreeing to Javier's crazy ex-wife staying with them, and then even forming a sexual tryst with the two of them isn't realistic, it's what a psychotic person does. The movie surrounds this ridiculous set up with gorgeous scenery and skilled actors, but it doesn't help. All we can do is accept that fact that this is strictly male masturbational fantasy from a once skilled director and writer.