Sexy/Crazy/Cool - Allen returns to form; Cruz a lock for Best Supporting Actress

Rating: 9/10 (18 August 2008)

VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA (2008) ***1/2 Javier Bardem, Scarlett Johansson, Rebecca Hall, Penelope Cruz, Patricia Clarkson, Kevin Dunn, Chris Messina. Woody Allen returns to form in this sexy/crazy/cool rom-com set in the exotique Barcelona where 2 Americans abroad (Johansson and Hall) are seduced by a rakish Spanish artiste (Bardem having a blast) only to become involved with a tangled relationship with his unbalanced ex-wife (Cruz, a lock for Best Supporting Actress, in one of her finest performances to date) in their bohemian lifestyle. Funny, smart, shrewd and neurotic  all Allen trademarks  with the European flavors at full force. The film only is demerited by the unwelcome narration by Christopher Evan Welch.