Tasty Slice of Spain !

Rating: 8/10 (3 October 2008)

Woody Allen nurtures another fine little film , out of the bosom of Spain, this delightful romp across the heartstrings of 4 people, Vicki(Rebecca Hall), the brunette, the Blond Christina (Scarlett Johannson), Juan Antonio(Javier Bardem)and , the voluptuous Maria Elana(Penelope Cruz), slightly nutty ,is the former wife of Juan Antonio.
The film uses a narrator to set up some of the scenes and deals with Mature Themes.
A couple of young adult female tourists , Vicky and Christina, traveling to Europe, encounter Juan Antonio , who invites them for an intimate encounter at his home in Oviedo, Spain. They accept,and off we go. The locations are as much a character of this film as the actors. Beautiful locations, filmed on a stringent budget, still shine, as the atmosphere of Spain, seduces the viewer, with it's elegant charm.
This is a light hearted comedy, with the usual Woody Allen themes, about people being their own moral universe, and acceptance of homosexual relations or multiple relations. It doesn't try to overwhelm the audience with clever and deep philosophical thought, but provokes by being sublimely bold , such is the way of Europe.
I enjoyed this film, quirky, and Scarlet still learning the craft, brings charm and innocence , where Rebecca Hill delivers a more adult way of looking at things. Javier Bardem is the quintessential Europeon lover, exuding charm and subtlety. Fine performances by all. I gave the film an 8 out of 10. Penleope Cruz is , well , you just have to see it for yourself.
A pleasant way to spend an afternoon.