Could be two in two

Rating: 8/10 (27 August 2008)

What helps make a good movie? Just follow a current winning formula, put Javier Bardem in it. Vicky Cristina Barcelona, is Woody Allen's latest creation, and is one of his best in recent memory. What makes this movie shine is not its sharp dialogue or decent story, it's the characters within the movie, that move this picture along in such a successful way. Vicky, Cristina, Juan Antonio (Bardem), Maria Elena (Cruz), and even the city of Barcelona is character in its own way. Every single one of these people are unique, have there own charm and character arcs in the movie that make is come together well.
Like the title of this review says, Javier Bardem could be going for two in two years for the best-supporting Oscar, though it's likely he will lose to Heath Ledger's Joker performance. Penelope Cruz provides a phenomenal supporting role as Bardem's crazy ex-wife, and should also garner an Oscar nod this year. While the two main leads in this movie provide fairly standard performances that don't particularly stand out, the character arcs written into are interesting enough to keep the audience entertained. Perhaps the more interesting of the two characters is Rebecca Hall's Vicky, who has extremely convincing moral conflicts that pushes her character through the movie. While not entirely convinced in Scarlett Johansson's acting chops, her Cristina characters bizarre love triangle with Bardem and Cruz, is one of the more interesting story aspects in the movie.
Another interesting point within the movie is the use of a narrator to help move the story along, while this could be a double edged sword, this also allows for the story to avoid lengthy scenes of explanation, which are quickly summed up by the narration. This though can help with the characters at time, because he explains psychology for dummies into the thought processes of the characters when necessary.
Pros: Bardem, Cruz deliver superb performances as attractive, charming, and eccentric characters. Very interesting character arcs, and moral conflicts within the characters. Barcelona is absolutely gorgeous as a back drop for a summer romance.
Cons: Not entirely sold on Scarlett Johansson just yet. Story sometimes becomes dry. The use of a narrator can be hit or miss, even though it hits more than misses. Makes you wish you were in Barcelona... but your not.
Overall: A movie most girl friends will try and drag their boyfriends to. If your into psychological movies, with a lighter tone, and great character arcs, see it. This movie will give you something to talk about once you leave the theater.