Woody Allen's best since Crimes and Misdemeanors

Rating: 8/10 (22 December 2008)

Yes, I would have ranked this just as highly without Penelope and ScarJo's tasty makeout scene. Barcelona and Oviedo provide a beautiful cinematic backdrop for this dark romantic drama, which offers a commentary on the ennui of the wealthy and the romantic plight of artists. It's better than 'Match Point' and is probably Woody Allen's best film since 'Crimes and Misdemeanors'. Javier Badem cleans up nicely as the estranged artist (after his 'No Country For Old Men' role). Penelope Cruz turns in an Oscar-worthy performance as the neurotic ex-wife of the artist. Rebecca Hall does a fine job as the sensible fiancée and ScarJo isn't bad either as the open-minded romantic free spirit.