Hooray For The Woodman

Rating: 9/10 (17 August 2008)

Good news,good news. Woody Allen has produced a fine,new comedy about two attractive young women who make some (potentially)bad choices in life (but hasn't that been a staple in Woody Allen's films since Annie Hall?). Vicky is an engaged woman,who is touring around Spain with her somewhat impulsive younger friend,Christina, when they are approached by a suave Spanish artist,who attempts to seduce both of them. Vicky is a somewhat conservative & pragmatic,and is happy to be with the man of her dreams (a rather boring & mousy little businessman--but aren't most of them?). Christina,however has a bit of the bohemian in her, and is willing to experiment with life. This makes for a sparkling, sexy cocktail that is lovely to look at (shot on location in Barcelona, and makes nice use of Antonio Gaudi's works of art as a back drop). Woody has done better, but compared with dreck like 'Everybody Says I Love You' (rock bottom Woody Allen musical schmaltz),this is one to keep an eye out for. Big surprise:this one is getting somewhat better distribution than most of his older work (especially the films from 'Stardust Memories' to 'Matchpoint')