Didn't think I'd see this Woody Allen take on Latin loveplay

Rating: 9/10 (9 February 2009)

Didn't think he was capable of portraying it honestly or with any insight. Surely Barcelona is a long ways from angst-ridden Manhatten. And though I like Bardem's work, and think Scarlett Johansson is always a great choice for female lead, I was leery about spending much time watching Penelope Cruz acting wild and over-the-top at Allen's direction. To my surprise, Cruz was the most impressive of all. In just a few minutes, and she's on only a short time, she manages to nail a certain Latin type that anyone acquainted with the genuine article will recognize immediately. My only complaint is I wish Allen had gotten his camera in a little closer to Cruz as her performance is truly memorable and I would have enjoyed seeing more of her. Otherwise, this is a fun sex comedy which I still have trouble attributing to Woody Allen.