An interesting and fun romantic drama that takes twist and unexpected turns in this crazy love triangle!

Rating: 7/10 (2 February 2009)

Woody Allen always one known for his offbeat and funny romantic comedy films, and I for one must say that I find most of them entertaining. Here this film is more of a crazy complex drama "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" as it's interesting and the love triangle is complex. You have two friends Vicky(Rebecca Hall)a uptight and straight arrow type who views the world as very cautious, and Cristina(Scarlett Johansson)a free spirited and adventurous type of a girl who wants to discover the world. So one summer they head to Barcelona, Spain for a stay with one of Vicky's family friends Judy(Patricia Clarkson). Soon they spot a charming and handsome looking man named Juan Gonzalo(Javier Bardem) who happens to be a Spanish artist who makes his living doing sculptures. And Juan is a seducer who beds and romances both even though it seemed odd he hit the sheets with Vicky. The lust and adventures are nice and good.
Only then the twist comes when enter the ex of Juan as it's been much known in Spain about the situation when his ex the beautiful Maria(Penelope Cruuz)tried to kill him. Once again this tough and sexy woman enters the lives of all three and her romance starts back up with Juan, plus she's back to her own aggressive ways of watching him every minute, and many times she will only speak Spanish, as she bucks to speak English. Slowly but surely the drama and emotional sparks start to fly, call Maria tough or just plain love crazy(a well done performance by Penelope)she is clearly the wild card of this film and she leads it to a very crazy love triangle for both Vicky and Cristina. Overall pretty good direction from Woody as he tries to prove love is complex and it can get tangled up and it still leaves many searching no matter how much fun and enjoyment they have. The love scenes were okay, and the chemistry of the cast made it a joy to watch as all were young and sexy performers. This is one love drama to check out.