Lovely, then boring, then wtf, then hated main character, then good ending - my thoughts during the movie, didn't except it not to be wtf though, coming from Woody. Jonathan's sexy, not to talk about Scarlett .. Overall it was a bit dissapointing but an ok movie.. Don't get why it's in the sport list either ..
I hated this movie so much. The script was awful - Americans please note that no one in England actually talks like this. Jonathan Rhys Meyers couldn't even get the accent right ("arse-prin" anyone?). *Massive* plot holes, and hateful or unbelievable characters, basically a dog's dinner. Allen's best of the 21st Century? Oh dear.
In Woody Allen's most recent period of film making, there's definitely a sense that half the films at least are part of a series, and I understand them as exploring the same themes. I watched three of these this week, which I'd put in the same "series" as Midnight in Paris and perhaps even Magic in the Moonlight. Essentially, each film is shot in a different European city/region, and that place's romantic qualities - its spirit, if you will - becomes part and parcel of the action. At the very least, these films are a cinematic travelogue of beautifully-photographed places, but the locations inspire characters, themes and elements of fantasy as well. Another theme that runs throughout is infidelity - sometimes disastrous, others harmless - which may prove an annoying fascination for some viewers. In order of release then... Match Point (2005) isn't typically "Woody Allen" because it doesn't trade as much on charm and humor as most others; it's a drama/romance that takes a sharp, cynical turn at the end. But then, it's shot in a cynical modern London, where the prettiness is all outside of town, and modernity cold and incongruous. It makes sense for the lead character, a tennis instructor with lofty ambitions and the opportunity to marry into money, would so ruthlessly pursue progress. He is his city. The greater theme is luck, and how much it plays a part in one's success (or lack thereof), with a tennis metaphor well used to bring about the lead's final fate. Is London also a city on the tipping point, between ancient romanticism and amoral modernity? The ball is still in the air. As usual, Allen assembles an all-star cast, including Matthew Goode, Brian Cox, Scarlett Johansson, Emily Mortimer and Penelope Wilton (is it wrong of me to be so distracted by a Mark Gatiss cameo though?), so expect strong performances. Is it a likable film? No. Is it a respectable effort? I think so.
@moogoat: I dislike this movie as well--I actually sighed when the reveal was made when this movie was in theaters--but by no means am I going to insult the people that did like this film.
It started slow, but then the second half was just thriling. Great great film.
The plot reminds me a little of Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment, don't you think?
You'd think Hitchcock had come back from the grave and taken over Woody Allen's movie. The best Woody Allen film of the 21st century (EDIT: Best at the point of its release. It was outdone by "Midnight in Paris").
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Comments 1 - 15 of 19
RaquelMadalena
Lovely, then boring, then wtf, then hated main character, then good ending - my thoughts during the movie, didn't except it not to be wtf though, coming from Woody. Jonathan's sexy, not to talk about Scarlett .. Overall it was a bit dissapointing but an ok movie.. Don't get why it's in the sport list either ..dombrewer
I hated this movie so much. The script was awful - Americans please note that no one in England actually talks like this. Jonathan Rhys Meyers couldn't even get the accent right ("arse-prin" anyone?). *Massive* plot holes, and hateful or unbelievable characters, basically a dog's dinner. Allen's best of the 21st Century? Oh dear.vasyakha
sport category? r u kidding?sthuber
The ending is a deeply disturbing my reality. I have to search for fortune now.Siskoid
In Woody Allen's most recent period of film making, there's definitely a sense that half the films at least are part of a series, and I understand them as exploring the same themes. I watched three of these this week, which I'd put in the same "series" as Midnight in Paris and perhaps even Magic in the Moonlight. Essentially, each film is shot in a different European city/region, and that place's romantic qualities - its spirit, if you will - becomes part and parcel of the action. At the very least, these films are a cinematic travelogue of beautifully-photographed places, but the locations inspire characters, themes and elements of fantasy as well. Another theme that runs throughout is infidelity - sometimes disastrous, others harmless - which may prove an annoying fascination for some viewers. In order of release then... Match Point (2005) isn't typically "Woody Allen" because it doesn't trade as much on charm and humor as most others; it's a drama/romance that takes a sharp, cynical turn at the end. But then, it's shot in a cynical modern London, where the prettiness is all outside of town, and modernity cold and incongruous. It makes sense for the lead character, a tennis instructor with lofty ambitions and the opportunity to marry into money, would so ruthlessly pursue progress. He is his city. The greater theme is luck, and how much it plays a part in one's success (or lack thereof), with a tennis metaphor well used to bring about the lead's final fate. Is London also a city on the tipping point, between ancient romanticism and amoral modernity? The ball is still in the air. As usual, Allen assembles an all-star cast, including Matthew Goode, Brian Cox, Scarlett Johansson, Emily Mortimer and Penelope Wilton (is it wrong of me to be so distracted by a Mark Gatiss cameo though?), so expect strong performances. Is it a likable film? No. Is it a respectable effort? I think so.attie pattie
@ devilsadvocado couldn't agree more, unfortunately in midnight in paris he had someone to play the woody caracterstratos
So,so. Not very goodRosePlantQueen
@moogoat: I dislike this movie as well--I actually sighed when the reveal was made when this movie was in theaters--but by no means am I going to insult the people that did like this film.jktomas
It started slow, but then the second half was just thriling. Great great film.The plot reminds me a little of Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment, don't you think?
frankqb
You'd think Hitchcock had come back from the grave and taken over Woody Allen's movie. The best Woody Allen film of the 21st century (EDIT: Best at the point of its release. It was outdone by "Midnight in Paris").buc86
Last half hour threw me off a bit, it suddenly turned into Fargo.It's also weird how I'm English myself, but none of the main cast sounded natural to me. Am I too accustomed to watching American films now?
devilsadvocado
Woody's films are so much more enjoyable when he leaves himself out of them.Dieguito
Good moviedeepak1990
Woody Allen for President!Aleril
It uses tennis as a reference point, but it's not a sports movie.Showing items 1 – 15 of 19