#20
Whatever Works (dir. Woody Allen)
Expected Release Date: TBA
Starring: Evan Rachel Wood, Larry David, Patricia Clarkson, Kristen Johnston
Studio: Sony Picture Classics
Woody Allen has been returning to form with every new film released in the last few years. First there was Melinda and Melinda, then Match Point and now Vicky Cristina Barcelona. Vicky Cristina Barcelona is the strongest of the three, but is more a breath of fresh air in relation to the rest of Allen’s recent output. Comparisons to his peak from the mid-70’s into the 80’s are rather wide of the mark. What gave Vicky Barcelona its edge were the performances of Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz who elevated a fairly monotone script into a stronger film.
The cast of Whatever Works raises hopes once again that Allen can reach those hallowed heights close to an Annie Hall or Manhattan. I’m glad for one that Scarlett Johansson doesn’t star in his latest as she was on auto-pilot in Barcelona.
Larry David stars an older New York man in a relationship with a much younger girl (an Allen staple…). David has always been a clever performer with terrific comic timing (see Curb Your Enthusiasm) so my hope is that together actor and director can create something special.
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