Both written and directed by Woody Allen, this is described as a frothy spoof on Don Juan, but Allen’s recent work has been shot through with unevenness and in some cases guilty of being just plain dull. At his peak Allen churned out some brilliant movies see ‘Hannah and Her Sisters for one of the best’, and this is touted as something of a return to form.
The cast is interesting, the sensible Vicky is played by Rebecca Hall, whilst the adventurous and dreamy Christina is held down by Scarlett Johansson, Javier Bardem from ‘No Country for Old Men’ plays the painter and lothario, Juan Antonio and his former wife and siren Maria Elena is enacted by the smouldering Penélope Cruz.
The tale starts with Vicky and Christina going to stay with a remote member of Vicky’s family in Barcelona for the summer, and generally enjoying the city, whilst the characters are reinforced by both the third party narrative (which is not, though does sound like a little like younger Woody Allen, but is in fact actor Christopher Evan Welch). They are engaged by the charming and very direct Juan Antonio, who invites them to fly out to a small town for the weekend for some inspiration, wine, food and making love, much to Vicky’s distaste and Christina’s delight! The move progresses with that theme as central, and later the introduction of the hot blooded Maria Elena into the tanglement provides a boost and energy that keep the movie moving at a nice pace right up to the end. The movie even if a little frivolous, looks fantastic, is coloured to seduce, and provides welcome escapism from the turmoil of the present, with a slight look towards contrasting human interaction and relationships, it is a sunny, warm and funny spot of entertainment, with some excellent performances.
8.0/10 Woody looks to be back on top of his game, though not a patch on some of his earlier work, this is interesting and rewarding in places. It is however in the end a rom-com, and the chaps amongst you will probably be holding out for the semi-naked scenes from the ladies, and the dark room snogging scene from Johansson and Cruz….mmmmm. Cruz in particular sets the screen alight on entry, reminding me of Sophia Loren with her sultry looks and wild abandon.