I saw the new Woody Allen movie today. Friends know that I am a huge fan of his, and as such I may not be completely objective. So what. He’s one of the best filmmakers ever and a huge talent to boot. Sure, he’s made a few lesser films but overall nearly all of his films are good, very good, great, and/or amazing.
Really, you need to see each of his films a few times to truly appreciate the witty and incisive writing, the expert direction, the always-high talent level of the actors. And this one has all that. Set in Rome, it tells multiple stories but weaves them all into a enjoyable, funny, and clever film. Is it a drama with comedy or a comedy with drama? Dunno. Who cares. The characters are interesting and draw you in, and he gives them good lines and the leeway to create.
Here’s the trailer:
It’s a wonderful cast, as usual for him. Look at this talent. Don’t know them all? Take my word, they are all great in this one.
Antonio Albanese as Luca Salta
Woody Allen as Jerry, Phyllis’ husband and Hayley’s father
Fabio Armiliato as Giancarlo, Michelangelo’s father
Roberto Benigni as Leopoldo, a clerk and temporary celebrity
Penélope Cruz as Anna, a prostitute
Alec Baldwin as John, Jack’s acquaintance and adviser, the narrator
Judy Davis as Phyllis, Jerry’s wife and Hayley’s mother
Jesse Eisenberg as Jack, Sally’s boyfriend
Greta Gerwig as Sally, Monica’s best friend and Jack’s girlfriend
Ellen Page as Monica, Sally’s best friend
Lino Guanciale as Leonardo
Alessandra Mastronardi as Milly, Antonio’s wife
Ornella Muti as Pia Fusari, an actress
Flavio Parenti as Michelangelo, Hayley’s boyfriend
Alison Pill as Hayley, Michelangelo’s girlfriend
Riccardo Scamarcio as Hotel Thief
Alessandro Tiberi as Antonio, Milly’s husband
Marta Zoffoli as Marisa Raguso, an interviewer for Leopoldo
You can learn more about that here on the IMDB site. And on the Rotten Tomatoes site. Of course, not everyone likes his humor or his movies. They are usually intelligent, well-written, smart, clever, witty, character-driven, and about grown-up themes. So, if that leaves some people out then oh well. He’s still hugely talented and his movies are truly a gift. Go see this one and tell me what you think!
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