Vicky Cristina Barcelona Review

I grew up during Woody Allen's most prolific and golden period: the days of Sleeper, Play It Again, Sam, Annie Hall, and Manhattan. And I've loved Woody. He's a New Yorker, as I am. He speaks a language I understand. Over the last 20 years, though, his work has been spotty. There have been long periods of inactivity, some duds, and the occasional great film. I actually gave up on him for a while after Hannah and her Sisters (which I love.)

I'm happy to announce that Woody is back with a vengeance - and with his most fun and satisfying film since Annie Hall.

Vicky Cristina Barcelona tells the story of two young, American women (Vicky and Cristina) who seize an opportunity to spend a summer in Barcelona. The women, who are best friends, are like night and day. One is dark. The other light. Cristina is flighty and impulsive and rebellious. Vicky is serious and analytical, logical and by-the book. When they meet Juan Antonio, a smoldering, attractive, quirky, and extremely charismatic artist who's attracted to both of them, their worlds are turned upside down. Add to this mix Juan Antonio's ex-wife, a gorgeous, somewhat insane, extremely volatile, fireball of a woman, Marie Elena, and the world will never be the same for any of the protagonists.

This movie has it all - laughs, sexuality, romance, gorgeous scenery, clever twists, etc. It also has a gorgeous soundtrack, and superb performances by all of the key players, especially Javier bardem and Penelope Cruz (as Juan Antonio and Marie Elena.) Rebecca Hall, a newcomer who plays Vicky, is lovely. She's also amazingly like both Mia Farrow and a young Diane Keaton in her speech patterns and the way she moves. Did Woody Allen direct her to mirror his two favorite leading ladies' speech patterns and physical movements, or did he cast her because the resemblance is uncanny? I don't know, but it's quite something to see. The film also has a really strong supporting performance by Patricia Clarkson - one of my favorite actors.

I know a few people who say they can't bring themselves to see Woody Allen movies on account of how annoying they find Woody, himself. It's true - his voice and neurotic style are not for everyone. This, then, is the Woody Allen movie for those who can't stand to watch or listen to Allen, himself: he's not in it, and he doesn't narrate. My partner, who can't stomach Woody, LOVED this movie.

Nuts and bolts:
This isn't for kids. The subject matter won't interest them, and the sexual situations (even though there's noting physically explicit) are not for kiddies.