Woody Allen's newest film is the reason why I already had to break my "Never will I ever see an Owen Wilson movie in the theatre voluntarily ever again" pact so quickly. Because, really, with all the buzz, the fact that it's a Woody Allen film, the title, the setting, the wonderful Marion Cotillard, the lovely Rachel McAdams, the terrific Kathy Bates, etc. I couldn't not.
So I went with Christine to the theatre a few nights ago and was really pleased (and, since I didn't really know what I was exactly getting into, quite surprised) with the direction it took. The overarching question was one of time. Are the bygone eras, with all their nostalgia and remembrance, really the better eras in which one could have lived? Owen Wilson (who plays a screenwriter and would-be author - uh huh) searches for the answer to that very question, with the help of some bygone literary figures. The actor who plays Hemingway is wonderful, as is Bates as Gertrude Stein. Indeed, the supporting cast outshine Wilson (who is fine, but is really the least convincing part of the film) and McAdams (who does well with a thoroughly unlovable character), as they really evoke the spirit of the story. I'm glad Allen's back with something so enjoyable, but to declare it Oscar-worthy is a bit premature, though unsurprisingly, I think the script could get some attention.
Score: 8.5/10
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