I gave in, there isn’t much new out so I went and saw it. For those of you who need the context. I hate Woody Allen movies. Old Woody, new Woody, films with Woody, films without Woody… So when everyone said this was different than a regular one of his movies I took it with a grain of salt.
I don’t think this was ‘not’ a Woody Allen movie. Owen Wilson does a good turn at a man who seems to have fallen into a life of success with an empty film writing career and an annoying fiancée (I am hoping this does not make me hate Rachel McAdams in all future roles). He seems to regret the choices he didn’t make, if not the ones he did. So the spineless romanticizing man is more appealing than the awful people in present day he is surrounded by. We’re all quite relieved when he somehow heads back in time.
They do a pretty good job keeping things acknowledged as unbelievable and still as light and funny as they are ridiculous. The fun part of the movie is Wilson’s visits with the known artistic characters of the 20s. Among a host of cameos are Kathy Bates as Gertrude Stein, Adrian Brody as Salvador Dali, and Corey Stoll as Ernest Hemingway, and they’re all pretty delightful in their guest appearances in Wilson’s awakening. Although for me this was more the makings of a fun skit than a full film, it was entertaining enough to not make me regret my choice.
Notable dvd releases 7/19:
- Limitless – I saw all but the final 5 or so minutes on a plane, entertaining enough, and again Bradley Cooper…
- Take Me Home Tonight – I am more likely to rewatch an actual 80s movie than a new take on an 80s misfit romance, Topher Grace has yet to find the right fit in present day.
- Doctor Who (Season 6, pt 1) – This series seems to have a cult-like following that makes me think I should check it out, obviously season 1 first.
