Magic In The Moonlight Review

RYAN: It’s the latest annual offering from writer/director Woody Allen, who, LBH, let’s be honest, is just one of the most prolific and indelible forces in Hollywood.  His resume is just insane, right?

CAROLINE: Yeah he’s pretty much the bomb.  Though his movies are always hit or miss, they’ve been largely brilliant over the last 10 years.  How is Magic In The Moonlight?

RYAN: Well it’s no Blue Jasmine.

CAROLINE: Yeah last year was pretty special.

RYAN: That movie didn’t really feel like the typical Woody Allen movie whereas Magic In The Moonlight is a complete return to his usual tone and style.  It’s very typical, light Woody Allen.

CAROLINE: He’s nothing if not consistent.  He always uses the same font and kind of scoring in most of his films.

RYAN: True.  This one is a romantic dramedy and I liked the set up – about a magician trying to debunk a clairvoyant.  And as the magician, Colin Firth is amazing.  He’s such a great actor.  Never an off note from him.  He’s always very real and I respect him so much.  He’s really the best thing about this movie though.

CAROLINE: How’s Emma Stone?

RYAN: It’s actually one of her weakest performances.  She’s fine and we know she’s capable of comedy but I don’t find her as charming, sweet, clever or cute in this role as I have in previous movies.  She actually has some moments that are rather inauthentic.  I know it’s partly written that way.  Her role is a bit hammy at times, but I think it could have been underplayed a bit more effectively.

CAROLINE: That is surprising.  I liked the trailer.  Looks like a nice period piece.

RYAN: Oh the sets and props and costumes are all fab… very Sense and Sensibility. I did really enjoy those aspects of the film.  It’s a nice tight length too and I was pretty into the romantic angle of it all.  Oh, and I loved the ending.  I don’t think it will please everyone but I dug it.

CAROLINE: How’s the supporting cast?  He always amasses an impressive ensemble.

RYAN: All good but some underused.  Marcia Gay Harden as Emma’s mom has barely a line.  Jacki Weaver is a scene stealer, as you might imagine and the rest aren’t really big names.  It’s, of course, an expertly made, high quality film.  And if you want something quiet and simple, this is a great option.  But it’s certainly not among his best films, or going to spawn any Oscar noms, as he’s so capable of doing.

Thanks For Viewing The Magic In The Moonlight Review