VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA
CAROLINE: Let’s begin and end this review by saying that Javier Bardem is the hottest man alive in the new Woody Allen movie, “Vicky Cristina Barcelona.”
RYAN: I’ll meet you halfway on this one. He’s definitely the hottest Spaniard alive, but he’s not giving Ewan McGregor a run for his money just yet. As this movie began, I couldn’t help but wonder why Woody Allen uses the same font and opening credits sequence in every movie he makes?
CAROLINE: It’s sort of a signature for him. It’s just what Woody does; let’s not question it.
RYAN: Fine, but I’m also wondering if he’s just decided that he can’t make a movie anymore without Scarlett Johansson in it. She’s gonna have to thank him for her career on her gravestone one day. But she’s great in this movie.
CAROLINE: I don’t think she’s the best actress, but I do love her and she’s always great to look at. One thing that really surprised me about this movie when it first started was the use of the narrator. I had no idea there was going to be one, and it’s not really typical for Woody.
RYAN: It was an interesting choice of voice too. I love narration in a film, but usually when it’s a character in the movie doing the narrating. This movie is voiced by a random guy a la “Babe” or “Little Children.”
CAROLINE: My other observation about the film is that the titular Vicky got the shaft big-time on the movie poster. She’s supplanted by Penelope Cruz, who’s obviously much more famous, but Vicky is practically the lead in the film. It’s a shame, because I thought she was really good.
RYAN: All of the performances were great. I think this is one of Woody Allen’s best movies ever, possibly his second best after “Anything Else” with Jason Biggs and Christina Ricci. The screenplay is fab. I loved all the banter, and the commentary on relationships and marriage is deep and thought provoking. I was rapt by this film.
CAROLINE: I was rapt by Javier Bardem. All the scenarios were so funny and original and in some cases, very realistic. I loved the dichotomy between Vicky and Cristina and their differing viewpoints on love. It’s like you know exactly what’s going to happen in this movie and you have no idea what’s going to happen at the same time. Then Penelope Cruz comes, and she’s actually funny. Who knew?
RYAN: She plays a crazy woman and it’s hilarious, again because the script is so well written. It’s a great performance for her especially given that I think we agree she’s not the greatest actress when she’s speaking English. But half of her role in this movie is in Spanish, and she totally shines.
CAROLINE: She looks gorge of course, as does the whole film. I loved the Spanish setting and all the scenery.
RYAN: It was beautiful to look at. It’s a really enjoyable film; nice and tight, not too long.
CAROLINE: It’s a trifle. It’s a very light romantic comedy, which surprised me. I thought it was going to be a little more serious in light of movies Woody has made recently like “Cassandra’s Dream.”
RYAN: I loved it. I may even consider buying the DVD.
CAROLINE: I even LOL’ed several times.
RYAN: Me too. Bottom line?
CAROLINE: It’s a great movie from Woody Allen, and I’d recommend it for sure. I think it’s coming out at a random time of year, given that it’s a pretty slow time for movies right now. The cast is stellar and the movie poster alone is so stunning that no matter what your sexuality, you’d want to get with any of the people on it.
RYAN: It’s a very well balanced and well-written movie. You’ll probably appreciate it more if you’re 28 or older. I don’t think I fully appreciated Woody Allen till I became an adult. It’s one of his greatest achievements in film and I thoroughly recommend it.