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Director: Woody Allen:
Screenplay: Woody Allen
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Featured Cast: Emma Stone, Colin Firth, Eileen Atkins, Simon BcBurney, Marcia Gay Harden, and Hamish Linklater.
It is no secret that Woody Allen’s reputation, both personal and artistic, has taken a severe beating since 1987, when he released September and the revelations that he was romantically involved with his step-daughter, Soon Yi. From 1987 to 2005 Woody produced a string of films that had critics skeptical whether he would ever regain his status as a top film director.
In the last ten years Woody has seemed to regain some of his status as a director; and while he has not regained the reputation he enjoyed in the late seventies and early eighties, it seems evident that Woody still has something to contribute to America’s film culture. Thus we come to Magic in the Moonlight.
In this film we have Stanley, a successful illusionist who is famous for exposing fraudulent prognosticators of his time. He is a staunch believer in science and common sense. We are surprised, however, to hear Stanley say that he would love to be convinced that there is something more to life than meets the eye. Then he meets Sophie, a young psychic who convinces Stanley that she is the genuine article. While the film might be somewhat predictable it is worth watching how Woody brings this film together.
This film is not among Woody’s best, but that is not to say that the film is bad. As usual Woody has a talented cast, a good production team, a decent script with a meaningful message. I have read at least one reviewer voice the opinion that perhaps Woody, who is now in his late seventies, might benefit from not feeling obligated to deliver a film every year. I do agree that while Woody has not regained his top form, that a modest film by his peak standards is still better than most of the movies that are being produced today. This movie is recommended for audiences that enjoy romantic comedies.
Magic in the Moonlight
Screenplay: Woody Allen
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Featured Cast: Emma Stone, Colin Firth, Eileen Atkins, Simon BcBurney, Marcia Gay Harden, and Hamish Linklater.
It is no secret that Woody Allen’s reputation, both personal and artistic, has taken a severe beating since 1987, when he released September and the revelations that he was romantically involved with his step-daughter, Soon Yi. From 1987 to 2005 Woody produced a string of films that had critics skeptical whether he would ever regain his status as a top film director.
In the last ten years Woody has seemed to regain some of his status as a director; and while he has not regained the reputation he enjoyed in the late seventies and early eighties, it seems evident that Woody still has something to contribute to America’s film culture. Thus we come to Magic in the Moonlight.
In this film we have Stanley, a successful illusionist who is famous for exposing fraudulent prognosticators of his time. He is a staunch believer in science and common sense. We are surprised, however, to hear Stanley say that he would love to be convinced that there is something more to life than meets the eye. Then he meets Sophie, a young psychic who convinces Stanley that she is the genuine article. While the film might be somewhat predictable it is worth watching how Woody brings this film together.
This film is not among Woody’s best, but that is not to say that the film is bad. As usual Woody has a talented cast, a good production team, a decent script with a meaningful message. I have read at least one reviewer voice the opinion that perhaps Woody, who is now in his late seventies, might benefit from not feeling obligated to deliver a film every year. I do agree that while Woody has not regained his top form, that a modest film by his peak standards is still better than most of the movies that are being produced today. This movie is recommended for audiences that enjoy romantic comedies.