Review of Anything Else (2003) by John C — 16 Feb 2004

[color=black][font=Tahoma]The latest Woody Allen movie, "Anything Else" ,contains many of the tones and themes of earlier Allen films (particularly his mid-1970s work). Once again, you hear jokes about analysis, anti-Semitism and intellectuals. Much of the same material that Allen used in his earlier movies seems to be rehashed here (there is even another reference to Bogart!). Allen also doesn't do all that much to freshen-up his old material or successfully bring it in to this decade. It all seemed rather dated. [/font][/color].

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[color=black][font=Tahoma]For most movies, the lack of originality would be terminal. But this is Woody Allen, and, for the most part, I have loved his films. Thus, it doesn't really bother me to see a new take on his old material. Its kind of like listening to a re-mix of an old song (I am thinking of the Police's remake of "Don't Stand So Close to Me"), it may not be as satisfying as the original, but it still contains many of things that you liked about the original and don't mind hearing/seeing it again. That is the case for me here. I liked the movie because I like Allen's style. Its just not that original of a movie.[/font][/color].

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[color=black][font=Tahoma]Also, Jason Biggs is clearly in over his head in this movie. Much of the time he looks like he's reading from a teleprompter or giving his best Woody Allen impression. I hope its the last we see of him in an Allen film. [/font][/color].