Review of Barney's Version (2010) by Daniele C — 07 Oct 2011

Come for the actors, stay for the romance and drama. Barney's Version is one of the best newest romantic comedies that works as a fun movie and a surprisingly dramatic and touching movie.

Paul Giamatti stars as Barney Panofsky, a Jewish television show producer who has had some terrible past relationships. He eventually marries a wealthy woman and all seems well.... until, he finds the love of his life..... AT HIS WEDDING. What to do, what to do, what to do. But of course the situation seems easy with a couple of goofy friends, and his HILARIOUS father, played by Dustin Hoffman. Both Giamatti and Hoffman make Barney's Version a hilarious ride, and Rosamund Pike adds the romantic drama needed to make this movie great. But Barney's Version isn't simply a romantic comedy, it is a touching look on mortality as we see Barney's life go from 'everything he ever wanted' to 'a new low'. Based of the book by Mordecai Richler, Barney's Version deals with a good mix of themes and goes into directions that will surely bring a tear to your eye by the time the credits start.

Filmed in Canada, this movie almost looks like a dream. The setting is very romantic. The high-class sets look great, and we're taken through a variety of different areas that look.... comfortable. The cinematography helps a lot too. Each scene looks very warm in colour, and the use of the lighting creates a very romantic looking atmosphere. The directing and the positioning of the camera captures moments just right, making this half comedy movie feel very serious in tone, but is still fun and touching to watch. The makeup spacifically is really good, nominated for an Academy Award for ranging Paul Giamatti's age so wildly, making him younger and older.

Not a feel good romance, but a compelling and very romantic one indeed. Barney's Version is the chick flick that anyone can enjoy, staring a great cast to tell the dramatic story of love and what it means to be a man. And come on! Paul Giamatti. Dustin Hoffman. You know you want to see it.