Review of Café Society (2016) by Trina B — 11 Sep 2016

Grade: B.

Rating: PG-13, 85 minutes.

In a Nutshell: Woody Allen is a master at quirky characters and conversations. In this dark comedy about love, regret, and existentialism, old Hollywood and Manhattan glamour drip with nostalgia.

As Bobby Dorfman says, you will be "half bored, half fascinated.".

Uplifting theme:

"Live every day like it's your last and someday you'll be right." - Evelyn's mom.

"I guess some feelings never die. Is that good or bad?" - Bobby Dorfman.

Regret, longing, love.

Things I liked:

The talented cast includes Steve Carell, Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, and Blake Lively, and Rad Taylor.

The end will leave you thinking about the love that got away in your own life.

You get to see beautiful homes, theaters, clubs, and even famous celebrity homes.

This is the third time that Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart have worked together in a film. Their chemistry is evident and they both deliver spot-on performances. I love Jesse Eisenberg in everything he does. Turns out, he's perfect for Woody Allen material too.

The stylized music in the very beginning does a great job of setting the tone and enveloping you in the time period throughout the entire movie.

It pokes fun at the superficiality of society life, but it sure makes being rich look fun. (wink).

Things I didn't like:

A lot of movie critics say this movie is "charming." I'm sorry, but I do NOT find adultery charming.

It's very "Woody Allen." If you like his style, you'll enjoy the movie. If not, it's more of the same.

Interesting lines:

"Unrequited love kills more people in a year than tuberculosis." - New York writer.

"Dreams are dreams." - Vonnie (Kristen Stewart).

Funny lines:

"First a murderer, then a Christian. What did I do to deserve this?" - Evelyn.

"Too bad Jews don't believe in an afterlife. They'd get a lot more customers." - Evelyn.

"Socrates said, 'The unexamined life is not worth living', but the examined one is no bargain." - Leonard (Stephen Kunken).

Tips for parents:

Children will be completely bored. It really is a movie meant for adults.

There is an awkward conversation with a prostitute.

Some mobsters knock off a bunch of people.