Review of Magic in the Moonlight (2014) by Charlie M — 23 Feb 2015

In 1920's Europe the renowned Chinese illusionist Wei Ling Soo is actually Brit named Stanley Crawford in yellowface. While a consummate showman, Stanley is a cold, logical man who approaches life with a nihilistic skepticism. He's persuaded by a friend to visit the south of France and unmask a young, beautiful medium named Sophie staying with a wealthy American family. Sophie's act is convincing enough that Stanley begins to question his firm, hardened beliefs.

A bit too precious for its own good, this is still a wonderfully charming film. There's such a beauty to it when Stanley finds himself aloft on a cloud of romance amongst the costal vistas of France. The internal struggle of the film is very common in a Woody movie; is harsh logic the best way to live? Or are we denying ourselves the bliss of delightful, serene adventure?

The age difference of Firth & Stone is a bit precarious (also common with Allen's films), so by the end I didn't believe the two main characters should have ended up in love. That being said, I was so enamored by the middle of the story that I suspended my disbelief and simply enjoyed the magic.