Review of Match Point (2005) by Ryan A — 21 Jan 2014

Woody Allen's lengthy career has been peppered with some of the greatest films in recent cinematic history, but I think that the director himself would be the first to admit that he's been responsible for just as many duds as classics. "Match Point" is a departure for the respected filmmaker, his first feature made in Britain and a rare sexually charged drama with elements of a murder mystery thrown in as well.

It's riveting entertainment, and the best thing we've seen from Allen in years. At its core, the picture is a morality tale with no one to root for, and Allen revisits themes he first explored in "Crimes and Misdemeanors" years earlier. The Jonathan Rhys Meyers character is despicable, but the actor is so good in the part that you're compelled to keep watching.

Co-star Scarlett Johansson has never looked better on film, but it's clear that this is Woody's picture and it definitely revived his career. It can easily be recommended to non-fans as well. The best movies lead to the best debates, and there will be plenty for people to talk about afterwards because of all the moral issues the film raises, and it's apparent that many people will not like the ending.

Allen makes a bold choice by having the one piece of evidence that could incriminate Meyers instead exonerate him, but I loved it. The thought-provoking and complex "Match Point" is made all the more complex by that key decision, and I applaud the director for doing so. It has made him vital again, and given him a film that ranks with his very best efforts.