Review of Play It Again, Sam (1972) by Harry W — 06 Sep 2013

Play It Again, Sam opens with a script that begins cliche in its writing, but successful in the way that it deals with the thoughts and feelings of the character Allan who seems very real. Real characters are what Woody Allen deals with best, so Play It Again, Sam sets itself off pretty good.

Play It Again, Sam connects its lead two characters in the most socially awkward and neurotic way, and what more could you expect from a Woody Allen film? He achieves this through his clever scriptwriting abilities which makes him articulate the most complicated and unexpected ideas into comedic territory, including jokes about female sexuality and suicide. Its really very clever and very funny in that sense, and shows off what Woody Allen is good for in some of his earliest work. The plot is very original because it follows the guardian angel of a neurotic nerd who is, in actual fact, Humphrey Bogart. Its a phenomenally hilariously well plotted film with a very original premise and great amount of laughs, as well as being stylish thanks to Herbert Ross's direction and the fine cinematography. Really, Play It Again, Sam is just a really sweet movie which works strongly as a standalone romantic comedy and excellent homage to Casablanca from start to finish with such unarguable entertainment to it.

Woody Allen captures the character Allan's neuroticism very well and works his line delivery excellently, and Diane Keaton does the same although to a lesser extent than Woody Allen so that she can maintain a higher level of sophistication as her characters in Woody Allen films usually do. The chemistry they share is also excellent and the audience can truly sense a connection between them which makes Play It Again, Sam all the more sweeter and successful.

Tony Roberts was also good, and Jerry Lacy was truly exceptional as Humphrey Bogart which is a challenge he successfully pulls off excellently to the comedic effect and benefit of the story in Play It Again, Sam.

Play it Again, Sam was really entertaining, moreso than I predicted. For a film not directed by Woody Allen himself is has lost none of the quirks of his usual work which Herbert Ross must be held with significant praise for, but its really Woody Allen's writing talent for an impeccably original story and clever script that must be held for the most credibility of Play it Again, Sam as well as his acting skills. And although many people would have opposing opinions, I enjoyed Play it Again, Sam moreso than I enjoyed his multi Academy Award winning film Annie Hall, which also won Best Picture and shared a somewhat similar premise with similar themes and the same lead actors. I would definitely recommend Play it Again, Sam for people interested in exploring Woody Allen's films as one of the first ones to check out.