Review of Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008) by Khloud R — 15 Jul 2012

Some critics argue that Woody Allen's films from (let's say) the year 2000 to present, have generally been disappointing. Some blame its melodramatics or casting. Scarlett Johannsson has taken on the Diane Keaton role in Allen's films and starred in his newer films like Match Point and Scoop, which I liked, especially Match Point, one of my favourites in years of Allen films. However, both these films along with Melinda and Melinda and Cassandra's Dream received luke-warm reviews, at best. Now Vicky Cristina Barcelona comes, a film with everything going for it. It has Academy Award winner Jaview Bardem, who was apart of the Academy Award winning film for Best Picture, No Country for Old Men. Academy Award Nominee Penélope Cruz who elevated her career from a strong performance in Volver, a few years ago...Oh and you have Scarlett Johannsson! It's not fair to say Vicky Cristina is a chick-flick; it is just a Woody Allen drama about a bunch of painters coated over with the colour of Barcelona and a sexy edge.

In Vicky Cristina, it seems Johannsson is adapting more and more to her Keaton-like or arguably Woody-like characters, and has grown as an actress, in general. Bardem is charming here and with a much better haircut as Juan Antonio, a smooth Spaniard, with a temper and has secretive lust for his ex-wife Maria Elena, played by Cruz. Throughout this film, you wonder if Allen is after an ironic conclusion, like most of his films, or just wants to sight-see Barcelona through the lenses of a video camera. It is well-filmed in style, but lacks anything too ambitious. Perhaps Woody Allen wanted to make a risk-free film with acclaimed actors and actresses and a narrator (not Allen) who sounds like he is guiding you through a virtual tour of a hotel.

The ending of Vicky Cristina has Woody Allen style, and also has other excellent performances, but less well-known actresses like Rebecca Dean as Vicky, who is engaged to a boring, but successful businessman. And Patricia Clarkson as Judy Nash, a women approaching the elderly stages of life, who realizes she has spent her life with a man she "loves, but isn't in love with." Overall, Woody Allen's Vicky Cristina Barcelona, is a film with attractive style in terms of scenery and casting, but there is nothing too new or original here. It is funny and has that one main song that plays throughout the film constantly, like most or all of his films recently. Be prepared for his next movie next year called Whatever Works, starring the hilarious Larry David from HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm. Don't let us down Woody.