Review of Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008) by Doctor S — 13 Sep 2010

Woody Allen knows the emotions of women half his age better than most men half his age do. Or for that matter, better than many women too! Vicky Christina Barcelona is an observation, but not an examination, of matters of the heart. Love has different forms and each experiences it in their own way. That personal emotional reaction is instilled in our individual fiber and not something that can be changed, seems to be the underlying message.

The summer Barcelona setting is sumptuous, as are Scarlett Johansson as Christina, and Penelope Cruz. My god. PENELOPE CRUZ! Now I finally see the Penelope others have been lusting after for years. She fills her character Maria Elena with such believable passion and wild mood swings, a brilliant performance that elevates the film and deserved an Oscar win. You can almost see the film physically spring to life when she's onscreen, she provides that much electricity.

Rebecca Hall as Vicky is fairly bland and not particularly likable so I cared less about her emotional wrangling. Most of all I am disappointed that the script, while on-target, is just not very memorable. No great one-liners or profound words of wisdom, the very hallmarks of Woody Allen's screenplays, even for his less-than-stellar films. Upon consideration, Vicky Christina Barcelona is very much like Melinda and Melinda with Radha Mitchell in the Woody hierarchy: not essential viewing but boasts one outstanding acting performance well worth watching.