Review of Whatever Works (2009) by Joseph C — 30 Jan 2010
WHATEVER WORKS (2008) isn't Woody Allen's worst film, but you can toss it in that ever-growing heap with his mediocre offerings. Larry David is never more than workmanlike in the lead role as a curmudgeonly self-proclaimed genius.
Here, David is slightly less enjoyable to watch than a CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM fan would hope, as he is reading Allen's plot-by-numbers script and not his own and it shows in the lack of enthusiasm in his performance.
Patricia Clarkson once again provides a bright beacon of talent in her small role as a Southern marm turned boho gallery artist, i.e. from one character cliche to another. Things hum along swimmingly, there's no real gravitas or resonant conflict and everything gets neatly (and inexplicably) sewn up at the end.
Occasionally charming, albeit often eye-rolling, WHATEVER WORKS is mostly just...meh. 4/10.
This review of Whatever Works (2009) was written by Joseph C on 30 Jan 2010.
Whatever Works has generally received positive reviews.
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