Review of Whatever Works (2009) by Kevin C — 30 Jan 2011

Many have played the Woody Allen role in Woody Allen movies besides Woody Allen, and with mixed success: for every John Cusack, thereâ(TM)s a Kenneth Branagh. Here Larry David assumes the role of the sharply observant, neurotic, endearing curmudgeon, and as casting it works. Woody Allen and Larry David fans are typically cut from the same cloth. David brings a spiky sense of mischief that sidesteps the self-pity, but he also remains so aloof from the action; that you feel like he disappears mid-film.

But Woody is still past it. The broadness of the antic characters he sends to cross Borisâ(TM)s path and the crises and reversals to which they fall subject, are too exaggerated to engage as drama. And those uncomfortable with Allenâ(TM)s tendency to pair nubile girls with ageing men will find little relief.