Review of Whatever Works (2009) by Fraser M — 06 Jul 2010

Old Woody has a problem.

And it doesn't involve adopted daughters.

Like all big directors he is now being judged by his own work rather than movies as a whole.

So, you read the film magazines and they'll say how this is a poor movie and a set back afterVicky Christina Barcelona.

The latter statement is true.

However the former? I don't think so.

This is not a bad film at all.

It can't be denied that the neurotic ridden lead character played by Larry David is basically Issac from Mahattan.

But Whatever Works......right?

Right.

Larry david is generally a joy to watch.

I get the feeling that he followed script religiously, I'd have liked to have seen something more ad libbed from that man.

His opposite in the film played by Evan Rachel Wood proves to be a good choice, seeing her grow over the course of a year or so while he just feeds her negative side was entertaining to watch.

The rest of the supporting cast, whteher large or small roles were also well placed.

So yes, this is no Annie Hall, Hannah And Her Sisters or Sleeper.

But it beats Melinda And Melinda hands down, beats Match Point in straight sets and just isn't as plain shit as Scoop.

It's fun. Can we ask more than that of Woody these days?