Review of Whatever Works (2009) by Youssef H — 09 Feb 2010

Based on a 1977 never used Woody Allen screenplay, "Whatever Works" is pretty much basic Woody Allen. The neurotic character, the long speeches (at the same time funny, philosophical and satirical) the world of relationships, and even a light touch of the metaphysic, have been present in numerous Woody Allen films before.

So this is not new, but Woody Allen always makes it fresh, although if you are a connoisseur you know what is coming. But this set-back is basically forgotten by one simple fact. This has Larry David.

And that's it. You really don't care about anything else once you start seeing and hearing him. Everytime he is on camera (90% of the film), everytime he speaks, hell, every time he moves (oh what a limp!)is just plain hilarious.

Couldn't stop laughing. Deep down he is being very intelligent and very satirical, and if you stop to think between laughs you will notice that really important critics are being made, and important subjects are being discussed, as only the best of authors can.

But really the rest of the movie (along Vicki Christina Barcelona's lines) isn't important. It's a one man show. Imagine Seinfeld meet Woody Allen meet Walter Matthau and that's it. It's a shame that comedy isn't taken seriously for awards nowadays (remember Mira Sorvino, Dianne Wiest, Marisa Tomei?, hell, even Jimmy Stewart!).

I honestly believe Larry David deserved the Oscar. And comparing nominee Anna Kendrick's performance for "Up in the Air" with Evan Rachel Wood's on this one, is like comparing "Superhero Movie" to "Shindler's List".

But Kendrick is in a drama and the other in a comedy, and all is said academy-wise nowadays. Whatever works is "just" another Woody Allen (so if you are a fan then you will love it), but with an incredible hilarious performance by Larry David (so if you are not a fan I guarantee you will laugh your head off).