Review of Whatever Works (2009) by Gul C — 09 Jan 2010

First and foremost, I am a huge fan of Larry David and enjoy most of Woody Allen's films, so thought that this would be a match made in heaven for me. But then I watched the film. I will say that Larry David impressed me with his acting chops in this film and thought he did a little bit more than just play his TV version of his real self.

There is also the absolutely gorgeous Evan Rachel Wood who also plays her character to a tee, but with a realistic arc that makes her even more attractive. And here is where the problems start. I put the fact that Larry being with Evan to the back of my conscience to enjoy the film, but watching her walk around in next to nothing and with her hair in pigtails, made me feel dirty and imagining Woody rubbing one out while they did the scenes.

Then there is the obvious, almost preachy slant the movie has (look, just because it's liberal, doesn't make it right to be so heavy handed. I would feel the same way about the Zucker Bros. Micheal Moore spoof they did).

And then comes the ending which is absolutely atrocious and just plain lazy. The movie is not devoid of funny moments and looks gorgeous (great to see Allen shooting in New York again), but it fails miserably as a whole.