Review of Whatever Works (2009) by Jeff F — 06 Feb 2011

I'm trying to figure out what happened to the critics on this one....

Whilst Woody Allen has made at least one film a year for the last 40 years, he's also set the bar rather high for himself. Sure, Woody Allen's recent career has been something of a struggle. Some have criticised, not always wrongly, that his characters and situations have become somewhat familiar, his dialogue rather stilted.

That is why "Whatever Works" is such a wonderful discovery. It is a true return to form, comparable with Allen's classic Annie Hall. Reportedly, the script was originally written in the 70's, but Allen has breathed fresh life into it. Allen's dialogue is bitingly funny, targeting popular music, traditional American life, and most effectively religion.

And the film is beautifully cast. Allen is at his best with improvisational-feeling material - which is why Larry David is a brilliant (perhaps the only?) choice for the role of Boris. David is naturally terrific. Evan Rachel Wood also gives an assured performance as Melody. The two have a certain understated chemistry. Boris' cynical, yet unarguably astute, world view and Melody's sense of naive wonder make for an undeniably rewarding screen pairing.

Ultimately, "Whatever Works" quite simply works. Was it the victim of some sort of critical mob mentality? Regardless, Allen's film is fresh, funny and more than qualifies as one of those little bits of happiness you're encouraged to grab hold of whenever you get the chance.