Review of Whatever Works (2009) by Joan M — 15 Jul 2010

No idea why people hated this movie at all. Because I thought it was just brilliant. The dialogue was excellent, the characters were each very enjoyable. Every Woody Allen film I see, the greater he gets. The man is just a genius, I could watch his films and listen to his theories of life for days. In this particular one, he took his main character's monologues to the camera, to an extreme. To the point that Boris knew there was an auidence watching his story and listening to him because he can 'see the whole picture.' I know Boris (Larry David) has been described as 'unlikeable' in reviews. And even in the film, he introuduces himself by saying 'I'm not a likeable guy'. Well, I personally don't agree with this. I mean during the film he could be rather horrible. But he's still hugely entertaining and funny and a character to sympathize for, no matter how horrible he may be. This is also a thought-provoker and it stayed with me for a while after, this is certainly NOT a forgettable movie.

Larry David had considered himself not much of an actor. But by this, I think that's very modest of him. He acts the Boris character very well, very much in the comic aspects of his character but also the other emotional aspects (such as when he gets out of bed yelling 'Oh, the horror! I'm dying! and other scenes in particular). The character seems to be the complete dark side of Woody Allen, which is something I liked very much. Evan Rachel Wood was perfect for the role of Melody, so sweet and well-acted. Patricia Clarkson and Ed Begley Jr also added to the hilarity that unfolds.

This is one that I wanted to see again straight away after it finished. And this being the first Woody Allen film I have seen at the cinema, it will probably always be something special to me. I am pretty sure that if your a Larry David fan, you willprobably enjoy this. If your a Woody Allen fan, the same. But if your both, there should be no exception. It is fantastic! Not only hilarious, but makes you think about life and love and possibly even death and what your views on it are. I could debate for ages why it was a good film to people, particularly those who think otherwise, as I am truly baffled why so many film critics though this was bad. It was great! In the words of Larry David 'Prettaaaaaay, Prettaaaaaaay, Prettaaaaaaay, Pretty Good.'.

'A bigger part of your existence is luck, than you'd like to admit. Christ, you know the odds of your fathers one sperm from the billions, finding the single egg that made you. Don't think about it, you'll have a panic attack.'.