Review of You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger (2010) by Kevin B — 17 Jan 2011

On the yardstick of later Woody Allen films, "You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger" rates about average. Which is to say it's miles better written than most movies, but underwhelming when compared with Allen's own career highlights.

Set in London, "You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger" is essentially about people taking risks. A few artistic risks, but mostly relationship risks. Dropping one's comfort zone and trying something (or someone) new. But the mixed success of these gambles leaves us wondering just where Allen stands. What is his own philosophy? Seize the day, or be grateful for what you have? Hard to tell.

The script masterfully juggles a large set of interwoven characters, played by actors including Gemma Jones, Anthony Hopkins (who doubtfully found his role much of a challenge, beyond its sheer physical strain), Josh Brolin, Naomi Watts, Freida Pinto (stunningly beautiful), Lucy Punch (stunningly va-va-voom), Anna Friel (who only made me mourn the premature cancellation of ABC's "Pushing Daisies" once again) and Antonio Banderas. As usual, they dwell in Allen's rarefied universe where almost everyone is either a writer, a photographer, a filmmaker, a painter, a musician or an art-gallery maven. It's a shame he's not better at mixing social classes, and instead just "slums" with occasional New Yawk diversions like "Small Time Crooks.".